South Park Story-Telling

 How can the words 'but' and 'therefore' propel storymaking? Find out in a little over two minutes. (Note: I'm experimenting with these words now on a short story. I'll let you know how it goes.)

Filmmaker's Formula

Lester Dent Rocked the Pulp House

 Fun with Fiction Formula

 

Craig McDonald

 

 

 

Crafting a short-story using the plot formula attributed to pulp king Lester Dent. Back in the last century, Dent wrote a veritable oil tanker-load of fiction under various pen names such as Kenneth Roebson. 

You break down a 6k word short story into four 1500 word segments. Add an antagonist, the bad guy's goal, a good guy determined to stop him, but seemingly overwhelmed by the villain's resources. 

But the doomed hero wins out. Toss in a plot twist at the very end, sending the reader away with the warm feeling of not having squandered his time.

In a way, the Dent formula is like constructing IKEA furniture. First assemble all the parts, follow directions, and gaze with pride upon the finished item. 

 

 

James Bama

 

 

Prostate Cancer Affects the Miind and Heart

How Could It Not?

Lot's of manly health areas take an ugly hit from the ravages of prostate cancer. Listen in and find out how to cope with the changes. As I can attest, life goes on and so can you.

 

Prostate Cancer: Real Talk

A 10k in May

 

 

Forgot about this one. Originally slated for late January, the race was cancelled when the state decided to cease all events at the original campground/start line. Naturally, they gave the race organizers little notice.

Now shoved along the Ventura coast a mile or so, this 6.2 mile beach run will be a nice fun event for my wife Joy and I. I've been busy as of late with health issues—like high blood pressure—and have fallen out of shape.

Seven weeks to snap out of my lethargy and prepare.

More soon.

 

A Pulp Title to Cherish

A Golden Story Prompt

What writer couldn't wait to sink his typing into such a challenge? Tempting, oh, so tempting, but I must concentrate on the work before me.

guto

 

 

Not Short Stories Again!

Yes

As in 2009 and 2016. Both times I had specific goals. This go-around,  I intend to publish and LEARN. To teach this old dog a new trick, I've begun on microfiction (stories 100 words or less) and flash fiction (stories under 1k words).

I've always been enchanted by quantity. This time it shall be the oft-discussed quality. Since beginning last month, I've finished a trio of short fiction and sent it off to three publications. I should start hearing back around the end of spring. But the goal now is to continue finishing stories, trying new techniques and new genres.

Like I probably should've done in 2009.

Reedsy.com

Happy Easter 2024!

Wallpaper.com

 A beautiful wind-swept day after another storm. We're enjoying coffee and lemon cake. May your day be blessed plus or minus lemon cake.