Darius Jones's Blog: A Writer Begins, page 24

See You At RavenCon!

This weekend, I’m heading to RavenCon in Richmond, Virginia. It will be my first Con, so I’m quite excited.

If you’re there and trying to track me down, look for me in some of the writing workshops or writing-themed gatherings. I’ll be the guy named Darius somewhere near the back of the room (my normal habit). I will also try to follow these suggestions for first time Con goers who happen to be writers.

I’m finishing up work stuff before I head out, so I don’t have time for a longer post. I m...

A Great One Passes–Farewell to Gabo

Well, I intended this post to be about something else, but as usual events intervened.

As I’ve noted on this blog before, I’ve enjoyed my trips down to South America. Last year I was in Peru and the year before that, Argentina. I have to say the Argentina trip was partially motivated by my (unhealthy?) obsession with Jorge Luis Borges and other Argentine writers. But as I dove further into Borges and the Argentines I realized there were many talented writers in Latin America outside Argentina...

Another Giveaway Weekend

For you blog readers who want to check out my writing—here’s your chance. I’m running a giveaway this weekend.

My historical novella, The Man Who Ran from God and my short story, “The Truck Stop” are free all weekend long (April 12 and 13) on the Kindle store.

And remember, you don’t need a Kindle to download and read the stories.

Enjoy!

Where I’m At—Works in Progress

It’s been awhile since I’ve given an update on my writing. So, today, instead of talking about the craft of writing I’m going to let you know what’s going on with my writing.

First thing: I keep on writing every weekend (after I escape from my day job) so the prose and the words keep adding up. Also, I’m going create a new sub page on the blog called, “Works in Progress.” You will be able to see that on the upper right from any page on the blog. It’s where I will keep a running update on the...

Note to Self: Don’t Think Too Much

You ever have one of those problems you just can’t solve? A riddle you just can’t work out?

Here’s a tip: stop thinking about it and do something physical to get your mind off it. Go for a walk, take a run or hit the treadmill.

I’m suggesting this from experience. I’ve been thinking off and on about a flash fiction piece I want to write. I’ve really, really been struggling over what the title should be. Things have flashed before my mind, popped in there, but each time I was dissatisfied. So,...

The Craft: An Attempt at Flash Fiction

[This is part of a series on the art of writing fiction.]
It was only a matter of time before I tried it. Writing flash fiction, I mean. Me, the guy who always said he loved to “write long,” has just finished the first draft of his first flash fiction piece ever.

So, how did it go?

Not too bad, actually. I have had this idea of a scene rolling around my head for the last few months and I always thought it might be a good fit for a flash piece. So, I started searching Duotrope, my submission t...

The Craft: Henry James’s Turn of the Power Drill

[This is part of a continuing series on the art of writing fiction.]

[SPOILER ALERT: This post contains plot details from Henry James’s The Turn of the Screw.]

As I delve into writing more short stories, I’m finding it tough going. I like to write long, let the dogs roam, give the prose time and space to branch out, go down every unexplored alley. Sticking to less than 7500 words is tough.

But two things I’ve gleaned from master short story writers are helping me to walk the line. Poe’s Unity o...

Mardi Gras Giveaway

It’s Fat Tuesday and it’s time to indulge.

My historical novella, The Man Who Ran from God and my short story, “The Truck Stop” are both free today (March 4) on the Kindle store. That’s 25,000 free words.

So, whichever Krewe you support, be it Proteus, Orpheus or Zeus, grab the two works before you head out to the parade. You’ll be glad you did when Lent rolls around.

Hold Tight–Blog Will Be Right Back

Another week, another day. The week was full of drama, familial and otherwise. The upshot? No blog post this week, instead I’m doing what I should being doing today: writing fiction…and enjoying life a little.

I will push out another post, circumstances willing, next Friday. In the meantime, I hope my fellow writers out there will join me in writing fiction, even if you only have 30 minutes to sneak in on the sly. Hey, if not today, when?

Good luck and see you soon,

Darius

The Craft: Chekhov’s Gun

[This is part of a continuing series on the art of writing fiction.]

Lately on the blog, I have been delving into the concepts that will help you write better short stories. Last time, we delved into Poe’s Unity of Effect. Today, we’ll look at how you can use another tool, “Chekhov’s Gun,” to sharpen your stories.

Chekhov’s gun
Chekhov is one of the great short story writers ever. But don’t take my word for it. Eudora Welty, Tennessee Williams, E. L. Doctorow and many others have admired his sto...