The precise difference between story and plot changes depending on your source. A friend of mine once said that story contains all the meaning—theme, character, the DNA of a work’s soul. Plot, he claimed, is just the roadmap. I didn’t argue. I like maps. I'm a plothead. The idea that one bad decision could destroy… Continue reading Story vs Plot
Since I started my blog, I've posted about the cover after every publication. This is the latest version. At the very end, I'll tell you what might be coming next. If you've read my cover posts of the past, feel free to skip to the end. My first novel was Goodnight Irene (2018). It was… Continue reading Covers and Plans
I'm satisfied with the cover. I could fret over it longer, but it does what I wanted and it pleases my eye. Of course, if Matt had been able to continue on the project, it would have turned out better. This was an early bit of work he did. But then, he is an artist.… Continue reading The final step
One of the best things about writing a short story collection is that the process naturally lends itself to editing. Let me explain. Many writers finish a draft, set it aside, and move on to something else. When they return to it a month (or more) later, they come back with fresh eyes. They can… Continue reading May 21 update
The last story of It's About Impossible Crime (2025) is coming along and I'm making notes for the final edits on the other four. I like this short story process, i.e. writing a story and then putting it aside to work on another one. It's good to step away and return with fresh eyes. There's… Continue reading Early cover thoughts
James Scott Byrnside 