Warren R. Henke's Blog, page 3

Solved: The Case of the Girl in the Boot

Out on our dark street, I helped my son’s friend with his trunk that popped right back up every time he shut it. We couldn’t figure out why it wouldn’t stick shut, so I climbed in and scrunched up in the dark with a headlamp for a real time look at what was, or wasn’t, […]

Football, Just a Game?

I love football. I yell, I jump, and sometimes I fall to the floor heartbroken. “Why, dad? Why do people waste their time with football? It’s a game. It means nothing.” My daughter is right … and wrong. What is the yardstick to measure meaning? A book? A dog show? Yoga? Religion? Math problems? Meaning […]

Editing Software for Writers

As an indie writer, I do my own editing (with some help from friends and family). Despite spending hours scouring for typos and errors, they show up in my published materials. I've considered editing software in the past, but the choices, cost, and lack of good reviews turned me away. Last month I gave it another go and tested twelve different applications. Here are my conclusions.

Impending Gas Explosion: Save the Cats?

The main gas line to our house burst, screaming like a hissing banshee and freaking out the neighborhood. When I opened the garage door and realized I stood in a ticking bomb, myriads of thoughts hit me. Was one of them "How do I save the cats?" No. But I still saved them.

Writing Tips #5: Editing

Tip Five in my Writing Stories Tips (which starts here) is all about editing. What, when, where, when why do we edit? It's all here. Read this and you'll be in the know on all things editing.

The Last Laugh

This is the shortest story I've ever written yet might be the most powerful. I've been working on an idea for a story about a kid that was bullied. A kid that is not stable. Where anger and violence might erupt. Several months ago there was a school shooting near my house (Marysville). This hit home. Although the reasons and motivations might be different, it took me to dark places. I don't know what the final longer story will be, but this short one came out and kinda rattled me. I'm almost afraid to post it.

Writing Tips #4: Fight Club and Santa Claus

Why do you want to create stories and what do you expect to get from it? Steps 1-3 are the most important and, most likely, you don't need more than reading and writing at this point. But if you feel like you need something more, then it is time to talk about Fight Club and Santa Claus.

Writing Tips #3: Be Wary of Writing Tips

The third tip in my series on writing stories addresses the volumes of advice available to the budding author. In a nutshell, ignore it all and focus on reading and writing. If you don't continue to read my blog and, instead, go write a short story then you have won the game and I applaud you. Send me your story, I'd love to read it.

The Barbarian and The Butcher

I rewrote an old favorite, something I’ve wanted to do for a long time. It’s one of my best Short Stories. Very dark, which if you know me I’m all about dark. Dark Fantasy. A father raises his son in solitude to not only keep him safe from the ignorant fear of the townsfolk, but […]

Writing Tips #2: Read and Write

This is the second post in my series on how to write stories and contains the most critical components of the entire process. I believe two key elements account for 70% of what it takes to write a good story. They are also the easiest and most fun aspect of the entire writing process. If you don't agree with me, you would probably be happier as an editor, publisher, or agent.