Hint #17: Mystify, Don’t Reveal

Hint #17: Mystify, Don’t Reveal

It’s that time again. Welcome back to Hints, a miniseries of Mr. Horne’s Book of Secrets. No amount of good writing advice can make you a good writer. It’s not the kind of thing that can be formally taught, either. The great writers you seek to...
Where to Get an Editor

Where to Get an Editor

People often ask me this question. And many of them get disappointed by the answer. Most recently, I was asked about it on a podcast. And, unfortunately, this subject doesn’t lend itself to interview questions. It deserves an in-depth exploration. Because every...
Fear and Tremble, for It Is at the Gate

Fear and Tremble, for It Is at the Gate

I am almost done. And I’ll be the first to admit I’m late. I wanted to be done in March. Yet it is safe to say that in the coming week I will win my prize. Seven days from now, I will have done what George R. R. Martin can no longer do: Finish a book. The...
The Secret Genre that Hooks Readers Like Cocaine, Part 1

The Secret Genre that Hooks Readers Like Cocaine, Part 1

As Keeper of Secrets, I enjoy some spectacular amenities. I get to see amazing sights, understand concepts not meant for this world, and have all my questions answered. It’s fantastic work, if you can get it. I also am privileged to see many things that are...
Two Strikes, and You’re Out!

Two Strikes, and You’re Out!

It’s that time again. What? No! I’m not talking about my highly informative and brilliant miniseries called “Hints”. It is not time for hints. No, I’m talking about the current writers’ strike in Hollywood. It’s time again for...