Cocktails Fiction and Gossip Magazine - June Edition

Cocktails Fiction and Gossip Magazine is a free magazine created by Suzannah Safi. The magazine focuses on the literary world, featuring interviews, gossip, stories and much more.

June's Issue features my article, "Writing With Tarot". Download your copy for free. Also check out the back issues and see what you've missed in the past.

Cocktails also encourages writers or readers to participate. Do you have something to share? You can find Suzannah's email address on the home page of Cocktails.

Feel free to share comments on what you think of my article. Look forward to hearing from you.

Write What You Know

When I began writing, I kept hearing write what you know. Needless to say, this was depressing news. I didn't know anything. Then, a past writing coach put together a few questions, and to my delight, I discovered I did know a lot.

The phrase, "Write what you know," doesn't need to be taken to extremes.

Your past experiences can bring life to your writing. Your hobby can give your main character a colorful outlook on life. Your occupation can bring a new aspect or character into your story.

Take a moment to list things you know about. Delve into your childhood, your relationships, your workplace, your hobbies, etc.

Who were you as a child? Did you play sports? Were you a bookworm? A loner?

Create characters that you can relate to, and you will discover it's easier to breathe life into them.

Writing is an extension of you, rather you realize it or not. Tap into this aspect and your writing will soar.

Dark Valentine Magazine closed

Last month, Dark Valentine accepted one of my short stories. I found out this morning they are shutting the doors. The announcement was made on their site Thursday morning, and as I scrambled to discover what was going on, the site quit responding.

It's sad to see all these short story publications shutting their doors, but each day we watch one go under. I'd like to send out thanks and well wishes to the people who worked hard to produce this magazine. I hope you all continue to follow ventures in the writing world.

Issues of the magazine are achieved at Stony Hill Productions.

Author and Aspiring Author Blog Hop

JOIN THE HOP!

THIS WEEK'S AUTHOR BLOG HOP QUESTION FOR THURSDAY, JUNE 2nd IS ABOUT: Writing scenes (Part One): How would you define a 'twist'? Do you use a twist in every scene or just at the end of the book? Question provided by affiliate author L. P Robinson (Part two is next week!)

A twist is an event that occurs that wasn't expected. In most cases, these are hard elements to add to your story. Even though it is unexpected, it's not out of character, out of the blue, or illogical to the story line.

I love a twist ending, as long as it doesn't kill the whole story. Most of my short stories end with a subtle twist. In larger works, I do my best to weave in a few twists here and there. A twist is only good if it works.

Feel free to share your thoughts on this question, here or join the hop.