There are lots of young, liberated female sci-fi authors out there who feel they are breaking down boundaries in a male-dominated field. Nothing could be further from the truth. Many certifiably insane people are responsible for getting the world of Sci-Fi and Fantasy literature into the awful mess it’s in today, and James was aContinue reading “The Charmed Life (and Tragic End) of James Tiptree Jr.”
Tag Archives: short story
Leigh Brackett’s The Sword of Rhiannon: A Sword & Planet analysis
Leigh Brackett should need no introduction–She was a powerhouse in the industry whose absence is still felt today. Sadly, the world lost her in 1978, but not before she managed to finish the first draft of The Empire Strikes Back, one of the best films of all-time. She was a behemoth on the short story/novelContinue reading “Leigh Brackett’s The Sword of Rhiannon: A Sword & Planet analysis”
How Writing a Story Can Be Like Playing the Piano
I am mostly recovered from surgery. Thanks for all the prayers! It’s still a little uncomfortable to even sit at my desk chair, but my motivation to write has been strengthening by the day. As I mentioned, I’ve been playing piano for about half a year (while learning alongside my wife and children – whichContinue reading “How Writing a Story Can Be Like Playing the Piano”
Obscura
“Obscura” is a short story submission for IronAge media’s writing prompt: “The Succession” (WC: ~7,000). Wrote it in two days, so bear with me as I’ll probably be editing a few more drafts on here, but the story is already complete and should be enjoyable as-is! If you enjoyed, please consider voting for the storyContinue reading “Obscura”
Branches: A Poem
Adam and Eve, life’s first breath drew,A family tree began anew. Their children born, their children warred,The Fall, the Devil’s calling card. Cain slew Abel, jealously,A stain upon their tapestry. And generations came and went.Their progeny in a descent. Then Sodom and Gomorrah came,Their lineage in ruin and shame. They sacrificed to Moloch’s call,And fellContinue reading “Branches: A Poem”
Q&A & Verisimilitude
I’ve gotten an influx of new followers lately. And with that came a surprising number of questions! I thought I’d share some of the Q&A I’ve recently received so you can get to know me better. Who is Nick Enlowe?: I am an author of high fantasy, dark fairytales, and sword & sorcery (heroic fantasy)Continue reading “Q&A & Verisimilitude”
Understanding the Pyramid of Abstraction (The Final Level)
LEVEL FOUR If you wind up only reading The Basics, I’ve failed in my mission. Part of the problem with only knowing the information in the previous posts is it can be tricky to understand exactly where to apply the Pyramid of Abstraction to achieve the greatest effect. Have you done too much? Too little?Continue reading “Understanding the Pyramid of Abstraction (The Final Level)”
The 200th Post: How it all began, how it’s going, and sure signs of an exciting future
It all started with a tree. Sometimes to figure out where you’re headed, it’s good to look back at where you’ve been. When I started this blog, I owned a house in a completely different state with a pastoral backyard. And this monster of a tree, looming over my former home, has served not onlyContinue reading “The 200th Post: How it all began, how it’s going, and sure signs of an exciting future”
Understanding the Pyramid of Abstraction (Advanced Course)
Welcome back! Previously, we discussed perhaps the most invaluable tool I like to have close-at-hand whenever I’m writing: The Pyramid of Abstraction. But we only covered the basics. This is where things get interesting. The fourth level is by far my favorite use of this tool, where it goes from “Okay, this is pretty handy,”Continue reading “Understanding the Pyramid of Abstraction (Advanced Course)”
Understanding the Pyramid of Abstraction (The Basics)
One of the best writing tricks I’ve ever learned came from one of Brandon Sanderson’s lectures, a lesson on the Pyramid of Abstraction. Utilizing the pyramid as a tool while you’re writing and editing will instantly level you up as a writer. But it’s got a lot of nuance many writers tend to overlook. LEVELContinue reading “Understanding the Pyramid of Abstraction (The Basics)”
Nick Enlowe 