Tag Archives: Reading

After the convention, a prospective writer’s report

Posted on January 21, 2013 by Brian Bixby

Yours truly went to Boston’s four-day sci-fi/fantasy convention, Arisia, this weekend. I did it partly as a fan, but mostly as a prospective writer (i.e., someone who wants to actually make some money and get some recognition for writing). My … Continue reading →

Posted in Writing fiction | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 17 Comments

The climax of “The Dragon Lady of Stockbridge”

Posted on January 18, 2013 by Brian Bixby

Chapter 21, “‘It is not what we have lost . . .’” is now available. There’s no point in saying anything more about it, or gussying up this post with pictures. (If you’ve not read any of the story before, … 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 →

Posted in Reading fiction | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 7 Comments

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 →

Posted in Reading fiction, Writing fiction | Tagged , , , , , , , | 14 Comments

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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Chapter 14 of Dragon Lady, and “Freshly Pressed”

Posted on November 30, 2012 by Brian Bixby

It’s Abigail Lane’s turn in “At the Burning Dog,” chapter 14 of The Dragon Lady of Stockbridge. See how a professional government magician conducts an investigation. Abigail goes “by the book” because she wrote much of it. But will it be … Continue reading →

Posted in Dragon Lady, Writing fiction | Tagged , , , , , , , | 15 Comments

Beyond fan fiction, a personal account

Posted on November 26, 2012 by Brian Bixby

As I mentioned in my post a week ago, my story telling was inspired by the example of my father reading to us kids and telling us his stories. However, inspiration is not enough. One has to take the initiative, … Continue reading →

Posted in Dragon Lady, Writing fiction | Tagged , , , , , , | 72 Comments