The Outlining Your Novel Workbook computer program is a powerful brainstorming tool for writers. KM Weiland’s annual Advent Giveaways include a chance to win a copy of this program. If you would like the opportunity of winning some of these prizes, here is the URL:
People can enter ALL 14 draws up to and including Dec 19th.
The links to every draw are can be found on the page URL above.
Good luck to all, and happy writing!
~Angela & Becca
Researchers have discovered a method of improving performance in memory tests. A simple 15-minute break, resting and meditating, can help memory retention by as much as a factor of 10, in some cases. The recent article is here:
An Effortless Way to Improve Your Memory:
https://getpocket.com/explore/item/an-effortless-way-to-improve-your-memory?utm_source=pocket-newtab
Recently excavated clay tablets shed new light on the most famous engineering failure in antiquity. Although some of the words are conjectural, this translation contains a clear message for modern engineers. Do you know someone who might benefit from this voice from the past? —Editor, Production Engineering, July 1981.
By Paul Pendragon
Translator Continue reading
Wyzard Hill Press announces the publication of a new book: A True Map of the City, by J Guenther.
Horus Blassingame is a loyal, mild-mannered underling at his company. One day, he is called into his supervisor’s office.
“How long have you been clerking for us, Blassingame?”
“Uh, sixteen years, sir. If I may say so, sir, a long time.”
“Yes, but we’ve had our eye on you.” Continue reading
Phineas Gage
In 1848, Phineas Gage was a foreman, efficient, capable, and smart, employed to clear a railroad route through rocky terrain. He and his crew broke up rock formations by drilling holes down into them, filling the holes partway with gunpowder, and very carefully inserting a fuse. The hole was then sealed with clay and/or sand, which was tamped in place with a rod to concentrate the force of the blast towards the rock when the fuse set off the powder.
On that day, September 13th, apparently no one added the sand. As Gage tamped down the charge, he turned to address the crew, putting his head straight above the hole. Continue reading
The human brain is the most complex structure in the known universe. If you are reading this, the odds are you have one of these amazing devices atop your shoulders, along with all your memories,* and your consciousness and your personality. There are some distinct oddities about this organ. Continue reading
Unforsaken began as a 1500 word short story, Saguaro Flat — 1909, written for the Palos Verdes Library’s 2017 November Writing month. Audience reaction when it was read at the Library in early 2018 inspired me to adapt it for film. The resulting 45 page script was entered in ScreenCraft’s 2019 Short Screenplay competition. It reached the quarter finals this summer, and in late September, I was informed that it made the semifinals.
The logline is simple: Young greenhorn encounters a wounded desperado in the desert. Continue reading
Just gone to press: Tales For a Blue Moon, 18 far out, unique short stories and a cover to match by J Guenther. Here’s what they’re about:
A church looks forward to its annual Blessing of the Animals: “There’s a lot of interest again this year. We’ve already received twenty or thirty phone calls and a dozen anonymous notes shoved under the rectory door . . . ”
Adolfo wages his own private war in Arma Virumque Cano: “Hey! You!” the man said, waving a knife in his hairy fist. Alarmed, Adolfo stared at the knife . . .
A planet’s culture is dying in The Eight Times Cut Stone: “The old language of our planet is dying. If you people stay here, it will soon pass away, and we will speak only your Anglic language . . . ” Continue reading
Available on Amazon
After a long interval that followed Sail Away on My Silver Dream going out of print, it’s now available again under the Wyzard Hill Press imprint–new cover, new interior, and a few minor changes in the text. I designed this cover myself to replace the World Nouveau Books design.
I’ve also made a few notes towards writing a sequel. More on that later. If you ask, I’ll let you know what title I have in mind for the next book.
Why inner sickness drove Hitler? Was he insane?
David & Sharon sail away from their unhappy homes
