During the last several months, I’ve read and edited a lot of stories, and one thing problem that keeps popping its head out is which words should be capitalized, and when. 

Of course there are the normal ones we all know of, but then there are the smaller ones we tend to forget or mix up. Some authors prefer one way over another one, writing it up as a matter of style. I got so confused after a while that I had to write down the rules f...

Imagination has never been my problem as a writer, but since I started writing one thing really bothered me – finding my own voice. I’ve been obsessed with finding my own voice. Now I say screw it, and thanks to J.A Konrath for telling it like it is: Story comes first. I know I’ve heard and read this a bunch of times, but only after reading one of his short story collections, I’ve pretty much seen the light.

Isn’t it strange how many times you read or hear advice, thinking you ...

  One thing I’ve noticed since I started writing, is that writing can be one hell of an emotional rollercoaster. And the problem is, you have to sit tight and let it take you.

For instance, when I started out, I thought writing horror was only about scaring people. Nothing made me happier than scaring myself late at night with a few tactical scenes. That’s why I loved flash fiction so much. Then I realized I wasn’t opening myself up enough on an emotional level. I wasn’t letting th...

Welcome to the final installment of my 3-part series of blogs related to questions you should ask yourself about your novel. Questions you need to ask before, during and after writing your story. Click here if you’ve missed part 1(Setting) or part 2(Characterization).

Today’s post covers mostly plot and theme:

Can you summarize your plot in one sentence? You should.

Can you point out the major events in your plot in such a way as to summarize the plot?

Is th...

This is part 1 of my ‘blogathon’ on questions to ask about your novel before, during and after writing it. Click here if you’ve missed part one, which covers the setting of your novel.

Here we go:

Have you given the character enough motivation for his or her actions? If not, build on the motivation or change the actions and reactions accordingly. This includes the villain in your story.

How does the point of view of your story affect the characters? 1^st person works g...

I’ve been writing short stories, quite successfully, since the end of 2008 and recently started my first novel. Which made me think about what questions I need to ask myself during the planning phase of my novel. I wanted to plan the novel just like I did my short stories, but even more structured. Being a busy person, I’d rather spend a bit more time on the drawing board than wasting time in unnecessary and time consuming rewrites.

For the next few weeks I’ll be posting a few thi...

More Writing Tips and Techniques:

·        Make your main character vulnerable. Not weak, just susceptible enough that the crisis will change his life. An example of a character that doesn’t change is James Bond, which is fine if that’s the type of story you’re writing. And we all know the James Bond stories aren’t exactly realistic. If the reader believes the hero can’t die, there’s no more suspense.

·        Add as much drama as you can. Don’t skip over scenes that ...

Let me be blunt: Before you even consider writing horror or even just short stories, you’d better start catching up on your reading. Otherwise you’ll just be wasting your time and that of the people who have to read your stories.

I started writing horror for the following reasons:

·        I grew up reading comics,

·        I loved horror movies

·        I’m interested in anything above and beyond the norm, like for instance the paranormal and life after death. ...

I’ve been going through a few of my unpublished stories this weekend for possible publication (after doing a bit of editing of course), when I decided to write a short blog on what to do before you press that send button. It’s already difficult enough to get those stories published, so don’t make it even harder by looking unprofessional or just plain stupid.

1)     Reread your story out loud.
This will greatly improve chances of noticing unnecessary words or awkward flow.

2) ...

A while ago, on Machete Moonlight Horror Magazine’s blog, I read a blog on why people fear death, and I thought I had to touch on this subject as well.

Firstly, I’m not afraid of death, perhaps just concerned about the amount of pain it will entail. Maybe it’s because of my religion that I’m not scared of what happens after I die.

But I believe it’s different for every person. Some people are very scared about where they’ll go after they die, which goes hand ...

I originally posted this at Machete Moonlight Horror Magazine as a guest blog. 


Let’s get serious for a moment. If you want to write horror, you’d better know what it’s about. And I’m not talking about knowing what the newest blockbuster is called.

If you’re serious about your writing, be serious about your genre.

Get out there and find out what has been done in the genre before you decided to pick up your pen, or open that first empty word document, or subscribe to that ...

        So you want to be a writer? Who doesn’t? Well, every person who enjoys a good social life. A bit harsh, you might say, but I’ve heard talk that suggests writers should avoid marriage at all cost. Not to mention children. Although that might be a bit extreme, it should give you some clue as to what you’ll be getting yourself into. Writing is time consuming and, although very rewarding, quite frustrating at times.

        If you think that’s the life for you, just remember, ...

I've been doing a lot of reading and experimenting lately on using emotions as I write. I just finished a story now that comes from my concern for the high level of crime in South Africa. And, although it was very difficult for me, I managed to tap into the hatred and disgust I have towards it. I write horror, so yes, the highjackers were brutally slaughtered afterwards. And I have to say, it felt great to punish them. Why? Because I saw them as every criminal who ever hurt someone. I also fe...