I want to look at two stories that could argue either side of this debate: can occult detective stories actually be frightening? Ultimately, each reader must decide for themselves. Do you feel cheated when the culprit turns out to be Principal Dingwall in a rubber mask? Here’s a couple of Read More
M. R. James, undoubtedly the finest ghost story writer in the English language, disparaged the occult detective story. This is very odd for James was inspired by, promoted the works of, and virtually single-handedly resurrected the fame of J. Sheridan Le Fanu, the man who invented the occult detective (even Read More
In 2006 I wrote a story called “Black God’s Burden” which eventually appeared in Flashing Swords #11 (November 2008). The editorial comments on the piece got me thinking about Sword & Sorcery plots for some of the committee members (a pox on editing by committee!) felt the story was too Read More
The term “Space Opera”, used to define a certain branch of Science Fiction, was coined by Wilson Tucker in 1941. It was not meant to be a compliment. The term “Soap Opera” has found its way into the larger public domain of common phrases, but it too came from this Read More
GW: How did you ever decide to become a novelist? Certainly there are easier ways to express yourself. Finger painting. Interpretive dance? Jack: Well, as much as I love interpretive dance as a medium for expression (and, honestly you should se my “Dying Swan” It brings people to tears.), my Read More
Why write horror? Why not the socially more accepted Science Fiction or Fantasy, in which the reader experiences wonder and the heights of imagination? Why not the even safer Mystery or Western? Literary forms so conventionalized you don’t have to worry about stepping on toes. Go to even greater lengths Read More
I think all Doc Savage fans dream of becoming Kenneth Robeson some day. Or you can be like Jack Mackenzie and try to create a Pulp character with all the fun of Doc Savage but with a more modern sensibility. And he succeeds in his upcoming book, Wild Incorporated. The Read More
I am too young to have ever written a letter to H. P. Lovecraft. Even August Derleth who passed away when I was just discovering Sword & Sorcery comics. But there were great writers in the 1980s too. I was lucky enough to share two letters with Karl Edward Wagner, Read More
It usually starts with the question, “Did you get the name from the Pogues’ song?” The answer is yes. The Rainbow Man is a collection of forty-three Fantasy flash fiction pieces revolving around the titular character. But wait, let’s start at the beginning. It started around 1990. I was hitting Read More
I had an illuminating experience recently, one that allowed me to see more clearly myself as a writer. A good friend of mine sent me a copy of his new book that contains a award-winning novella and its sequel. The book is Survivor by J. F. Gonzalez. So let me Read More
Growing up in North Central Alberta you might wonder how a small town boy like myself becomes a Science Fiction fan. My dad was into hunting and fishing and my mother listened to oldtime fiddling music. Unlike most prairie boys, I had one big advantage. I grew up in St. Read More
I’ve loved the Occult Detective since I was twelve. That was 1975 and Carl Kolchak was on the television. Mine was a black& white Kenwood. Twenty inches wide and you had to change the channel with plyers. Carl was hunting down the greatest story in the world, whether it was Read More
