It’s Squatter’s Rights Wednesday again, and you know what that means! Well, first, it means the obligatory photo of Denny Basenji. But right after that, it means that I’m going to take the Red Pen of Wrath to a topic, and today’s topic is medicine. Specifically, medicine in fiction. Why? Because I’m tired of being …
Tag: writing tips
Aug 02 2017
From Margin to Mainstream: Why Erotica Matters
It’s Wednesday, which is on its way to being officially renamed in the U.S. calendar of holidays as “Cait Reynolds Blogs for Kristen Lamb” Day. Denny Basenji, however, thinks it should be renamed “Curly Tail Problems” Day. Announcing that you write erotic romances is certainly a conversation starter. Or stopper. Depending on your audience. Explaining …
Jul 28 2017
How to Unlock Raw Power & Write Stories Readers Love
Monday we brushed the surface of speculative fiction and why it can be such a powerful and world-changing genre when executed well. In my opinion (based on years of experience with new manuscripts) this genre shares a lot of the same pitfalls as literary/character-driven novels. If we aren’t careful, world-building—while vital—can take over and obscure …
Jul 26 2017
Once Upon a Plot: Retelling Myths and Fairytales
OhmygoshitisWednesdayandthatmeansitistimeforMEEEEE!!!!! In other words, it’s Squatter’s Rights Wednesday with me, Cait Reynolds. Today, I’m going to talk about the fact that there is nothing new under the sun. And, by that, I mean that every variation of story has been told before. Every culture from every time period has its version of Cinderella, its Aladdin …
Jul 24 2017
Science Fiction, Horror & More—Why Speculative Fiction Matters
On Friday, we explored how shame is the beating heart of great fiction, how probing the shadow sides of human nature is what can separate the mundane from the magnificent. All fiction has its place. Some fiction is purely fun and escape and the world needs more fun and feel good. Certain books are simply a …










