Pernell Rogers – Writer

Archive for May 5th, 2021

Hi again. First, I want to thank everyone that gave my website and blog positive comments. I should post more, but I find myself either writing or resting. The reason for resting is to get out of my character’s heads.

Most of my characters are ordinary but are placed in extraordinary situations. If I stay in their heads too long, they may drive me crazy! Now, I see why Stephen King has books and movies about writers where their stories come back to haunt them (think of Misery, The Dark Half, and Secret Window).

I also posted a question long ago under the “Where My Stories Come From” tab. The question refers to a story in the book “It Happens When You’re Alone”, and I asked if anyone can figure out what my fear is.

The Big Reveal is that my fear is in the short story “The Choctaw Elder.” Specifically, it’s the shower scene. I have a closet shower with frosted glass. From inside, you can see if anyone passes in front of it, but you can’t tell who it is. I must admit, that ever since I wrote that story, that fear has retreated. See, writing supernatural horror is therapeutic!

Take care!

Hello all. I hope everyone is still staying safe, even if vaccinated. It looks like, at the moment, I have 8 stories for my new collection, which may be enough, but I’m not sure. A total of +54000 words. Not bad, but I have some major concerns.

One flash fiction story I’m using is not even 500 words, but I dare not change it because I love the shocking ending. I’m fine with that. However, 2 stories are only +1700 words, 1 story is only +4800, and 2 stories are only +6000 words. They’re crazy short.

My two favorites are +13000 and +19000 word stories. They are well-developed. What I want to do is expand those shorter stories, and that’s what I’m finding difficult. To do so, I’m may have to introduce more information that takes away from the original story.

Earlier this year, the stories were flowing from my head (those two longer stories) like a rushing river. Now the river is damned. It’s not the first time, but it is frustrating. I’m looking at one of the +1700 words stories now. It starts off with action and continues with action to the end. I don’t want to add anything that slows the pace down, but I’ve been working on characterization. I’m not sure if adding will slow the pace.

Whoa! I just had an epiphany! There is a single sentence in the short story that affects the protagonist’s life and motivates him to do something drastic. That single sentence has a lot of action, and I can expand on it. It’s a flashback, but it explains why the protagonist is motivated to do what he’s currently doing.

I guess I just needed to put my thoughts down. I have a feeling that I’ll begin adding posts to my website as I run into walls as well as I succeed. Writing is hard. It really is, but I love it so, so much. Pulling these twisted stories from my warped mind actually keeps me happy and totally relaxed.

Everyone take care!