Tag: how to write fantasy

Story Unlikely is a professional e-zine with 9,000 readers and growing. They did this miracle in just over one year now. They publish all genres, but what makes them unique is that their stories all have a literary edge. Great story combined with great prose is a must to be published by them. But where do you learn the skills necessary to break into this market?

How about right inside the magazine itself? You don’t get to be a successful heavyweight boxer without working out in the gym. And you won’t succeed without having a great trainer that’s “learned the ropes” to keep you from pulling your punches and instead, going for the one-two knockout.

That’s why there’s a new feature in Story Unlikely called “The Writer’s Gym.” And I’ve been hired to write four of my Super Secrets of Writing articles a year to help you hit the target and stop striking the air. I told you this was coming. Well, now it’s here.

This first article is direct from a chapter in my book, How to Write a Howling Good Story. It’s titled, “The Importance of a Logline.” If you don’t have the book yet (welcome back to planet Earth, how was your trip?), here’s a way to get a tasty appetizer. Why did the editor start with a known quantity? Because he read the book and LOVES it. Don’t take my word for it. Here’s what he wrote last month in his magazine. Trust me, it’s a big deal when an editor endorses a book in their magazine, and then tells all his readers to go buy it. Here’s what Danny Hankner wrote:

“I’ve been writing for two decades now, and to say I’ve read my share of stories and novels, articles and books on writing, would be an understatement. The problem with the latter is that so many fail to heed their own advice, and at some point, you simply grow tired of listening to authors bore you to death with their inability to communicate how they do what they do, or (worse) don’t really care about teaching you anything. For many, it’s simply another money grab leveraged by their recognizable name.

“And so its with this backdrop that I can honestly say that How to Write a Howling Good Story, by Wulf Moon, is a refreshing, delightful break from the monotony. From the cover design to the very last words, it’s evident that Moon is not only a talented and experienced writer, but an artist who values his craft, infuses his heart and soul into a project, and delivers in a way that only a master of the craft and a gifted teacher could.

“The content is top notch, from story structure to writing mechanics and pro tips he’s learned along the way, and yet as rich as the material is, Moon masterfully weaves in stories of his own, hooking you in from the very opening and never dialing back his engaging style and enjoyable wit. This is the only book on writing, by the way (at least that I can recall), that’s had me laughing out loud: Oh, the scrolls that can fill all the rotten names ever conjured by new authors! Oh, the humanity of Bob, as you know! Don’t get what I’m talking about? Then read the book and have a good laugh (or change your ways, you darling offender =)).

“For the longest time, there’s only been one book I’ve recommended to new writers – Getting the Words Right, by Theodore Rees Cheney. Well, now I’ve got two. And I’ll go even one farther by saying simply that this is the best book on writing I’ve ever read.

“So, who should read this book? Everyone who wants to improve their craft. Not only will this be the North Star that I point every emerging writer to, but even experienced authors as well – for example, Moon’s concepts he calls Heart’s Desire and Magic Sword are two that I’ve never heard before, and those alone are worth the ticket price of the book. Besides, has any among us ever truly ‘arrived’? Are we not better off continuing to learn and grow?

“If your answer is yes, then you know what to do next. CLICK HERE to buy the book. And after you’ve consumed the text and leveled up your writing game, give Moon a shout of praise – I suspect even a simple howl will suffice.

“Danny Hankner

“Editor-in-chief”

I was stunned when I opened my issue and saw this in the material. I didn’t know the editor was going to write a review and place it in his magazine. Nor did I expect him to come to me after and offer me professional rate to write articles on writing for his magazine. But here we are, and I’m happy that two professional magazines are now featuring my Super Secrets of Writing articles. In fact, DreamForge is publishing a fresh article tomorrow in their free online magazine. If you enjoyed my last article on positive internal character arcs using George McFly from Back to the Future, you’ll learn even more on the topic of internal arcs in this article. Stay tuned!

In the meantime, go sign up for the Story Unlikely e-zine. It comes to you via email, and that part is free. But do consider subscribing to the full meal deal. Danny does keep his best stuff behind his paywall, and he gives many bonuses to subscribing members when it comes to sending him story submissions. Money well spent! And you’ll get full access to my fresh writing articles to come!

Thank you for supporting my writing, and for supporting publishers that are doing their best to support you while bringing you quality stories to help you escape to other worlds. I love supporting magazines that support emerging writers. We all need that break, and magazines like Story Unlikely and DreamForge provide wonderful opportunities for writers like you and me.

Here’s where you can read the Story Unlikely article: Click HERE!

All the beast!

Wulf Moon

P.S.: If you don’t have my bestselling book How to Write a Howling Good Story, what are you waiting for? It’s HALF OFF right now at Smashwords for just a few more days! Get some! Click HERE for the e-book! Today only $4.99! Or message me to order your signed print copy in trade paperback or hardcover! Cheers!