Christopher Stocking's Blog, page 19

How To Help An Author: Lie?

I’ve seen this image, along with other variations of it plastered all of Facebook as of late. It makes sense, of course. It encourages people to support authors in various ways. Definitely not a bad thing. However, the last bullet is what really gets me.

“Posting positive reviews on their book’s Amazon page, their website, blog, FB page…”

Freeze. Only post positive reviews? I love a positive review as much as the next writer, but let’s face it; No one ONLY gets positive reviews. I’m sure a writ...

Headless Angel: Dark Angel #1

I beta read a collection of dark short stories for a friend of mine, and it got me in the mood to write a little horror. There is one instance of foul language for those uncomfortable with it. I think this is going to be the first in a series of “Dark Angel” short stories that I’ll publish as a second volume of short stories. I think it will be fun to explore the horror side of my writing.

Enjoy!

Headless Angel

I didn’t know how to react when she arrived. I opened the door and there she stood, h...

Bad Reviews: Learn To Live With Them

Having my work published means that I am, at any given time,susceptible to bad reviews. Whether someone thinks my writing it just plain awful, or maybe it is just bad. Either way, it can happen to anyone at any time. It even happens to the “great” authors.

Whilst taking a break from editing Project Oliver (Which is still nameless!), I was scrolling through my Facebook news feed and happened upon a post from Anne Rice, who actively contributes to her fan page (I wish she would post more writing...

It’s Voting Time: Round 2!

This time the post will be more fully constructed. I’ve come up with what is essentially the back cover description of Project Oliver. Or a rough draft anyway to help you decide. I’ve also taken the top two names from the last poll, and I’ve added two new ones for you to look at. Also, if you’d like to post any comments on the description, please feel free to do so.

“Do you ever look at the stars and wish you could snatch them out of the sky?” Oliver asked. “You know, to keep in a box all for...

It’s Voting Time Again!

I love reader feedback, and I love when writers ask for reader feedback. So, I’m asking for your feedback!

Like how I asked for all of your votes for the next London Darkness book, I have picked out an assortment of names for my YA novel, Project Oliver. Please take a second and vote for your favorite!

Take Our Poll

Thanks for your vote!

Motivation vs. Inspiration: Is There A Difference?

The other day I woke thrilled by the prospect of writing. I couldn’t wait to get to my computer and pound out the words. But, when I got there, I had trouble writing. I wanted to write so badly, but I only was able to get 300+ words in an hour. Usually I can pound out anywhere from 700 to 1,200+ words in an hour. I was motivated to write, but I wasn’t inspired. It felt weird to be in a strange sort of limbo like that.

So, I decided to see if I could figure out the different (if there is any) b...

Steampunk Sunday: Steamphotos

I’ve been so scatterbrained lately I forgot yesterday was Steampunk Saturday! And I hate posting twice in one day, so here is Steampunk Sunday! Today I’d like to post some of my favorite steampunk photos. These all come from Pinterest, and I hope and pray that I’m not violating any legal rights by posting these.

For those of you on Pinterest, you can find me here!

Hopefully these photos inspire you to tinker with some steampunkery like they do for me!

Steampunk ladies

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Source: corsets.tumblr.com v...

Writing: It’s More Dangerous Than You Think

My wife is a psychology minor at school, so she always tells me the most interesting things about how people act. One of the most interesting things (because it applies to me) she told me was that writers and artists are 18x more likely to commit suicide.

Whoa, right?

It’s interesting to think about all the great writers who have committed suicide. I think one of the more famous ones was Sylvia Plath. I’ve yet to read much of her worm, but I hear it’s quite dark. I also found this list if 10 fa...

Excerpt: Project Oliver

After reading and watching The Perks of Being a Wallflower, it inspired me to try my hand at a YA novel. So, here is the first chapter of what is currently “Project Oliver.” I have yet to come up with an actual name for it.

Enjoy!

“Do you ever look at the stars and wish you could snatch them out of the sky?” Oliver asked. “You know, to keep in a box all for yourself?”

“What would you do with a box of stars, Oli?” Trista asked.

Oliver shrugged. “I don’t know; change the world?”

Trista smiled. “Come...

A Day For Thanks

Today, in the United States, we are celebrating Thanksgiving. A day to, despite the grim events that created the holiday, give thanks for what we have, and be with our friends and family.

I am thankful for my wonderful wife, that I have a home, a job, food, and wonderful supporters of my creative life. I’m thankful for all of my readers, and writing friends.

Happy Thanksgiving to all who celebrate. And, for those who don’t, I still wish you well on this day.