Yesterday my latest story, 'Rock-a-Bye Baby', was published on Alfie Dog Fiction. It has been described as a happy ghost story. Sounds strange? It would have done to me I hadn't had a helping hand from another writer.
When some writing friends suggested writing a ghost story for Hallowe'en, it presented me with a real challenge. It was a new genre for me - I loved reading ghost stories but hadn't written any. Not one to shy away from something new, I wanted to have a go and bought Kathleen McGurl's 'Ghost Stories and How to Write Them'. It was just what I needed!
As well as the hints and tips about how to write a ghost story, the book is illustrated with examples of Kath's own ghost stories that have been published. It's very readable and I learned such a lot from her.
Did you know that ghost stories fall into three types?
- Type 1 where the 'ghost' is the character with the problem
-Type 2 where a ghostly presence helps a main character
-Type 3 where something happens that may be have an alternative rational explanation.
I don't want to elaborate; it's far better that you read all the details for yourself in Kath's book. (A link to her Womagwriter's Blog is found at the right of this page.)
If you'd like to download and read 'Rock-a-Bye Baby', you can decide whether it's a Type 1, 2 or 3 story.
What ''How To....' book has been a helping hand for you? Please comment and share with us.
Thank you Jan for this lovely post! I am glad my book helped you - congratulations on that success with Alfie Dog. There aren't many markets for ghost stories but if you can get the right tone you can do well with them (try Take A Break).
ReplyDeleteThank you, Kath. I'll try to write a few more and give TAB a try.
DeleteJust tested the link in today's post - I'd added '/new' to try to get straight to the new stories page but it seems to take you to a 2012 post! Sorry - new blogger. It may be better to click on the link on the right and then click on 'New Stories' at the top of the page
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on the publication! I think this is the direct link - http://alfiedog.com/products-page/jan-baynham/rock-a-bye-baby-jan-baynham-2600-words-ghost/
ReplyDeleteI found Stephen King's On Writing helpful.
Thanks, Patsy. Very modest by your standards - another two stories this week and over eighty now on Alfie Dog! Excellent. Thank you for the direct link too.
DeleteAnother writing friend mentioned Stephen King's book this week too so will order it today. :-)
Just ordered 'On Writing', Patsy. It will be with me tomorrow. It looks great!
DeleteYes, On Writing is superb. Part memoir, part How-To, and full of good advice, though when he says 'never use adverbs', take that with a pinch of salt - I explain why in my other book!
DeleteHave been known to drop in an adverb or two. ;-)
DeleteWill have to get your other book too.
Stephen King's 'On Writing' has arrived! No more posts on here, Twitter or FB for the rest of the day for me.
ReplyDeleteWell done! I really enjoyed Kath's book too and can also recommend Della Galton's How to Write and Sell Short Stories, if you haven't read it already.
ReplyDeleteYes, that was one of the first books I bought, Alice. It's very good too isn't it?
Delete