Tag Archives: Writing

Using magic in fiction

Posted on September 24, 2012 by Brian Bixby

Including magic in your fiction is probably the most dangerous thing you can do, short of writing explicitly about sex. Sex will only excite or bore your readers (probably both). Magic can disrupt your metaphysical framework, create major flaws in … Continue reading →

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Dragon Lady’s weekly update, chapter 4, is now available

Posted on September 21, 2012 by Brian Bixby

The fourth chapter of The Dragon Lady of Stockbridge, “Realizations, responsibilities, and regrets,” is now available. What is the significance of the headless dog? What does James really think about his employers? Follow the link to find out. If you’ve … Continue reading →

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Dragon Lady chapter 3 is up

Posted on September 14, 2012 by Brian Bixby

The third chapter of The Dragon Lady of Stockbridge, “Well-matched partners,” is now up and available. Read how Rebecca draws on the lessons she learned from her Uncle Israel to confront a man who has no soul! Just click on … Continue reading →

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Dragon Lady chapter 2 is up

Posted on September 7, 2012 by Brian Bixby

As promised, the second chapter of The Dragon Lady of Stockbridge, entitled “How to make an unfavorable impression every time,” has been posted this morning. Just why does Rebecca carry a walking stick? And what is wrong with Ellen Taylor’s … Continue reading →

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Ahistorical fiction

Posted on September 4, 2012 by Brian Bixby

We have this category called “historical fiction.” There are two problems with it. First, the history is supposed to be factual, but isn’t. Second, the fiction is supposed to be historical, but isn’t. You want to write historical fiction that’s … Continue reading →

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Kicking off Dragon Lady

Posted on August 31, 2012 by Brian Bixby

My serial publication of The Dragon Lady of Stockbridge: A Tale of Magic in the Gilded Age begins today with chapter 1, “A need and a necronym.” What exceedingly odd request does servant Ellen Taylor make of her employer, Mrs. … Continue reading →

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Writing fiction at length, at length

Posted on August 29, 2012 by Brian Bixby

Some nights ago, at a party, I mentioned to a friend that I’d already written two long stories, one running 250 pages. He thought about it, and then asked how one could possibly write anything that long. I gave him … Continue reading →

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What’s the story going to be about?

Posted on August 22, 2012 by Brian Bixby

Like the earlier story, The Dragon Lady of Stockbridge is a historical fantasy, set in a historical environment with a dose of magic. If people can practice magic, what does that do to their perception of the world? What ethics … Continue reading →

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