OLD News

So apparently there’s a new system for columns and articles at ENWorld, of which I was unaware. So please use this link to view my most recent column, rather than one previously posted.

Thanky.

Some of you may have already noticed, if you’ve looked at the tabs above, but I’ve added a new section to my web site. The Free Fiction tab takes you to a page that consolidates all the–surprise, surprise–free fiction that I’m offering. It includes links to several short stories and even a full length novel, all either available for download or to read online.

Now, this isn’t brand new material. It’s all been available, and linked from various sections of my site, for a while now. But since some folks may not have found ’em in the various other sections, I figured it wouldn’t be a bad idea to call out their availability.

Hope you guys find something you like.

There’s an interview up with three of Pyr’s finest authors: Joel Shepherd, Kay Kenyon, and James Enge. (As my first Pyr book isn’t coming out until mid- to late next year, I’ll forgive them for not including me. This time.)

Seriously, you should check out the interview–and the authors. Well worth any fantasy fan’s time.

From now on, all Internet references to Conan O’Brien must either include his last name, or refer to him as "Coco." Any mention of "Conan" without said indicators will be assumed to refer to the barbarian. Violators of this rule–particularly on fiction- or RPG-focused web forums–will be forced to wear underwear filled with crumbled potato chips.

Forgive the, uh, unpleasant connotations of the metaphor. But there’s a particular frustration associated with writing–at least for me; I assume for others–and I can’t think of a better term for it.

It’s not writer’s block, not exactly. It’s far more specific. The phenomenon I’m speaking of is this:

Right now, I’m struggling with a short story I want to write. I have the basic concept of the story, but I have been unable, for the life of me, to make the jump from "concept" to "story." I know what the story’s about; I just don’t know what happens.

And it’s irritating as all hell. It’s not a problem I have frequently, but when I do, it stops me cold. It’s almost worse than not having an idea at all, because when that’s the case, all I need is to find some inspiration. In this case, I have the gist. I have the "elevator pitch," as it were. I could write a summary or a blurb. But I absolute haven’t been able to figure out how to break that idea down into the concrete details–the actual events–that form a story.

What makes it even worse is that this is a character I’ve written before, and really enjoy writing, so it should be coming easier than other stuff. But again, my problem isn’t the character, it’s the plot.

Urgh. I know that it’s not ultimately that big a deal. Either I’ll figure it out, or I’ll abandon the short story idea. But it’s so frustrating, having the raw materials of an idea and not being able to sculpt a coherent story out of it.

Just wondering if there would be any interest at all in a short PDF that offered mechanics, for D&D 4E, representing some of the goodies from The Conqueror’s Shadow?

I’m thinking specifically of the Kholben Shiar–either as artifacts or rare magic items, not sure yet–and monster stats for the soldiers of the Endless Legion and possibly the Children of Apocalypse (as a mythical, campaign-ending epic threat). I could also stat Corvis himself as an NPC, though I’m not yet sold on doing that.

On the one hand, I’d kind of like to do it, and I hope it would entice at least a few more of my D&D fans to buy the novel. On the other hand, it’s a chunk of work, and I have no idea if it’d actually accomplish anything.

Votes?