Category Archives: Reading fiction

Chapter 4 of Martha’s Children, and looking for models in detective fiction

Posted on March 15, 2013 by Brian Bixby

“Of kings and rippers,” chapter four of Martha’s Children, is now available. Think Martha’s the worst thing that could have happened to Ned? Ned thinks so. And then he finds out he’s wrong. If you’re not reading the story, you can … Continue reading →

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Vampires in Chicago

Posted on February 25, 2013 by Brian Bixby

Those of you who are reading the new story, Martha’s Children, realize it’s quite a bit different from The Dragon Lady of Stockbridge. It’s about vampires in Chicago. I don’t strive to provide cliffhangers at the end of every chapter. It’s not … Continue reading →

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Review: Timepiece by Heather Albano

Posted on January 27, 2013 by Brian Bixby

It’s time for another book review, and like the last one, this one will tackle the book from a prospective author’s perspective. Like the book in the previous review, I picked this one up almost by chance. I was at … Continue reading →

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Chapter 22 of Dragon Lady, and my patron saint of digressions

Posted on January 25, 2013 by Brian Bixby

“Solomon Davis takes charge,” chapter 22 of The Dragon Lady of Stockbridge, is now available. The future leader of the Office of Occult Affairs arrived on the scene too late to prevent the holocaust in the previous chapter. What’s left for … Continue reading →

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Clark Ashton Smith influenced me, but I don’t write like him!

Posted on January 13, 2013 by Brian Bixby

As I write, it’s the birthday of Clark Ashton Smith (January 13, 1893 – August 14, 1961), a horror and fantasy writer who might best be described as “almost famous.” He’s most often remembered as a member of the triumvirate … Continue reading →

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Summer vacations on Winnisquam

Posted on January 11, 2013 by Brian Bixby

In The Dragon Lady of Stockbridge, and in a related blog post, I’ve written about how the wealthy of the Gilded Age erected “cottages” of up to one hundred rooms to spend part of their vacation time. It’s made me reflect … Continue reading →

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Chapter 20 of Dragon Lady

Posted on January 11, 2013 by Brian Bixby

“Everyone is a star in their own life,” chapter 20 of The Dragon Lady of Stockbridge, is now up and available. William Maverick, our villain, emerges from behind the curtain. Just what has he been up to? How did he get … Continue reading →

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2012 in review, from my perspective

Posted on December 30, 2012 by Brian Bixby

WordPress prepared a statistical summary of activity on my blog for 2012. But I’d rather give you my version of what really happened on the blog this year. This blog, Sillyverse, which is my first and only blog so far, began on … Continue reading →

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Query to readers: criticizing the writing of others

Posted on December 16, 2012 by Brian Bixby

I’ve run into an issue, and need help. I’m reading the blogs of several writers. Their experiences are varied, the quality of their writing more so. What kind of criticism should I offer them? My difficulty can be boiled down … Continue reading →

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Review – Magic: An Anthology of the Esoteric and Arcane

Posted on December 4, 2012 by Brian Bixby

Instead of reviewing a new book from a reader’s perspective, I’m going to review one from as aspiring writer’s perspective. Reading new material is problematic for aspiring writers. Why not just stick to the old classics? Well, I hear there have … Continue reading →

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