Nicole asks: What are good ways to tag flashbacks in a short story so that it’s clear to the reader? Resources Mentioned: Witcher (netflix series)Conan the Barbarian Series by Robert E HowardChicken Noodle Gravity by J. Daniel SawyerSunday Morning Giraffe by J. Daniel SawyerAt The Edge of Nowhere by J. Daniel SawyerThe Coffee Service by …
Simon says: A book that has stuck with me for years is one I was rooting for the bad guy and the detective even though they were pitted against each other. I wanted them both to succeed… impossible as that was. I’d love to hear your thoughts on why it …
Simon asks: Do you add any randomness into your characters to give them texture and interest? Archivos
Nicole asks: What exactly are writing prompts? Are they helpful? Resources Mentioned Open Vistas: After the PeakThe Society of Miserable Bastards by J. Daniel SawyerBuried Alive in the BluesChicken Noodle Gravity by J. Daniel SawyerSuave Rob’s Double-X Derring-Do by J. Daniel Sawyer My Luck, by Mel Todd
Simon asks: What is the young adult genre? Is it just young protagonists, or is there more to it than that? Resources Mentioned Secrets of the Heinlein JuvenileHarry Potter seriesTwilight by Stephanie Meyer
Ed asks: How can a writer oppose the moral panic du jour without being consumed by it? Resources MentionedAdventures of Huck Finn by Mark TwainStarship Troopers by Robert A HeinleinThe Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel HawthorneEvery Day Novelist Success Stories: Mel ToddMel Todd on KDP Select Archivos
Simon asks: Can you recommend any particularly great uses of an unreliable narrator? I mean, aside from Suave Rob… Resources Mentioned: Suave Rob’s Amazing AdventuresThe Usual SuspectsAn Instance of the Fingerpost, by Iain PearsLolita, by Vladmir NabakovThe Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark TwainA Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court, by …
Simon asks: Can you push an unreliable narrator too far, and just break people’s immersion? Resources Mentioned: Lolita, by Vladmir NabakovSuave Rob’s Amazing Adventures
Simon asks: What are the pitfalls with using an unreliable narrator? Resources Mentioned:The Usual SuspectsThe Sixth SenseThe VillagePenn and Teller Fool Us
Simon asks: Are there any rules or conventions when using an unreliable narrator? I’m writing in first-person already which feels like it would be recommended if not outright required. Resources MentionedThe Usual SuspectsAn Instance of the Fingerpost, by Iain PearsClueThe Murder of Roger Akroyd, by Agatha ChristieLolita, by Vladmir NabakovTime …
