Seven Crowns

Hello! Like yourself, I'm an aspiring writer. My focus is spec fic: horror, fantasy, sci-fi, dark fantasy, magical realism, and strange combinations that amuse me. I'm hoping to create something that outlives me. Maybe I already have? I wish I knew for sure.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
WRITING INFO & TRIVIA ABOUT ME
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

1st person or 3rd?
2nd. Just kidding, 3rd. Seldom 1st.

How long of a story do you usually write?
5k-7k words is amazingly typical.
I write novellas too. Lately they hit 40k-50k.

Do you ever pants a story?
God no. Never. Always know how you're entering and leaving each scene. Know the purpose of the story because it changes how it's told. The details will reshape the draft, let them and then choose an improved ending.

Italics for thoughts?
They are distracting and too chatty. I prefer them to blend.

Deep-POV?
I like some distance for narration. My goal is not to live inside the character's skull, but to create a world around them.

Do you edit while writing?
Yes. It is a sin, I confess, but I always finish. I need to dwell on possibilities as I write.

How do you feel about revisions/editing?
It's my favorite part of writing! I edit 20 times minimum. Some sections much more.

Are there rules for writing which you follow?
There is expert advice that works in many situations, and it is ALL useful, even when it's not applicable or flat-out wrong, because the reasoning behind a "rule" holds a certain truth. You use these reasonings. You don't slavishly follow them. Passives, long sentences, and every other 90-day-novel transgression have an important role. The key is purpose and timing.

Conan, what is best in writing?
Crush your typos in revision. See them driven before you. Hear the rhythm of a perfect phrase.

What is most important: setting, character, or plot?
Timing and voice. Then: plot, character, setting.

In your unaccountable opinion, the most common writing mistakes are . . .
Structural sentence repetitions.
Weak voice.
Lack of insightful detail.
Tension and timing.
Being too visual and telling every eye movement and microgesture. This isn't cinema.

Is there anything you won't write about?
No.

But I'm offended!
What I write sometimes offends me. I'm indifferent to anything but the story.

Do the characters speak to you? Do they tell you what to write?
No. I am the characters. Each one is some facet of myself. The details of the first draft can change them, but they're still me.

Do you self-publish?
I never have but I don't begrudge those who do.

Are you even published?
50 or so times mostly in semi-pro pubs, a couple pros. One gigantic Best-of-the-year pub which was my lifetime goal. Anthologies are my favorite target.

It must be easy for you to get into pubs!
Not really. I usually fail. I'm not good/famous enough to walk right in the door. My acceptance rate hovers around 20-25%.

Your screen handle makes no sense.
I like how the Youtube icon seems to be a pair of shorts.


As long as you're filling this with pointless info, what metal albums do you consider to be perfect with every song flawless?
Ozzy Osbourne -- The Blizzard of Ozz / Diary of a Madman
Megadeth -- Peace Sells . . . But Who's Buying? / Rust in Peace
Therion -- Lemuria
Opeth -- Blackwater Park / Deliverance
Psycroptic -- The Scepter of the Ancients
Archspire -- The Lucid Collective
Apocalyptic Visions -- Leave None Living
Devin Townsend -- Addicted
Maximum the Hormone -- Yoshu Fukushu
Fleshgod Apocalypse -- Agony
Bloodbath -- Resurrection Through Carnage
Old Man's Child -- The Pagan Prosperity
Carcass -- Heartwork
Nevermore -- This Godless Endeavor
Atrocity -- Atlantis
Non Human Level -- S/T
Cattle Decapitation -- The Anthropocene Extinction

Is that avatar you?
It is Shiina Ringo. She is a compositional genius. The vocals, lyrics, and the music are all her doing. She is a one-woman army. I'm struggling to think of another female artist who approaches her skill. IMO, there aren't any. Many can sing better, but the songs they put to paper are simplistic and trite. They are performers while she is a musician.
I love her attitude and her complete confidence.


You've carried on too long. Nobody cares about this.
I know.