Deadline time. Douglas Adams said, “I like deadlines, I like the whooshing sound they make as they go flying by.” Now that may be fine for old Doug, but if you’re furiously sweating to make a tight deadline, then this post…
Social Media: Making the Best of You
Once upon a time, there were writers. A lot of writers. And they wrote books and, mostly, that was it. Sometimes they may have featured on the radio to talk about current literature, but in the main, readers never heard…
Writer’s Block: This Too Shall Pass
There comes a time in every project where you hit the wall. After a certain amount of inspiration and momentum comes the crash. The road block. Writer’s block. I like to think that if something comes too easily, it’s not…
The Best Laid Plans
The Best Laid Plans When you’re writing a novel, it’s hard not to seek advice from those that have already managed it. After all, it seems like such a massive undertaking, a few pointers can go a long way. I…
Writing: Getting into the Groove
Getting into the groove. No matter what you’re writing, I’m sure there’s a point where you get stuck. A point when writing another word seems impossible and there’s no way you’re going to finish the thing. We’ve all been there. So I…
Every Little Bit Helps
Every Little Bit Helps. I’ve been writing a novel for thirteen months. This makes the time I’ve been writing it longer than the time I’ve ever stayed in one job. I’m one of those people that tend to get bored with jobs/activities after…
The Leftovers, A Review by Claire Rudy Foster
The Leftovers. Tom Perrotta. St. Martin’s Press, 2011. On October 14th, a “Rapture-like event” whisks away half the world’s population. It’s called the Sudden Departure. In the blink of an eye, and seemingly without any logic, friends and family…
Don’t Quit Your Day Job
Don’t quit your day job. Don’t quit your day job. That’s probably the most over-used piece of advice that I’ve ever been given as a writer. Unfortunately, it’s also probably the most wise. In fact, Ivan Coyote, one of my writing idols…
Allow Me to Introduce…
Hi, My Name Is… Introductions are always a little tricky. How do I introduce myself to people who don’t know me but who might continue to read about my work as a writer? Moreover, how do I do it without…
Black Fox Welcomes New Staff Members
We are pleased to announce that we have three additions to our staff! Please join us in welcoming Syl, Claire and Helen! Syl DeLeon lives at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado and writes edgy literary fiction with…
Writers: Productive Ways to Procrastinate (Hint: Writing this Blog Post Was One)
It is physiologically impossible for me to write 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. But that doesn’t stop me from thinking, “I should be writing right now” 24 hours a day, 7 days a…
Writers: 4 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Going to the Next Party
You’re wearing a bathing suit out of season because your three-year-old’s friend is having a public pool birthday party and just as you finally get out of the water for pizza, the host pulls you aside to meet Bob &…