-
The Dreaded Writer’s Block: Definitions and Strategies
Narration provided by Wondervox
By Mark McNease
I’ve always had a stubborn refusal to admit experiencing this dreaded thing called writer’s block. I worry that confessing to it reveals a certain creative weakness, even though I know that’s not the case at all. It sounds too much like a wall, or some obstacle I can’t overcome. I’ve preferred to use words like “stuck” to refer to the state I find myself in when I can’t get past the next plot point, or figure out where to take a story, or what the central building blocks are of something I’m writing.
At the same time, when I take out my trusty egg timer, set it to 45 minutes and start typing, something always comes out. It could be the outline of a next chapter, or story notes, or even working on a character biography in an attempt to understand why someone is killed in service to the story, and who killed them! Lately that’s been one of my biggest problems: until the last couple of books I always knew who the killer was and why the murder was committed. Now I find myself repeatedly stuck. But is this a self-fulfilling prophecy? Am I unable to move forward because I tell myself I can’t? And how do I get out of it? Let’s take a look at this thing called writer’s block, this goblin, this bogeyperson who always seems to be lurking in the doorway waiting to keep us from walking through.
-
A House in the Woods 2: The Devil’s Due, Audio Edition (Chapters 13-15)
Today’s episode continues ‘A House in the Woods 2: The Devil’s Due.’ This story was inspired by an old house along the road where we live. It’s since been torn down—too many ghosts hanging around, possibly—but every time we walked by it when it was empty I kept imagining something evil behind the old faded door. It helped that we live in the woods, providing a read-made title. We called it the spooky house. It soon became the center of two books: A House in the Woods, and A House in Woods 2.
Now you can enjoy the entire audiobook purchased directly from me! You’ll receive both a single MP3 file with the full book, and a zip file with individual chapters. Click here to see it on my PayHip storefront.
A House in the Woods 2 picks up where A House in the Woods left off. Laurel Calloway is still in the mysterious town of Strickland, New Jersey, where nothing is as it appears to be. Two years have gone by, and they’ve been good to the Calloways. Laurel and her husband Jeremy have a new house, and a new family with baby Isabel about to celebrate her first birthday. Everything seems perfect, until Laurel begins to have dreams. Bad dreams. Something tells her these dreams could really be memories. But of what? Of whom, and of when?
Did she really run over a woman in the road at night? Had they once had a dog? Why are these things trying so hard to surface, swimming slowly up from her subconscious? The more she begins to tell the people around her about these dreams, the more convinced she is that they’re part of it, and that these nightmares aren’t really dreams at all. Page after page, the pace escalates as Laurel begins to learn the truth and plot her escape. But will she succeed? The Devil is in the details. Narration provided by Wondervox.
-
Act 2 Books Hosting Scary Story Fest September 13 – Look for Me Among the Tombstones!
I’ve attended Act 2 Books‘ Flemington Book Festival twice in the past few years, and this year they’re offering something special: Scary Story Fest, for authors in the horror and supernatural genres. I’ve written a few books myself under the name M.A. McNease (it’s my initials, not really a pen name), and I’ll have a booth among the tombstones. I’ll also be able to promote my writing workshops, as well as the audiobooks for A House in the Woods, narrated by Daniela Acetelli, and A House in the Woods 2: The Devil’s Due, narrated by my own Wondervox
It’s been a nice boost, too, for finishing Spellbound, the second book in my duology that began with I, Warlock: The Warlock Wars Book 1.
It’s my favorte time of year, in one of my favorite locations, offering books in my favorite genres (after mysteries, of course). Hope to see you there!
-
Happy Anniversary in Song! August 22, 12 Years in Paradise for Mark and Frank
Yes, we’ve been married for 12 years! We’ve been together for almost 19. This is for my husband Frank, all the memories, and the adventures yet to come. – Mark
-
A House in the Woods 2: The Devil’s Due, Audio Edition (Chapters 10-12)
Today’s episode continues ‘A House in the Woods 2: The Devil’s Due.’ This story was inspired by an old house along the road where we live. It’s since been torn down—too many ghosts hanging around, possibly—but every time we walked by it when it was empty I kept imagining something evil behind the old faded door. It helped that we live in the woods, providing a read-made title. We called it the spooky house. It soon became the center of two books: A House in the Woods, and A House in Woods 2.
A House in the Woods 2 picks up where A House in the Woods left off. Laurel Calloway is still in the mysterious town of Strickland, New Jersey, where nothing is as it appears to be. Two years have gone by, and they’ve been good to the Calloways. Laurel and her husband Jeremy have a new house, and a new family with baby Isabel about to celebrate her first birthday. Everything seems perfect, until Laurel begins to have dreams. Bad dreams. Something tells her these dreams could really be memories. But of what? Of whom, and of when?
Did she really run over a woman in the road at night? Had they once had a dog? Why are these things trying so hard to surface, swimming slowly up from her subconscious? The more she begins to tell the people around her about these dreams, the more convinced she is that they’re part of it, and that these nightmares aren’t really dreams at all. Page after page, the pace escalates as Laurel begins to learn the truth and plot her escape. But will she succeed? The Devil is in the details. Narration provided by Wondervox.
-
The Twist Podcast #302: P-town Bound, Rick Reunites with Bev, and Emma Visits Mr. Rogers Neighborhood
Join co-hosts Mark McNease and Rick Rose in this pre-Provincetown vacation podcast. Rick fills us in on some hot new Rice Krispy treats, chats with Bev about their game show past, and joins Emma for her review of the Mr. Rogers documentary.
SURVEY RESUKLTS
Imagine yourself doing something else at the moment. What would it be?
Walking along a country road or hiking path. 44 percent
Taking a nap. ZERO –
Reading a favorite book or watching a favorite show. 20 percent
Eating a favorite meal or snack. 6 percent
Something else entirely. What would it be? 22 percentSOMETHING ELSE / OTHER:
Traveling somewhere new and exciting.
If time travel is permitted: An afternoon of sex at the age of 32!
Writing.Grocery shopping!
Relaxing by the Italian seaside with a handsome Italian man. -
NEW! Audiobook for ‘A House in the Woods 2: The Devil’s Due’ Now Available Directly!
LISTEN TO THE PREVIEW!
I’ll be distributing this through INAudio to Spotify and other select retailers, but I’ve also made it available directly from me for half the cost! Just click here for the product page on my PayHip storefront and check it out. There’s even a free preview you can listen to (or just listen to it with the audio above). This is exciting, and it’s only $8.95 from me. Fasten your headphones!
-
A House in the Woods 2: The Devil’s Due (Chapters 7 – 9)
CHAPTERS 7 – 9
Welcome to the episodic audio edition of A House in the Woods 2: The Devil’s Due. Fasten your headphones and enjoy one new chapter each week. You can find all the episodes here.
A House in the Woods 2: The Devil’s Due picks up where A House in the Woods left off. Laurel Calloway is still in the mysterious town of Strickland, New Jersey, where nothing is as it appears to be. Two years have gone by, and they’ve been good to the Calloways. Laurel and her husband Jeremy have a new house, and a new family with baby Isabel about to celebrate her first birthday. Everything seems perfect, until Laurel begins to have dreams. Bad dreams. Something tells her these dreams could really be memories. But of what? Of whom, and of when?
Did she really run over a woman in the road at night? Had they once had a dog? Why are these things trying so hard to surface, swimming slowly up from her subconscious? The more she begins to tell the people around her about these dreams, the more convinced she is that they’re part of it, and that these nightmares aren’t really dreams at all. Page after page, the pace escalates as Laurel begins to learn the truth and plot her escape. But will she succeed? The Devil is in the details.
-
The Twist Podcast #301: Ice Cream Clones, Jaws at 50, More Fan Photos, and Rick Catches Up with Q Brown
Join co-hosts Mark McNease and Rick Rose as practice our survival skills, enjoy the dulcet tones of Mark’s cloned voice, hear Emma’s take on ‘Jaws at 50,’ and catch up with Q Brown in an exclusive Rick Rose chat.
-
This Week’s Survey: What Would You Rather Be Doing Right Now?
Imagine yourself doing something else at the moment. What would it be?
Walking along a country road or hiking path.
Taking a nap.
Reading a favorite book or watching a favorite show.
Eating a favorite meal or snack.
Something else entirely. What would it be? -
Mark McNease Mysteries Podcast #73: A House in the Woods 2: The Devil’s Due (Chapters 4-6)
Today’s episode continues ‘A House in the Woods 2: The Devil’s Due.’ This story was inspired by an old house along the road where we live. It’s since been torn down—too many ghosts hanging around, possibly—but every time we walked by it when it was empty I kept imagining something evil behind the old faded door. It helped that we live in the woods, providing a read-made title. We called it the spooky house. It soon became the center of two books: A House in the Woods, and A House in Woods 2.
A House in the Woods 2 picks up where A House in the Woods left off. Laurel Calloway is still in the mysterious town of Strickland, New Jersey, where nothing is as it appears to be. Two years have gone by, and they’ve been good to the Calloways. Laurel and her husband Jeremy have a new house, and a new family with baby Isabel about to celebrate her first birthday. Everything seems perfect, until Laurel begins to have dreams. Bad dreams. Something tells her these dreams could really be memories. But of what? Of whom, and of when?
Did she really run over a woman in the road at night? Had they once had a dog? Why are these things trying so hard to surface, swimming slowly up from her subconscious? The more she begins to tell the people around her about these dreams, the more convinced she is that they’re part of it, and that these nightmares aren’t really dreams at all. Page after page, the pace escalates as Laurel begins to learn the truth and plot her escape. But will she succeed? The Devil is in the details.
-
One Thing or Another Column: That Relaxed Fit Time of Life
Narration provided by Wondervox
By Mark McNease
I never did buy the bicycle I mention in this, and it’s just as well. I’m sure it would have gathered dust in the garage. I walk as often as the mood hits me, but I haven’t glided down the road on a two-wheeler in a decade or so. I’m still in a relaxed-fit stage of life, perhaps more so five years later, and it feels increasingly as if I’m exactly where I ought to be.It hit me recently when I was out looking for a new bicycle. I told the young man working at the store that I was mostly concerned with comfort. I’m not trying out for the Tour de France, and I don’t imagine myself riding in that event, unlike many of the people I see zipping around the New Jersey countryside with brand names on their backs and Spandex hugging them more tightly than a human ought to be hugged. I’m just a guy who lives in the woods and wants to get my heart rate up a few times a week by circling the back roads of my rural community.
-
A House in the Woods 2: The Devil’s Due – Chapter 6 (Audio)
CHAPTER 6
Welcome to the episodic audio edition of A House in the Woods 2: The Devil’s Due. Fasten your headphones and enjoy one new chapter each week. You can find all the episodes here.
A House in the Woods 2: The Devil’s Due picks up where A House in the Woods left off. Laurel Calloway is still in the mysterious town of Strickland, New Jersey, where nothing is as it appears to be. Two years have gone by, and they’ve been good to the Calloways. Laurel and her husband Jeremy have a new house, and a new family with baby Isabel about to celebrate her first birthday. Everything seems perfect, until Laurel begins to have dreams. Bad dreams. Something tells her these dreams could really be memories. But of what? Of whom, and of when?
Did she really run over a woman in the road at night? Had they once had a dog? Why are these things trying so hard to surface, swimming slowly up from her subconscious? The more she begins to tell the people around her about these dreams, the more convinced she is that they’re part of it, and that these nightmares aren’t really dreams at all. Page after page, the pace escalates as Laurel begins to learn the truth and plot her escape. But will she succeed? The Devil is in the details.