Bram Stoker Award-winning editor and author Michael Knost gave his online writing students an opening sentence and a closing sentence and asked them to write a story Between the Lines.Every story opens with: "Kelvin pressed against the wound as blood seeped around his hands."And ends with: "Watching the train disappear into the night, he brought the flower to his nose before tossing it to the tracks."This anthology is the amazing results.

Bram Stoker Award-winning editor Michael Knost brings you an exciting collection of short stories from an extraordinary group of writers who were challenged to write speculative fiction tales from their hearts within a specific set of guidelines. No themes or particular genres to adhere to.The result is a showcase in storytelling spanning many genres including paranormal and dark fiction, horror, weird mythology, and much, much more!Now go experience the Dark Splinters thes...

Author's Guide to Marketing with Teeth is a collection of essays and interviews on marketing and advertising for authors and books. Michael Knost has spent more than a quarter of a century in marketing, working in the radio, television, and newspaper industries, as well as serving as marketing director and chief marketing officer for several large companies, including those in the automotive industry.Mr. Knost has taken the lessons he's learned from his extensive experience and cap...

Writers Workshop of Science Fiction and Fantasy is a collection of essays and interviews by and with many of the movers-and-shakers in the industry. Each contributor covers the specific element of craft he or she excels in. Expect to find varying perspectives and viewpoints, which is why you many find differing opinions on any particular subject.This is, after all, a collection of advice from professional storytellers. And no two writers have made it to the stage via the same journ...

This is Writers On Writing, the fourth and final installment in the series – an Author's Guide, where your favorite authors share their secrets in the ultimate guide to becoming and being an author.Line-up:Blunt Force Trauma: How to Write Killer Poetry by Stephanie M. WytovichHappy Little Trees by Michael KnostIn Lieu of Patience Bring Diversity by Kenneth W. CainNetworking is Scary, but Essential by Doug MuranoAre You In The Mood...

Can't get enough Redneck Hijinks and Trailer Park Divas?Then you're in for a treat. Volume three of our popular anthology series is sure to scratch that questionable itch.With stories by Michael Knost, William Joseph Roberts, Philip K. Booker, Christopher Woods, D. Raymond Smith, David Badurina, H.P. Holo, James Palmer, Jason Cordova, Lee Ellis, M Leigh, Michael Morton, Michael Craig, and Guest Editorial by Faith HunterPull off your boots, ...

A truly unforgettable story is defined by its characters. Their motivations, their changes, their actions compel us to read on, anxiously trying to discern what will happen next.In Dynamic Characters, award-winning author and Writer's Digest columnist Nancy Kress explores the fundamental relationship between characterization and plot, illustrating how vibrant, well-constructed characters act as the driving force behind an exceptional story.Kress balances h...

A fiction writer's resource for creating realistic, convincing fight scenes.Fully updated 2026 Edition, with additional details and extra example fight scenes.Author and martial arts instructor, Alan Baxter, presents a short ebook describing all the things a writer needs to consider when writing fight scenes. Baxter's experience from decades as a career martial artist make this book a valuable resource for writers who want to understand what fighting is all about - what it ...

What's more important to a story: a gripping plot or compelling characters? Literary-minded novelists argue in favor of character-based novels while commercial novelists argue in favor of plot-based stories, but the truth of the matter is this: The best fiction is rich in both.Enter Plot Versus Character. This hands-on guide to creating a well-rounded novel embraces both of these crucial story components. You'll learn to:• Create layered characters by considering p...

Techniques of the Selling Writer provides solid instruction for people who want to write and sell fiction, not just to talk and study about it. It gives the background, insights, and specific procedures needed by all beginning writers. Here one can learn how to group words into copy that moves, movement into scenes, and scenes into stories; how to develop characters, how to revise and polish, and finally, how to sell the product.No one can teach talent, but the practical s...

Science fiction and fantasy is one of the most challenging--and rewarding!--genres in the bookstore. But with New York Times bestselling author Philip Athans and fantasy giant R. A. Salvatore at your side, you’ll create worlds that draw your readers in--and keep them reading!Just as important, you’ll learn how to prepare your work for today’s market. Drawing on his years of experience as one of the most acclaimed professionals in publishing, Wizards of the ...

Create unforgettable characters your readers will love!Want to make your characters and their stories more compelling, complex, and original than ever before? 45 Master Characters is here to help you explore the most common male and female archetypes--the mythic, cross-cultural models from which all characters originate.• Explore a wide variety of character profiles including heroes, villains, and supporting characters.• Learn how to use arc...