David Sartof

What’s in a quote: showing Chekov’s moon…

“Don’t tell me the moon is shining; show me the glint of light on broken glass.” Anton Chekhov In this quote, the Russian writer Anton Chekov (1860–1904) was making clear reference to what has become stock advice for fiction writers on paper, screen and stage. Chekov was not alone. Henry James (1843–1916) is noted as…

Research: A short Postscript!

Note: This Post Originally featured on the WickedWriters Blog…  http://thewickedwriters.blogspot.com/ A tricky place… I sat, contemplating. Sat in consideration; sat thinking, mulling and pondering – just why? Just why, you say. Why should I deviate from fictional play to reality? He spoke not a word today. Just a wave to beckon me on, then, carelessly…

Research: the write stuff – a tale of big words?

Note: This Post Originally featured on the WickedWriters Blog…  http://thewickedwriters.blogspot.com/   OK, a free blog topic! So, is it really true? I really don’t have to write more about horror, Halloween, and other ghouly stuff? (At least not for another year!) But I have gotten so used to this place… writing about stuff I haven’t…

Quelle horreur?

Note: This Post Originally featured on the WickedWriters Blog…  http://thewickedwriters.blogspot.com/ A time for confessions? Indeedy! But, not only have I not read any Stephen King (not even his book on writing, Sharon), I have also not read Dean Koontz, James Herbert and that chap called Poe! (I have been warned off Shaun Hutson and Clive…

TEN FOUR… (and a competition, again)

Note: This Post Originally featured on the WickedWriters Blog…  http://thewickedwriters.blogspot.com/ No, this is not an Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials-International announcement in the affirmative. It is an oblique reference to our schedule and this week’s topic – scary movies. (Well, I did to a light double-check as, being a Brit, I wondered whether I could…

Stranger than fiction… can it be true?

Note: This Post Originally featured on the WickedWriters Blog…  http://thewickedwriters.blogspot.com/ OK, dear readers…. getting even with someone who’s riled me? Have I ever written a character to help me deal with my anger? Well, let me tell you something… anger? A little strong, perhaps… catharsis might be more appropriate…  But imagine losing your job (not…

Who is Henry Blogg? …lest we forget (words for unsung heroes)

Note: This Post Originally featured on the WickedWriters Blog…  http://thewickedwriters.blogspot.com/ It is understandable, at times like this, when world events are remembered and those that have lost their lives in-service or as innocents become our present focus, to reflect our current feelings and dwell in the now. But, as writers, we have a responsibility. Our…

Let the fruit throwing begin!

Note: This Post Originally featured on the WickedWriters Blog…  http://thewickedwriters.blogspot.com/ A great title… it bears so little resemblence to my post this week, but it is a colourful idea… (thanks C.J.) Watermellon is big here in Greece and it is such a bright colour! Well, what would the alternative have been? A more mundane “FIVE…

The Mandarin Segment…

Note: This Post Originally featured on the WickedWriters Blog…  http://thewickedwriters.blogspot.com/ Something completely different? OK, so, out of all the elements that make up a good story – which would I tell a novice they should take the time to study up on? You’re asking me? Really? English usage? Strike one – C.J. gone done that…

I Think, Therefore I am Not Blocked…

Note: This Post Originally featured on the WickedWriters Blog…  http://thewickedwriters.blogspot.com/ Ok. Now let me see… it’s, what? 22:30? (…so the little digital time piece in the corner of my Windows 7 task-bar tells me). That is… precisely… one hour and thirty minutes within which I have this target to complete a post on writer’s block!…