Justin R. Macumber's Blog, page 12

My reflections on writing retreats

Key takeaways:

Writing retreats offer a distraction-free environment, fostering deep creative immersion and collaboration with fellow writers.Choosing the right retreat involves considering location, community, and structure to match personal writing needs.Preparing for a retreat requires both practical planning, like logistics, and emotional readiness, reflecting on writing goals.Maximizing a retreat includes setting clear goals, creating a comfortable workspace, and integrating downtime for inspiration.

Author: Clara Whitmore
Bio: Clara Whitmore is an acclaimed author known for her gripping psychological thrillers and lush literary fiction. With a background in psychology and a passion for storytelling, Clara intricately weaves complex characters and suspenseful plots that leave readers on the edge of their seats. Her debut novel, “Whispers in the Shadows,” was a finalist for the National Book Award and has won multiple accolades for its powerful exploration of the human psyche. Clara resides in Seattle, where she draws inspiration from the city’s moody landscapes and vibrant literary community. When she’s not writing, she enjoys hiking in the Pacific Northwest and engaging in local book clubs.

Understanding writing retreats

Writing retreats can be transformative experiences for any writer at any stage of their journey. I fondly recall my first retreat, nestled in the quiet mountains, where the only distractions were the rustling leaves and the occasional bird call. It was a space where I could truly connect with my thoughts and ideas without the usual interruptions of daily life.

Many people wonder, what makes a writing retreat so special? For me, it’s the combination of focused time, supportive community, and a change of scenery that sparks creativity. When surrounded by other passionate writers, I felt both challenged and encouraged, as their insights often pushed me to explore new depths in my own work.

The beauty of these retreats lies in their variety—some are structured workshops while others allow complete independence. I once attended one where we had morning meditation sessions followed by dedicated writing blocks, and the balance revitalized my creativity. That blending of mindfulness and productivity was eye-opening and truly enhanced my writing practice.

Benefits of writing retreats

One of the biggest benefits of writing retreats is the ability to immerse yourself in a distraction-free environment. I remember a particular retreat at a coastal cottage where the sound of the waves became my soundtrack while writing. This solitude allowed me to dive deep into my thoughts without the usual noise of everyday life—both external and internal distractions were nearly nonexistent.

Another advantage is the nurturing community that these retreats foster. During a weekend retreat, I found myself sharing meals and stories with fellow writers, which led to meaningful connections. Listening to their journeys inspired me to reflect on my own path and consider new perspectives, which ultimately enriched my writing. Isn’t it incredible how the shared experiences of others can ignite new ideas within us?

Lastly, the structured schedule often provided at writing retreats can significantly boost productivity. At one memorable retreat, we had scheduled writing sprints interspersed with discussions that focused on different aspects of storytelling. This rhythm not only kept me accountable but also made writing feel fresh and exciting again. I still find myself implementing those techniques in my daily writing routine, which is a testament to the lasting impact of that environment.

Choosing the right writing retreat

Choosing the right writing retreat can be a transformative experience. I recall my search for a retreat that matched my needs, and I realized that location played a key role. For instance, a retreat in the mountains offered me serenity that helped me find my voice, whereas a city-based retreat felt too bustling and chaotic for my creative process. Isn’t the atmosphere just as important as the schedule?

When considering a retreat, think about the community it attracts. I once attended a gathering aimed at emerging writers, and the energy was contagious. The excitement was palpable, and the shared vulnerability of exploring our craft made it easy to connect. How does the vibe of potential attendees resonate with your own writing journey?

Finally, consider the structure of the retreat. I’ve been to ones that barely had an agenda, and while the freedom was appealing, I found myself wandering instead of writing. A well-balanced schedule, with designated writing time and opportunities for feedback, can elevate your experience. Isn’t it crucial to find that mix where you feel supported but still have space to blossom creatively?

Preparing for a writing retreat

Preparing for a writing retreat is a blend of practical planning and emotional readiness. I remember my first retreat, feeling a mix of excitement and anxiety as I packed my bags. I made sure to bring not just my laptop and notebooks, but also comfort items—a cozy blanket and my favorite coffee blend—that made my writing space feel like home. Have you considered what personal touches you can bring to enhance your creative environment?

Logistics can often be overlooked but are crucial for a successful retreat. I once made the mistake of not checking the weather, leading to an unexpected downpour without an umbrella in sight. It taught me the importance of being prepared for any scenario, from packing layers for changing temperatures to having my writing supplies organized. How do you ensure you’re equipped for a productive writing experience?

Emotional preparation can be just as vital as physical logistics. Before attending a retreat, I take time to reflect on my current writing goals and challenges. This introspection helps me enter the retreat with clarity and intention. I often ask myself what I hope to achieve and what fears I need to confront. What would you like to release or embrace as you embark on this creative journey?

My writing retreat experiences

During my writing retreats, I’ve had the chance to immerse myself in different environments, each bringing a unique spark to my creativity. One particular experience in a rustic cabin by the lake stands out; the tranquility allowed me to focus deeply. I could hear nothing but the gentle lapping of water, which seemed to whisper encouragement to my words. Have you ever found inspiration in unexpected surroundings?

Another retreat brought me into close-knit community settings, where I engaged openly with fellow writers. Sharing my work, receiving constructive feedback, and hearing their stories wove a rich tapestry of collaboration and connection. I remember one evening, huddled around a fire, discussing the pressures we face as writers. It reminded me that we’re not alone in our struggles; how do you connect with others in your writing journey?

The emotional rollercoaster of these retreats can be profound. I’ve faced moments of self-doubt, questioning my talents, especially when comparing myself to others. However, these feelings often led to breakthroughs, pushing me to dig deeper into my narrative. I learned that vulnerability can be a powerful catalyst for creativity. Do you find that sharing your fears helps you elevate your writing?

Lessons learned from writing retreats

Reflecting on my writing retreats, one of the most significant lessons I learned is the importance of carving out dedicated time for creativity. During one retreat, I blocked off entire mornings for writing, free from distractions. I discovered that when I treated my writing like an appointment with myself, my productivity soared. Have you ever noticed how commitment changes your output?

Another key takeaway was the value of spontaneity. At a retreat focused on nature, I found myself inspired by an impromptu writing exercise led by the facilitators. We were tasked with capturing the essence of a moment in just a few sentences while outside. I experienced a rush of ideas that I hadn’t anticipated, which reminded me that sometimes the best writing comes from embracing the unexpected. How do you tap into the spontaneous moments in your writing?

Lastly, I realized that nurturing connections with fellow writers enriches the experience immensely. Sharing struggles and victories over meals or during side conversations opened up avenues for collaboration I hadn’t considered before. One time, a writer shared a personal story that resonated with my own, inspiring an entirely new direction for my project. Have you ever found inspiration that changed your perspective just by connecting with someone else?

Tips for maximizing writing retreats

To truly maximize a writing retreat, I suggest setting clear goals before you arrive. During one retreat, I came prepared with specific word count targets and themes I wanted to explore. This focus gave me a roadmap, and I found that knowing my destination made my writing sessions much more productive. Have you noticed how having a purpose can steer your creativity in a meaningful direction?

Another tip I learned is to create a comfortable writing space that fosters creativity. I remember one retreat where I brought my favorite blanket and a few personal mementos to decorate my writing corner. These small touches made me feel more at home and boosted my motivation tremendously. Have you cultivated a workspace that resonates with your own creative energy?

Finally, don’t forget to integrate downtime into your schedule. I used to fill every moment with writing, but I soon realized the power of stepping away. During a reflective walk, I let my mind wander, leading to sudden bursts of inspiration upon my return. Have you ever found that your best ideas come not just from writing but also from simply allowing yourself to breathe and observe the world around you?

What I learned from attending workshops

Key takeaways:

Workshops foster collaboration and shared experiences, enhancing learning through discussions and hands-on practice.They provide networking opportunities that can lead to valuable relationships, collaborations, and professional growth.Constructive feedback received during workshops can transform an author’s perspective and boost their writing skills.Creating a personal development plan based on insights from workshops helps writers set achievable goals and stay accountable.

Author: Clara Whitmore
Bio: Clara Whitmore is an acclaimed author known for her gripping psychological thrillers and lush literary fiction. With a background in psychology and a passion for storytelling, Clara intricately weaves complex characters and suspenseful plots that leave readers on the edge of their seats. Her debut novel, “Whispers in the Shadows,” was a finalist for the National Book Award and has won multiple accolades for its powerful exploration of the human psyche. Clara resides in Seattle, where she draws inspiration from the city’s moody landscapes and vibrant literary community. When she’s not writing, she enjoys hiking in the Pacific Northwest and engaging in local book clubs.

Understanding the purpose of workshops

Workshops serve as powerful learning environments where participants can dive deep into specific topics. I remember attending a writing workshop that transformed my approach to storytelling. Have you ever felt that rush of inspiration when a new idea clicks? Workshops provide that spark by creating a space for shared experiences and learning.

The true purpose of workshops goes beyond just transferring knowledge; they encourage collaboration and connection among attendees. In one workshop, I found myself in a small group discussing narrative techniques. The exchange of ideas led to insights I hadn’t considered before. Isn’t it fascinating how a simple discussion can shift your perspective?

Furthermore, workshops often blend theory with practice, allowing for immediate application of new skills. I recall participating in a hands-on session where we created characters based on prompts. This experience reinforced how theory can come alive through creative practice. How often do we get the chance to apply what we learn in real-time? It’s this dynamic that truly elevates the learning experience.

Benefits of attending workshops

Attending workshops offers a unique opportunity to network and build relationships with like-minded individuals. I remember sitting next to someone at a workshop who later became a valuable collaborator on my projects. Have you ever thought about how a single conversation at a workshop could lead to lifelong friendships or professional partnerships? That’s the beauty of these interactions; they can open doors to possibilities you never anticipated.

Another compelling benefit is the immediate feedback often provided during sessions. In a recent workshop, I presented my manuscript to a small group, and their constructive criticism was eye-opening. It made me wonder: how often do we get the chance to hear diverse perspectives on our work? Receiving feedback in such a supportive environment enhanced my writing in ways I hadn’t thought possible.

Moreover, workshops can reignite your passion and motivation. I vividly remember a session that focused on overcoming writer’s block, which had plagued me for weeks. The techniques shared were like a breath of fresh air. Do you ever find yourself stuck in a creative rut? This experience reminded me that sometimes, all it takes is a different approach and shared encouragement to reignite the fire within.

Key takeaways from workshop experiences

One of the key takeaways I’ve gleaned from workshops is the value of shared experiences among attendees. I recall a session where participants openly shared their struggles and victories, creating a sense of camaraderie. It made me realize how comforting it is to know we’re not alone in our creative journeys. Have you ever felt that clarity when others articulate the same doubts you have? That connection can be incredibly powerful.

Another significant insight I’ve gathered is the importance of hands-on practice. During a workshop on narrative techniques, I participated in writing exercises that pushed me out of my comfort zone. This wasn’t just theory; it was a chance to put new ideas into action. I still remember the excitement of experimenting with techniques in real-time. Isn’t it thrilling to see your work evolve through practical application?

Lastly, I’ve found that workshops often provide a rare opportunity for self-reflection. I attended one focused on personal storytelling, which prompted me to assess the themes in my writing honestly. It was a bit unsettling, yet liberating, as I discovered dimensions of my voice I hadn’t fully recognized. Have you ever walked away from a session feeling transformed? Those moments of introspection can lead to vital breakthroughs in one’s work.

How workshops enhance skills

Attending workshops has uniquely sharpened my skills, especially when it comes to receiving constructive feedback. I vividly remember one session where facilitators offered insights on my writing style. Their comments, rather than discouraging, energized me to refine my approach. Have you ever received feedback that changed how you viewed your work? That shift in perspective can truly enhance one’s craft.

Moreover, workshops often introduce you to diverse viewpoints, which is invaluable for skill enhancement. There was an instance at a poetry workshop when a fellow participant analyzed my piece in a way I’d never considered. It opened my eyes to subtle nuances I had overlooked. How often do we miss out on fresh interpretations because we’re too close to our own work? Engaging with others not only broadens our horizons but also deepens our creative process.

Finally, the networking opportunities at workshops play a crucial role in skill development. I met a mentor at one such event who later guided my writing through various stages. This relationship went beyond just skill enhancement; it instilled a sense of accountability in my writing journey. Have you ever found that inspiration from unexpected connections? It’s these relationships that can profoundly influence your growth as a writer.

Building connections through workshops

Building connections through workshops can be a transformative experience. I remember attending a local writing workshop where I was initially hesitant to share my work. However, as I opened up and shared my piece, something incredible happened—the room came alive with feedback and encouragement. Have you ever felt that rush of excitement when others connect to your vision? It’s in those moments that we realize we’re not alone in our creative journeys.

The true magic happens when you start to network with fellow attendees. At one workshop, I bonded over coffee breaks with a fellow writer who shared my passion for fantasy fiction. We exchanged contact information, leading to monthly writing sessions that have been essential in keeping me motivated. How valuable is it to have someone who genuinely understands your struggles as an author? Those connections can evolve into collaborative friendships that enrich both your writing and your life.

I also believe that workshops create a safe space for vulnerability. I’ll never forget a moment when I attended a session focused on personal storytelling. As participants began to open up about their experiences, I felt inspired to share a deeply personal piece of my own. It was both daunting and liberating. Have you ever felt a weight lift off your shoulders when sharing your truth? Building connections in these intimate settings can foster a sense of community that transforms the way we view not just our work, but ourselves as writers too.

Applying lessons learned from workshops

Applying the lessons from workshops has profoundly impacted how I approach my writing. I remember participating in a workshop focused on character development. The instructor emphasized the importance of creating layered, relatable characters. After that session, I found myself revisiting my manuscript with a fresh perspective, delving deeper into my characters’ backstories. How has your character development evolved after learning from others?

One lesson that stood out was the value of constructive criticism. After sharing my work during a peer review session, I received feedback that was both insightful and tough to swallow. I learned to identify areas in my writing that needed improvement, which ultimately strengthened my voice. Have you ever felt that sting of critique transform into motivation? I now actively seek out feedback, understanding that it’s a crucial tool for growth.

Another essential takeaway has been the importance of setting deadlines for myself. One workshop session highlighted how accountability can fuel creativity. Inspired by that, I started using a planner to schedule my writing goals. It felt empowering to see my commitments laid out, and I can honestly say that my output increased significantly. What strategies have you implemented to keep yourself accountable in your writing journey?

Crafting a personal development plan

Crafting a personal development plan requires self-reflection and honesty. I vividly recall a moment during a writing workshop when the facilitator challenged us to identify our strengths and weaknesses as writers. It was eye-opening to confront my insecurities. I realized that naming these hurdles allowed me to create a tangible roadmap for improvement. What weaknesses do you hesitate to acknowledge in your own journey?

After that enlightening experience, I took the plunge and documented my goals. I set short-term objectives, like completing a chapter a month, along with long-term aspirations, such as publishing my first novel within two years. This clarity instilled a sense of purpose in my writing routine. Have you ever found that writing down your goals made them feel more achievable?

Additionally, I regularly reassess my progress, adjusting my plan when necessary. For example, a sudden life change required me to shift my priorities, prompting me to refocus my goals. Flexibility in my development plan has proven essential, reinforcing the idea that growth is not a straight path but a winding journey. How do you adapt when life’s curveballs disrupt your artistic flow?

STILL WATER is in a new anthology

STILL WATER has joined nine other stories in the new horror anthology TEN OPEN GRAVES.

This collection includes:

Closet Treats by Paul E. Cooley

The Crypt of Dracula by Kane Gilmour

Eldren: The book of the Dark by William Meikle

Still Water by Justin R. Macumber

Refuge-Night of the Blood Sky by Jeremy Robinson

Dark Rite by David Wood and Alan Baxter

The Flat by Rick Chesler and Jack Douglas

Laughing Boy’s Shadow by Steven Savile

Piercing Through by RJ Fanucchi

Hunger by Jeremy Robinson

All this can be yours for the price of just $0.99! Head over to Amazon now and get your copy today!

My Top Movies Of 2015

2015 was a great year for movies, especially if you’re a genre fan like me. I’ve never made any bones over where my cinematic preferences lie, eschewing normal dramatic filmic fare for stories told across more fantastical canvases. I recognize that limits my consumption of movies, and therefore limits my perspective, but it’s a cross I’m okay bearing. I’m not the Academy, so screw it.

* It should also be noted that I have not yet had a chance to watch either The Hateful Eight or The Revenant, both of which look great enough from trailers to possibly be on this list.

Here are my top films of 2015 according to my ratings on The Hollywood Outsider podcast with the scores I gave them in parenthesis beside it:

#1 Star Wars: The Force Awakens (10/10)

#2 Jupiter Ascending (9/10)

#3 Cinderella (9/10)

#4 Ant-Man (8.5/10)

#5 Furious 7 (8.5/10)

#6 Avengers: Age of Ultron (8.5/10)

#7 Mad Max: Fury Road (8.5/10)

#8 San Andreas (8.5/10)

#9 Ex Machina (8/10)

#10 Boy Meets Girl (8/10)

That’s not a bad list, I suppose. It has some world famous movies, and a couple lesser-knowns. Of that list I want to highlight five films that meant more to me than simply a score. They are:

#1 – Star Wars: The Force Awakens

I don’t need to go into this one too much, do I? I’ve probably talked it to death already. But, I do want to say how thankful I am that J.J. Abrams was able to knock this one out of the park. So much rode on his shoulders, and I’m sure there were a million moments when it could have all gone to shit, but it didn’t, and now current and future generations of fans have a movie they can be proud of. Finn and Rey, not to mention BB-8, are great new additions to the franchise, and Kylo Ren will hopefully carry on to be the greatest villain the world has ever known. We’ll see. Either way, this is a great start to what will hopefully be an amazing new trilogy of films.

#2 – Jupiter Ascending

This movie is, for me, the Oreo cookie of movies, as it combines two things I love into one greater whole – space opera and the Wachowski siblings. I am a slobbering fan of space operas, as my eternal devotion to Star Wars attests, and for me the Wachowskis have yet to miss the mark (yes, I adore the Matrix sequels and think Speed Racer is a misunderstood masterpiece), so bringing them both together was a sure-fire hit. The visuals were lush, Giacchino’s music was amazing, and I think Kunis and Tatum were great together. Only my #1 did it better this year.

#3 – Cinderella

Yup, a Disney movie. And not just a Disney movie, but a live action remake of a cartoon classic. That usually would be a recipe for disaster, but as Disney showed with Maleficent, it can be done, and done very well. Cinderella is further proof of that. Though the original cartoon will never be replaced, this is an amazing new take on the story brought to life by wonderful actors such as Lily James as the titular character, Richard Madden as Prince Charming, and Cate Blanchett as the evil stepmother. Behind the camera, though, Kenneth Branagh’s direction was exquisite, walking the line between cartoon and reality as only he can. This is a wonderful, wonderful movie.

#4 – Ex Machina

Alex Garland is a movie writer I’ve followed from a distance ever since the film 28 Days Later came out. It wasn’t the first movie to use fast moving zombies (I think that might have been Zach Snyder’s remake of Dawn of the Dead), but it certainly used them to terrifying effect. He then went on to write the screenplay for Halo, a science fiction film based on one of my favorite video game franchises of all time, but sadly the production fell through. He also wrote the amazing sci-fi horror movie Sunshine. Now, with Ex Machina, we not only get Garland’s fantastic writing, but we also get his debut as a director. Ex Machina is a very dark, but also strangely human take on the idea of artificial intelligence and what sentience for that intelligence might mean. Oscar Isaac and Domhnall Gleeson (both of whom were also in my #1 pick) are great, but it’s really the slender shoulders of relative newcomer Alicia Vikander that this movie rests, and she carries it off in spectacular fashion. It’s high-minded science fiction made by a great group of people.

#5 – Boy Meets Girl

Because The Hollywood Outsider podcast has achieved a certain level of visibility in the entertainment industry, we are occasionally asked by studios to review movies they provide to us. Since most of these requests come from smaller independent movie companies, that means a lot of cheaper, more… limited… films are put before us. That is often not a great thing (you can go see my reviews for such films at the HO website), but occasionally something special comes along. In 2015, that something special was Boy Meets Girl, a film written and directed by Eric Schaeffer. The movie is about a young transgender woman in a small town who forms a relationship with a young woman who moves nearby. It is an incredibly sweet movie, with ever moment feeling real and honest, mostly because of the work of actor Michelle Hendley, a transgender girl herself. This is a film that will upset some, and infuriate others, and they are the audience this movie was made for. I think it has the power to actually change lives.

And there you have it. I hope you enjoyed reading this. May 2016 be a glorious new year.

What STAR WARS Means To Me

Given all the chatter that’s sprung up about Star Wars since THE FORCE AWAKENS was released, I thought I’d post a little piece regarding it and my history with the franchise.

Ahem ahem…

What Star Wars Means To Me

If you’ve heard this story from me before, please bear with me. I repeat it here now so that it’s fully and officially on the record.

STAR WARS, what we would later come to alternatively call EPISODE IV and A NEW HOPE (depending on your level of geekery), was released upon the world in May of 1977. I was four and a half years old. I clearly remember my parents taking me and my little brother Scott (he wouldn’t have even been two at the time) to the local drive-in movie theater to see it. The weather was clear, the playground up near the screen was filled with kids swinging and clambering over monkey bars, and the smell of buttered popcorn drifted through the air like the promise of a great summer to come.

Being so young, I really had no idea what the movie was we were there to see. Movies hadn’t penetrated my fledgling mind yet, nor had any books my parents read to me or shows on the television. I was a tabula rasa, just waiting for the right thing to come and spark my juvenile imagination. My joy at being at the drive-in came mostly from the play area. What little boy doesn’t love sand boxes and seesaws? But, when the sun went down, it was back to the family car to watch whatever film we’d come to see. So long as I had a small bag of popcorn and a coke, I didn’t really care what it was. But, when the projector burst to life like some sort of Asgardian artifact and that famous Twentieth-Century Fox fanfare poured forth from Angelic horns, my life was forever, irrevocably changed.

I couldn’t read the words that floated down the whitewashed movie screen ahead of us, but sitting on the roof of my parents’ car it didn’t matter. I knew they were important by the music and the way they marched with steady purpose through a field of stars that looked so much like the stars twinkling over my head at that very moment. And then when the camera panned down to reveal a spaceship racing away as lights flashed against it, only then to watch as the vessel that followed it thundered above me like a metallic monster that grew larger and larger and larger with every moment, a leviathan hounding after a goldfish. It was amazing, and the lights reflected like stars in my little eyes.

Nothing, though, could have prepared me for the introduction of Darth Vader, a figure that haunts me to this day, mostly in various plastic forms around my office. After all the whiteness of the small ship’s corridors and the Stormtroopers that quickly poured into it, Vader’s immense blackness sent chills through me. Sitting on the roof of that car, I felt true fear for the first time. Later, when Luke and Han were doing their fumbling best to save the most beautiful woman I’d ever seen in my young life, I felt joy, and love, and excitement. When the end credits finally rolled, there really aren’t words to describe how I felt. To be honest, I don’t know if even I – after all these years – truly understand just how I felt. But I do know this – I was changed. The boy that crawled back into his parents’ car and went home to dream of heroes in white and villainous evil in black, was not the same boy who played in the sand just hours before.

Before I move on, I need to say one final thing about the memory I just shared with you in the interest of full disclosure: I don’t know if it’s actually true. That, right there, is me being honest. I think it’s true. It certainly feels true. When I cast my mind back nearly four decades, those are the things I honestly remember happening. My mother could come along and say, “Oh, son, that didn’t happen. We saw it…” and she would probably be right. But, that doesn’t matter. Not to me. I know my truth. Real or not, those memories are what I recall when I think about Star Wars. We all have mythologies about ourselves that we create using as much truth as we can and then filling in the rest with “that’s how it should have happened” bits. For me, those shared memories are my Star Wars origin story. That is where my heroic journey began. Now on with the show…

Over the years since May of ’77 the level of my fanaticism waxed and waned. I played with all the toys when I was kid, turned my bedroom into Hoth and Endor, held X-Wings and ran through the yard with them held high as they soared after Tie-Fighters. But with each year that passed after RETURN OF THE JEDI’s end credits faded, so did my passion. I read the Marvel comic every once and awhile, and if I stumbled across some toy or item I’d never seen before I’d do my best to get it, but aside from the occasional book there just wasn’t much to keep the Star Wars fire burning. Such is the way of things.

That doesn’t mean my love of science fiction and fantasy diminished, however. No no, my brother, not even a little. Because of Star Wars I launched into the fandom of all things nerdy with a greedy abandon. Lord of the Rings, Dungeons & Dragons, Dune, the Dragonlance novels, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Star Trek, and on and on it went. When everyone else wanted to play sports, I wanted to keep my face in a book, or play a game, or rewatch CLASH OF THE TITANS. While my friends wanted to play Rambo out in the woods, I wanted to play as a Jedi or an X-Wing pilot. It was just the way I rolled.

As I’m sure you can imagine, all this led to me to being a pretty geeky kid. And yeah, sure, there were rough moments from time to time holding that freak flag aloft. If I had a dime for every book slapped out of my hands or every “you’re such a nerd” spat in my face I could have bought LucasFilm instead of Disney. It never got me down though, because it wasn’t as if I could be any other way. Geekdom is woven into my very DNA.

Luckily for the Star Wars fan inside me, the fires returned when it was announced that new Star Wars books would soon be hitting bookstore shelves, starting with a new trilogy to cap off the movies! OMG! Just as I’m entering college, Star Wars is returning to my life, and in a way I adore – books. From there suddenly there were new games, new toys, even new music (Shadows of the Empire rocked!). And then came the Special Editions! And more books! And then…holy frijole…EPISODE I: THE PHANTOM MENACE. Say what you want now, but back then the idea of new movies shook the world. I have plenty of issues with the prequels, believe me, but I never make myself come down and hate them. As bad as some of it is, there’s good too, like Vader himself proved possible. Star Wars was once again a cultural phenomenon. I couldn’t have been happier.

Star Wars has been a gift to me, and somehow it never ceases to give. Of all the things it’s led me to, however, none is more important to me than my writing. The books I’ve written that sit on someone’s bookcase wouldn’t exist were it not for Star Wars. My mind was blown open at a very impressionable age, and in the decades since I’ve absorbed as much science fiction and fantasy as possible across as broad a range of stories and characters as you can imagine. And all of that, once filtered through my mind, comes out in the novels and short stories I’ve written and will go on to write. I cannot thank George Lucas enough for what he created, and when I say that I mean both Star Wars and myself. He was practically a third parent, tending to my brain while mom and dad took care of the rest.

Does that sound odd, or perhaps excessive? Maybe. But, I do think Star Wars has led to me being a good person. Because of my travels across space and time I’ve met so many different types of people, both real and imagined, and through that I became a very accepting person. I don’t judge people because of what they look like, or who they love, or who they worship. We’re all children of the same long ago stars. I try to be empathetic, forgoing fear for love, like a Jedi should. Some of this I gained directly from Star Wars, and some came through the universes Star Wars led me to. When I say I am who I am because of Star Wars, I honestly mean it. And I think it’s a good thing.

And perhaps that’s really it. I love who I am. I love that my mind is filled with alien worlds and ancient kingdoms. I love that my shelves are crowded with Stephen King books, Marvel movie box sets, and action figures that cover the gamut of science fiction and fantasy. When someone says, “Where do we go?” in my mind I follow it up with a mentally sung, “From here…” (That’s a Buffy reference, y’all). If a person asks me who my doctor is, I immediately want to answer with, “David Tennant.” And of course when anyone says, “I’ll try,” you know I want to tell them, “Try not. Do, or do not. There is no try.” My nerd runs deep, and it runs rough.

Some might say that all this makes it impossible for me to be unbiased when it comes to the Star Wars universe, and more specifically the movies. To them I answer, you’re right. I can’t. But that’s not because I lack the objectiveness needed to see the flaws and failings of the movies; rather, it’s because they aren’t just movies to me. They’re friends. Hell, they’re more than that – the Star Wars movies are my family. They’ve been with me practically my whole life, through good times and bad, giving me advice when I needed it, hope when I felt hopeless. I know the films aren’t perfect, but that doesn’t make me love them any less. I acknowledge all the problems with Star Wars, can understand why some might not like them, but I can do  all that without lessening my affection one iota. I don’t let the rough patches make me stumble, or get lost in plot imperfections. I accept the movies as they are and love them unconditionally just as a father loves his children, or as a brother loves his siblings. Is Jar Jar an idiot? Yeah, but he’s my idiot. Are Ewoks cool? Nope, but who cares, they’re still cute and still kill Stormtroopers. Could I have possibly written better dialogue than, “I don’t like sand. It’s coarse and rough and irritating and it gets everywhere. Not like here. Here everything is soft and smooth,”? Probably. But a cheesy line has never made me love my younger brother any less, so why would it with Star Wars? For me it’s all the same.

So there you have it. That is what Star Wars means to me. To most people it means a lot less, and that’s cool. I don’t expect them to love it as much as I do. Wish, yes, but not expect. And I understand that most people haven’t grown up with it in their lives the way I did. We can’t change how we grew up. For me Star Wars goes beyond fandom to family. I know it has its problems, but I’ll always love it, and it will continue to be unconditional.

Until next time…

FRAGILE One Step Closer To Publication

As some of you may be aware, my latest book is a follow-up to STILL WATER, my first horror novel. FRAGILE tells the continuing journey of Maya, a paranormal investigator who also happens to have a touch of the supernatural about her. Maya is a character I adore (she might be my favorite creation), and I love getting to tell more of her story, something I plan on do more of in the years to come. Last week I finished my first editing pass, and now it’s in the hands of several beta readers who will hopefully help me make it a tighter, more entertaining book. Once I get their notes back I’ll give the book another editing pass before sending it to Gryphonwood Press. My fingers are crossed that it works as well for others as it did for me while writing it.

Stay tuned for further developments. I want to make the eventual release something special.

A BROKEN MAGIC free audiobook codes!

One of the nice things that ACX does when you produce an audiobook through their services is to give the author a number of free download codes they can give to whomever they like. I was proud of the audiobook for A MINOR MAGIC, and I’m even more proud of this one, both of which are narrated by the amazing Veronica Giguere. If you would like one of these free codes, send me a message and I’ll reply back with the code. The only thing I ask in return is that you post an honest review of the audiobook on Amazon and/or Audible.com. These codes are first-come-first-served, so contact me soon! I’ll update this post once all of the codes are gone.

Thanks for coming by, and I hope you have a great Halloween weekend!

I’m back!

Well, a year and a half after I last posted something to this site, I’m back! Why have I been away so long, you might ask? You see, it goes like this… I’m lazy, and when it comes to fixing internet issues I’m not very good at it, and around the same time as I posted the cover reveal for STILL WATER I somehow screwed up my site so that half the time you tried to get to it you’d instead get an error. I tried to fix it myself, but nothing I did helped. I then decided to redo my entire site using SquareSpace, but my laziness kicked in and I never got around to it. I was too busy working on a new novel that I later set aside to write something different, and before I knew it over a year had gone by and I still hadn’t done anything about it. Typical Justin.

So, one day I received an email from a listener of the Dead Robots’ Society podcast saying that he had started a website building company and would like to offer me his services. His name is Oscar Heller of Monstrous Designs, and after talking with him I decided to let him have at it. Now, a little while later, you can see the results of all his hard work. Now my site is focused on my books (is it crass to put all the product link stuff up top?), it’s clean and dependable, AND it’s setup so that it can be easily viewed on a mobile browser. It’s everything I wanted and more. PLUS I now have an actual store! If you want to go to Amazon and buy my books, I have links for that, but if you’d like to buy from me instead, there is a SHOP button up top that will let you do so.

Why buy from me instead of Amazon? For one, I would actually make much more per purchase than I would through Amazon. Secondly, if you want a print book, I can sign it if you so desire. If you decide to go with ebooks instead, when you purchase from me you will get a ZIP file that contains the top three ebook formats – MOBI, EPUB, and PDF. That will cover all your electronic reading needs.

And, with that, I bid you a good evening. I will be back tomorrow with more news and updates. I’m so sorry that it took me this long to get my site updated, but I promise that from here on out I’ll be much more active and on top of things. Take care, and be good.

Oh! One last thing! At the bottom of the page is a place where you can join my mailing list. I promise I will never spam you, and I’m thinking of ways I can incentivize your joining. Please sign up now, and when I have new book information to share, you will be the first to hear it!

STILL WATER cover reveal!

Coal is the hard, black heart of the mountain town of Stillwater, West Virginia. But, far beneath it lies something much darker, an evil beyond time, waiting to rise and bathe the world in blood and fire once more. When unwitting miners dig into its tomb, only Kyle – Stillwater’s prodigal son – and paranormal investigator Maya stand between humanity and Hell. Time is short and evil runs deep in… STILL WATER.

April 22nd, 2014, is the official publishing date of my upcoming horror novel, STILL WATER. It will be available in print ($9.99) and ebook ($3.99), with the audiobook coming out sometime in late summer. I hope that all of you are anticipating this release, as I think it marks a change in my writing career. I love science fiction, and I love urban fantasy, but horror is where my heart really seems to lie, and STILL WATER is only the first of what I’m hoping will be many scary books to come. So now mark your calendar for April 22, and stick around for more news as it develops. Thanks for your interest!

“In STILL WATER, Justin R, Macumber brings all the vivid Americana of Stephen King and all the creeping evil menace of Lovecraft, to a cloausterphobic tale of horror lurking in the deep parts of the world. The plush prose pulls you in and carries you along at a mounting pace until a confrontation so bloody, you can feel the claws raking you.”

- Kane Gilmour, bestselling author of RAGNAROK and THE CRYPT OF DRACULA



“You’ll want to leave the light on long after you’ve turned the final page of this dark thriller.”

- Jeremy Bishop, author of REFUGE

“Justin Macumber excels in the dark. STILL WATER will trap you and never let go.”

- Edwarn Lorn, author of CRUELTY

“Macumber’s STILL WATER marries Lovecraftian-dread with a character driven thrill-ride that will leave you shivering with fear.”

- Paul E. Cooley, author of GARAAGA’S CHILDREN

Two New Book Contracts Signed

Yep, you read that right. In 2014 I have two more books being published. First I want to talk about A BROKEN MAGIC. This is the sequel to A MINOR MAGIC, where we find that just because Skylar was able to defeat her enemies doesn’t mean her job is done. In ABM she will be heading north in the hopes of finding someone like her, another child of the House of Gairn, to help her heal the world from the damage done to it by Sau’faen’s foreign magic. On her journey she will find what she is looking for, but it will come in forms she never saw coming, and it will take everything she has to save the world once more. I hope that if you read AMM you’re excited to read this story, and if you didn’t read it, correct that mistake now! I’m so proud of AMM, and I think ABM is even better. If these sell well enough, then I have a third book in mind to close out the trilogy. Please help me make sure that happens!

The second book that will be published next year is a horror novel entitled STILL WATER. This is my first horror story, but it certainly won’t be my last. I enjoyed writing it so much; too much, really, to ever think about not doing it again. Succinctly put, STILL WATER is about a small coal mining town in West Virginia that accidentally awakens an ancient evil that’s been slumbering in the mountains around it for millennia. As it slowly rises, the town and its people change, transformed under its terrible influence, and the only ones who can stop it are Maya, a supernatural investigator, and Kyle, a young man who once called the town home and thought he left it in his rear view mirror years before. I have plans on carrying some of these characters into future novels, but – again – I can only do that if this first one sells well. I think it’s a great book (though I *am* biased), and everyone I’ve had read it so far has loved it too.

Well, that’s it for now. Thank you for keeping up with me, and I hope that these stories sound interesting to you. I’ve poured my heart and soul into them. Hopefully soon you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy them. I’ll keep you abreast of developments as they happen.