cornerofmadness

So this week's writing post is self indulgent. It's part of my process is to talk to others when I get stuck and that often helps me to get things moving. I was talking to evil_little_dog last night and thought this would be a neat thing to continue here.

I'm ready for the penultimate chapter in a former nano novel. Up until now, the older magic user (rogue, think of her as Ethan Rayne for all the Buffy fans out there) has been using a teenaged minion to wreck havoc and do the monster summoning. After the last chapter this is no longer possible for her and that chapter had a huge battle scene.

However that leaves me with how to stop the rogue. I have no idea how I want to deal with her and honestly after a couple reviews of the last novel have me second guessing myself especially after a reviewer who is usually really good with my reviews didn't like the ending because I think they were expecting a Ghostbuster's style ending but I did a more realistic paranormal investigating end.

Even though you know that it is impossible to make everyone happy, it rolls around in your head. I was also thinking that I've seen all the endings you can have for this (heck I think all the ones I can come up with have been in Harry Potter). My options are:

1. the teen monster hunters go after her in her house and there's another big battle (with a different monster)

2. the teens mentors step in (which is my least favorite option) because it's mostly their story

3. She comes for them but that probably takes me to another big battle (which I'm afraid might feel redundant)

4. She's summoning demons and they haul her to hell (i.e. Hellraiser)

Anything I've not thought of? Anything you're sick of seeing? I'm interested in your input.


Open Calls

The First Line – Spring 2025

Never Whistle at Night, Part II Incredible pay rate but you must be Indigenous (also the original anthology is really cool)

Future States of Stars Stories in the dystopian sci-fi genre with a Black Mirror or Twilight Zone vibe. Authors are encouraged to explore themes of the near-to-far future of states, whether set here on Earth, in space, or in other dimensions.

Take a Breath: A Collection of Claustrophobic Horror

The Thing With Feathers

Fusion Fragment

Memento Mori Book One: Relics

5 Paying Literary Magazines to Submit to in November 2024

Portland Review: Now Seeking Submissions



From Around the Web

Nightmares and Sweet Dreams

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Don’t Make This Conflict and Tension Mistake

Why It’s Important to Finish What You Start (I'm terrible at this! I need to be so much better)

One Day It Happens: How One Author Got Published Just Before Turning 70

The Top 44 Publishers for New Authors

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Finding Your Voice as a Writer

What is BookTok: 4 TikTok Strategies for Authors


From Betty

The Keys to a Great Opening Scene

Why Tossing In Calamity Won’t Make Your Story Exciting (this might be the issue with my ending)

Five Common Mistakes That Put Your Heroes in the Wrong

How to Choose Point of View Characters for Your Novel

Balancing “Showing” with “Telling” in Fiction

How to Overcome Writing Anxiety

Writing Past Discouragement (I'm there right now)

Solving the Mystery of TOD

Does Your Story Have a Full Circle Moment?

Four Dialogue Tips

Four Things That Make Your Writing Boring (and how to fix them!)

The Building Blocks of a Synopsis

Writers point the way forward

The Benefits of Brainstorming for Writers: Part 1