Speculative fiction authors are often faced with the daunting task of creating new names for things that have never existed before. How can you know what will work and what won't? Author and scientist E. Sedia discusses language development, human perception of sound, and scientific naming conventions.
A strange creature makes demands and threatens terrible consequences if its demands are not satiated. With her trusty Keds ready, this woman leads a double life as she tries desperately to control it.
As It Happens In Such Stories by Joshua Abrams (faery tale/fable)
Everyone wants a happy ending, particularly the heroine of the story. This faery tale woman tries to improve of her life even as circumstances demand mediocrity, or the end of her life itself.
Check-in Between by Chris Wiltz (fantasy)
It's easy to lose seconds and minutes, even hours, to the mundane: brushing your teeth, doing the laundry. But Kendrick seems to be losing quite a bit more, from entire days to the laws of physics.
El Valle Encantado by Allen Hope (fantasy)
In a land where gardens grow effortlessly and ghosts argue over chess, a bizarre land-based attack from some angry fish develops interesting results.
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Not all villains are inconsistent, moustache-twirling, black-cape-wearing psychopaths. This article explains how to write believable, motivated villains that are as well-developed as your heroes.
Chains of Words: Writing Sadomasochism by Meredith Schwartz
Everyone's a little kinky. Find out how to write for and about BDSMers even if you've never experienced the culture yourself.
The Rewards of Rejection by Shauna Privatsky
Around this time of year, our New Year's resolutions to "get published" are challenged by the first wave of rejection notices. But it doesn't have to be bad news. A companion piece to "Why Do You Think They Call It "Submission"?"
Why Do You Think They Call It "Submission"? by Diana J. Wynne
A personal story from the front lines of the struggle for publication. If you live in dread of photocopied rejection notices, you are not alone. A companion piece to "The Rewards of Rejection."
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