How to become a writer
The first condition to become a writer is to have something to say. It reminds me of the anecdote from the stormy life of Napoleon. Each time the Frenchman conquered the town, he expected a 21-gun salute. Once the expectation was not met, and the town was silent. No sounds of celebration. He called the […]
A Misleading, Unnecessary Disclaimer
A disclaimer, frequently found at the beginning of many works of fiction, always puzzled me. “Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental” That’s the fallacy propagated, I […]
Alan Heathcock’s 27 Tenets of writing fiction
This post was written on a Twitter request by people looking for this excellent writing advice given by an American fiction writer Alan Heathcock. It is re-posted as-is, preserving the original formatting and syntax. Posted on the request on Twitter by Ann Murphy,@Gaiamethod
A Big Announcement. Obwieszczenie
Z niesłychaną dumą zawiadamiam moich przyjaciół i czytelników, że moja strona internetowa witoldniesluchowski.com jest teraz do czytania w języku polskim. Blogi będą przetłumaczone w następnej kolejności. To my friends and readers: My website witoldniesluchowski.com is now available in Polish version. Blogs will be translated later.
Writer’s Blog, a Perennial Boogeyman
Now, in my retirement, I am a perpetual reader. Not only of fiction, but also non-fiction, mainly books about the craft of storytelling. And there is an abundant supply of advice on how to strengthen your writing. Besides books you can touch, there are e-books, blogs, YouTube snippets and formal courses. The Teaching Company, college […]
My writings–short stories, part three.
Wer reited so spat durch Nacht und Wind? … Who rides there so late through the night, dark and drear? … Johann Wolfgang von Goethe Goethe, Der Erlkoenig. The Erlking. I remember this poem from my high school class in romantic literature. The story of a father riding horseback through the woods with his sick […]
The Polish Version of My Website is Coming.
Seems so obvious now, but it took quite a few years to crystallize. With the advent of Google Analytics, I realized my website is missing Polish readers. The English readership in my native country is getting better, but my generation prefers to speak and read Polish. So, with the help of a new technology, I’m […]
Novels or Short Stories? The Answer is – Both
The second book, “The Resurrections”, and the second story, “Kate’s Wedding”. Imagine that you have a daughter. She used to be the brightest star in your morning sky, right before the dawn. In the delivery room, you saw her first, even before your wife had a chance. You’ve sent her to the best available schools. […]
My writings-short stories, part one.
Good writers borrow, great writers steal. Oscar Wilde It came to me that I can use my already published materials as a source for further writing. I chose one, probably the most interesting chapter in each book, and developed it into a short story. Yes, I did steal them, but from myself. It felt like […]
