Note to Authors: Keep your Character Ambivalence Tight

Feb 18, 2019 | Editing, Words in a Row

It’s usually a bad idea to show internal conflict by jumping from “A” to “Not A” and back again in repeated succession. That doesn’t make your character feel any more ambivalent than just doing it once. But it makes your thrust unclear, it feels like needless padding, and it undermines the “meta” sense of your narrative authority (i.e. I’m questionin’ your skillz, yo).

Here’s a template that keeps things tight – First, gather up the “Not A” points and give us those. Second, add a point of doubt or transition (“then again,” “on the other hand,” etc). Third, give us the “A” points (the position the character finally takes, the thrust of your narrative intent). Finally, if the character is still ambivalent or the situation is still unclear, then add a sentence that simply says so.

TL/DR: We only need to see the character do the waffle once to understand that waffling is a circular process.

* Disclaimer: This is a general stylistic guideline, and as such, it is subject to breakage under certain conditions (if you’re good enough).

“Living Nightmare” – now available!

Jan 29, 2019 | Editing, Words in a Row

Today’s the day! You can now pre-order your copy of LIVING NIGHTMARE here:
https://dmdore.com/other-side-of-gifted

I am proud to have been involved with this book, editing the words of the very gifted Deirdre Dore, who promises us a unique series of paranormal and superhuman modern-day adventures!

UbiquiCity Book 2 – Now Available!

Jan 14, 2019 | Editing, Words in a Row

UbiquiCity Book 2 “Undercurrents” has arrived. Return to the Fractopian Future! Stories by Irene Bassett, Brad Cole, D.M. Dore, Jens Durke, S.L. Koch, G. Dean Manuel, Adrian McCauley and Rick Rosenkranz paint a collaborative picture of our augmented future that is alternately chilling and inspiring.
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Liquid Hitler – now in paperback

Jan 9, 2019 | Editing, Words in a Row

The transgressive, bizarre and mind-expanding work of inter-dimensional crime drama LIQUID HITLER by S. L. Koch, published by As If Books. Now available in trade paperback from Amazon!

UbiquiCity 2: Undercurrents

Nov 27, 2018 | Editing, Words in a Row

Now in final edit! I’m so excited to be nearing the point where I can bring you the second book in the UbiquiCity series. UbiquiCity Book 2: Undercurrents includes 8 new stories based in the city of ubiquitous computing, as well as return appearances from some of the characters in the first book. Authors Irene Bassett, Brad Cole, D.M. Dore, Jens Durke, S.L. Koch, G. Dean Manuel, Adrian McCauley and Rick Rosenkranz explore the lower end of the city’s socio-economic fractopia.