A writing routine can make all the difference
Dear Reader,
NOTE: This email may get cut off due to its length. If so, just click HERE to read it online.
I did a lot of fiction writing in January. If you don’t want to be bothered with the breakdown here is the TL;DR version:
First Curio Fiction short story in four parts. (today at noon)
Community Writing Activities
Four Free Writing Friday image prompt weeks – And retiring these emails.
Other Substacks Updates
Beyond the Wizard – 1/3 finished with book five; The Road to Oz.
The Murder Pen Club – More reviews.
The Pickwick Club – Introduction and Welcome.
FEBRUARY 2024 CALENDAR
Dates and emails are subject to change.
100 WORD STORIES
In January I explored The Twilight Zone original series. I chose 31 random episodes (many of which are not as popular) and using the episode titles, crafted my own twisted story. What are your favorite Twilight Zone episodes from the past? Perhaps I used one of them?
SERIAL UPDATE
With 14,000 words written so far in this serial I decided to make a few key changes. For starters, this first part will only be 12 episodes instead of the pre-planned 14. Because I’m taking a different approach and outlining each episode as I go from week-to-week, my original outline no longer applies. I’m in very uncharted waters but so far so good.
As for extra content, I’ve changed that as well. There will be only one more piece in the “A History” section where I’ll give you more background on the Pomroy Women and I’m increasing the number of short stories (under 10k words) because I feel it’s better for my paid subscribers to have this to look forward to. Four stories are coming that will all take place from a different character POV but remain within Wondermere.
Find out more by visiting the Wondermere Index which I update frequently.
CURIO FICTION UPDATE
Last year I discovered the phrase “curio fiction” and I was fascinated by the concept. It’s part speculative fiction with just a smidge of horror, science-fiction, and mystery. The way I like to think about it is if Alfred Hitchcock were the creative mind behind The Twilight Zone, what would we get? Well, my dear readers, you’d get curio fiction.
My first story idea came to me almost out of no way. Just a seed at the time and in three days I frantically wrote nearly 10,000 words! Now, this is very much a rough draft and I can already see places where I’ll need to make some changes. Keep that in mind as you’re reading.
I hope to make this the first of several stories that will have a very clear running theme that connects all of them together to create my first ever collection of short stories. Another passion and dream of mine I hope to make come true in 2024 and I have you all to thank for that. Here is a sneak peak of the possible cover for this collection.
COMMUNITY WRITING UPDATES
I do a lot for the fiction writing community. Or at least, I try to. Twice a week I send prompts for all writers. Whether you write as a hobby or a profession. I realize these prompts aren’t for everyone and it takes up a lot of my time to put them together. Therefore, I will be cutting back on the frequency of Free Writing Fridays to make room for Pentober52 which I believe in and want to give a fighting chance to resonate with readers and writers alike. How this change will look moving forward is something I am still working on with my schedule but before I make any drastic changes I will be sure to let you all know. For now, February will remain a twice a week community writing affair. March will bring some key changes.
#PENTOBER52 REMINDER
Just in case you forgot, if you are a subscriber (I suppose you must be if you’re receiving this email in your inbox) and you want to participate in this year’s weekly Pentober52 then you need to OPT-IN. Click the button below and make sure to turn on receiving emails from #PENTOBER52.
OTHER SUBSTACK UPDATES
BEYOND THE WIZARD
Moving at a pretty steady pace, the citizens of Oz (aka Readers of the Famous 40) are on track to read books five through eight in 2024. It’s never too late and you’re never too young to read beyond The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.
THE MURDER PEN CLUB
This is my outlet for all things murderous. I love a great mystery. Whether it’s in book form, tv show, or movie. This is where I intend to share my thoughts on the genre, reviews on books, spotlight unknown writers, and much more.
THE PICKWICK CLUB
Beginning in March a small group of us will do a slow and steady read through of The Pickwick Papers. It’s the first novel written by Charles Dickens and the first serial publication that dates back to the early 1800s! Join us as February I’ll share a brief introduction and welcome to all new readers and March I’ll share the Table of Contents. Yes, it’s a 300k+ word novel but we’ll read it in the length of time it was publshed back in 1836, over the course of 19 months.
