Michael Knost

The Inner Journey online class

2012-01-12T16:44:00.000-08:00

I am going to offer a new online writing class next Thursday (January 19, 2012) at 9:00pm.

Here are the details:

The Inner Journey

After the Creating Character Emotions class I had some questions regarding the INNER CONFLICT or INNER JOURNEY by two students. They asked if I would do an online class on this subject.

We have all heard about the INNER CONFLICT, the INTERNAL STORY, the INNER JOURNEY. But, few writers understand the power involved. Especially when paralleled with the EXTERNAL CONFLICT, PLOT, or OUTTER JOURNEY. What is this INNER JOURNEY and how does it work? More important, how does it breathe life into the OUTTER JOURNEY?

In my opinion, this is where the rubber meets the road in fiction. It is a big part of every great story I have ever read.

Class is $30.00 and it is recorded for you to re-watch anytime you want.

Use the following link to pay via PayPal or credit/debit card:

https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=NCACDFL45YVAJ

I hope to see you there!

Thanks again!
Michael Knost

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New anthology guidelines: Dark Trails

2011-11-29T21:01:00.000-08:00

Title: Dark Trails

Publisher: (To be determined)

Editor: Michael Knost

Published date: 2013

Format: (To be determined)

Payment: Pro rate, plus percentage of shared royalties.

No reprints and no trunk stories

Story length: Up to 7,500 words.

No multiple or simultaneous subs

Deadline: Friday, June 1, 2012 (Do not inquire on story status until after September 1, 2012)

Mail submissions, queries, or questions to:

Michael Knost
Dark Trails Anthology
PO Box 12
Logan, WV 25601

NO EMAIL SUBMISSIONS ACCEPTED.

Stories should be set as a weird western or dark western. Regardless of your use of “weird” or “dark" in the story, the main focus must be with the fact that is it a western FIRST.

I AM NOT INTERESTED IN MODERN WESTERNS.

Format your manuscript according to: http://www.shunn.net/format/story.html

Be sure to include your name, address, and email on the manuscript. If this information is not on the manuscript, I will reject it without reading.

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Mike's Knives

2011-11-25T06:57:00.000-08:00

It’s sad to hear the stories circulating today regarding shoppers and retailers on this Black Friday. It’s disgusting what vile things some will do to get the best deals in order to celebrate the season of love.

My father and I did not have a close relationship when I was growing up. That doesn't mean that we didn't love each another, because we did. However, we were both so busy with our personal lives that we hardly ever had time to spend time together—we were both at fault for this, by no means am I blaming my father.

While driving home from a visit with my parents a few years ago, my wife and I discussed how my relationship with my father had grown significantly in the past couple of years. During that drive, I also shared the story of the wooden box that Dad had built for my collectable knives. Expressing my feelings of its loss, I mentioned that I would give anything to have it in my possession today.

It was a simple crude container about the size of a shoebox with a lid that closed with two brass hinges—it also had a padlock hinge as well as lock to make sure no one else could get into it. On the very top of the lid my father had painted, "Mike's Knives" in a fancy black font. I gave my wife detailed information of all the secret things I kept in the box, and expressed my remorse for not taking better care of things as a child.

That Christmas we visited my parents to eat, open presents, and of course spend quality time—a precious commodity these days. After the meal, the presents were opened and we all sat on the carpeted floor with wrapping paper, ribbons, and bows torn and strewn throughout the entire living room. Finally, after all were opened, my mother (the official gift-passer-outer) handed me a large green gift bag with fancy paper stuffed in the top in order to conceal its contents. Noticing the look of anticipation on each face, I knew this was no typical gift.

I removed the paper from the top and at the bottom of the bag was a crude wooden shape—about the size of a shoebox. Even though I did not see the words Mike's Knives, I knew exactly what it was, and could no longer contain my emotions. As I struggled to remove the box from the bag, tears began to well in my eyes. Finally getting it out, I noticed it was made of new wood with shiny new brass hinges, and that it was locked with a small padlock.

My father handed me a key, and after unlocking as well as opening the lid, the words Mike's Knives were revealed from its underside. I was so emotionally overwhelmed, that I finally placed the box on the floor and embraced my father who was in tears as well. For the longest time neither of us could talk, but we each knew what this meant to the other. I think it was as much a present to him as it was to me. Not to be left out, also in tears, my wife and mother were embracing each other as well. Eventually, we all took turns hugging and thanking one another.

Later that evening my wife explained how she and my mother were talking one day about what to get me for Christmas. Recalling the story of the knife box, my wife shared this information with my mother and father, who decided to build the replica. She also explained my father had constructed the box while he was very sick and should not have been doing the things he was doing in order to get it done. It is without a doubt, the very best Christmas present I have ever received.

As I look at the box today I'm reminded of the love of a father who would do everything in his power to see the relationship with his son grow and become the best that it could possibly be. I'm reminded of the valuable time that was invested into rebuilding a gift that held such significance to me, and that he cared enough to make it as special for me as possible.

With that said, I think we have named today appropriately: BLACK FRIDAY. It’s a dark day in the scope of human development. We've lost the spirit of what Christmas is supposed to be about...it's not about giving gifts, it's about giving something of ourselves to the people we love. It's about refocusing on those who matter most in our lives. And we don't do that by buying the first thing we see for the first person on our list.

Made of common wood, nails, felt, paint, and a few shiny hinges, that crude little knife box means more to me than any gift that could be purchased on Black Friday.

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Manuscript critiques

2011-11-10T22:43:00.000-08:00

I am getting a bunch of requests to critique manuscripts...

I normally turn down these requests because I am usually too busy. However, I have knocked a few things off my to-do list and have some free time if anyone is interested.

I charge $50.00 to critique a short story up to 5,000 words...I am flexible with the word count.

If interested, drop a line: michaelknost@yahoo.com

Thanks again!
Michael Knost

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SINGLE CLASS - Ten Plot Points to Give Your Plots A Point

2011-10-09T18:45:00.000-07:00

This is a class I have always wanted to teach, and I have finally decided to do it. These plot problems are becoming more prevalent as I have seen more and more the past few years and thought I would do a single class to address the issues so many writers are (unwittingly) getting rejection letters over.

Single class $30.00

9:00 PM EST. Thursday, October 13, 2011

To keep the class manageable, I will only take the first 20 sign-ups. (ONLY NINE LEFT OPEN)

PayPal at mikecollinsemail@yahoo.com

Thanks again!
Michael Knost

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LEVEL THREE ONLINE WRITING COURSE

2011-09-08T23:06:00.000-07:00

We are going to kick off the LEVEL III Online Writing Course Thursday, September 15, 2011

LEVEL THREE ONLINE WRITING COURSE

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2011 @ 9:00 PM EST
PACING

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2011 @ 9:00 PM EST
MOOD & TONE

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2011 @ 9:00 PM EST
BOOK PROPOSAL

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2011 @ 9:00 PM EST
MARKETING

The course is $120.00, which includes all four classes.

Pay with Credit Cards, Debit Cards, or PalPal below:

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MY THOUGHTS: CONAN THE BARBARIAN

2011-08-24T07:41:00.000-07:00

Worse movie I have seen this year.

The storytelling is pathetic. This is the part that infuriates me to no end. The storytelling should be the strongest aspect of any Conan movie. Robert E. Howard has left a legacy of Conan stories to adapt or collage for an on-screen effort. The writing is as bad as I have ever seen for a major motion picture.

The directing and editing is on an amateur level. I’m not even going to waste my time with dozens of examples I could cite for this.

The acting is atrocious—from top to bottom. The performances never gave me an opportunity to suspend disbelief, as I always felt I was watching actors, not characters. Atrocious.

Hollywood was attempting to make a movie about a well-rounded barbarian character (which is what Conan is) without giving us a well-rounded barbarian character. Instead, Hollywood tried to make a sexy barbarian character with more hair product than my wife uses outside of the Hyborian Age.

Jason Momoa looks like a teenage (or just out of his teenage years) Conan in this movie. It’s as though this is the beginning tales of the Cimmerian before he becomes a bigger, stronger character that I read and loved my entire life. I mean bigger and stronger in two ways: as a character (internally) as well as physically (externally). Now, don’t get me wrong, I was not a fan of the Schwartzenegger portrayals, nor was I a fan of his physical size for the part.

The effects—other than most of the CGI monsters—were laughable. Some of the characters had snow white, perfectly straight teeth. I mean teeth that were such obvious modern veneers that is was as distracting as if they were wearing Rolex watches. But, then other characters—the catapulted Remo, for instance—had obvious (decay appearing) dentures that nearly fell out of his mouth when he spoke. I thought (at one point) it was part of the story, watching for wooden dentures to fall out of his mouth for some other pointless reason.

The blood spray, spatter, and splatter effects are unnatural with goops and gobs, and look as though they were made from corn syrup and food coloring. When the child Conan drives a stake into one enemy’s foot, it looks as though the victim has a balloon filled with a half-gallon of red Kool-Aid for a foot when the watered down red stuff sloshes from the wound.

In my opinion this movie lacks heart. It lacks myth. It lacks character.

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New anthology guidelines: The Mothman Chronicles

2011-08-21T21:20:00.000-07:00

Title: The Mothman Chronicles

Publisher: Woodland Press

Editor: Michael Knost

Format: Trade Paperback

DO NOT SUBMIT STORIES REJECTED FROM THE MOTHMAN FILES ANTHOLOGY.

Payment: five-cents per word (upon publication) plus contributor copy.

No reprints and no trunk stories

Story length: Up to 4000 words

No multiple or simultaneous subs

Deadline: Sunday, July 1, 2012 (Do not inquire on story status until after September 1, 2012)

E-mail submissions to: themothmanchronicles at yahoo dot com

We will accept .doc attachments only.

I am looking for fictional mothman stories. The setting is not limited to West Virginia or any other regional area known as mothman territory.

Think of a story or angle you are sure no other writer will come up with and pursue it.

I want tales that grab me early…and hold me to the end. I want stories that are stories: Character + Want + Obstacle + Action = Resolution. I want story arc. I want character arc. I want powerful and emotional tales that are creepy, chilling, disturbing, and moody.

Although stories will mainly target an adult/young adult audience, I DO NOT want stories containing language or content unsuitable for children.

Formatting your manuscript:

Double-space.
Use Times New Roman (12pt).
Italicize what you want italicized.
Single space after sentence-ending punctuation.

Be sure to include your name, address, and email on the manuscript. If this information is not on the manuscript, I will reject it without reading.

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PRE-ORDER WRITERS WORKSHOP AT HOME DVD (VIEWPOINT) AND GET $10.00 OFF THE RETAIL PRICE (which will make it $19.95 + SHIPPING AND HANDLING)!

2011-08-10T19:24:00.000-07:00

My first instructional DVD will be out October 1, 2011. Writers Workshop at Home will be a series of lessons available on DVD with many features. This disc will focus on VIEWPOINT. Having never taught this particular lesson on Viewpoint, I decided to put this together and make it available on DVD.

We recorded this seminar at the Savas-Kostas Theater of Southern West Virginia Community & Technical College in Logan, West Virginia. A beautiful facility with a great audience.

This is no ordinary seminar. You will be entertained with songs, skits, and live energy beaming through your screen!

A fun, entertaining way to understand the basics of Viewpoint, and some great tips to learn how to master the finesse aspects that many veteran writers struggle with.

The DVD will cost $29.95 plus $10.00 shipping & Handling and will begin shipping October 1, 2011.

BUT IF YOU PRE-PRDER BEFORE SEPTEMBER 1ST, YOU WILL GET IT FOR JUST $19.95 PLUS $10.00 SHIPPING AND HANDLING!

Use the PayPal button below to order with CREDIT CARD, DEBIT CARD, or PAYPAL:REMEMBER, ALL ORDERS SHIP OCTOBER 1, 2011.

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LEVEL TWO ONLINE WRITING COURSE

2011-07-28T20:06:00.000-07:00

For those interested in the second level online writing course, here is the schedule:

LEVEL TWO ONLINE WRITING COURSE

THURSDAY, AUGUST 11, 2011 @ 9:00 PM EST
FORESHADOWING

THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2011 @ 9:00 PM EST
SUSPENSE & TENSION

THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2011 @ 9:00 PM EST
FLASHBACKS & BACKSTORY

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2011 @ 9:00 PM EST
REVISION & SELF EDITING

The course is $120.00, which includes all four classes.

Pay with Credit Cards, Debit Cards, or PalPal below:

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New Submission Guidelines: Redneck Zombies from Outer Space

2011-07-10T14:26:00.000-07:00

Title: Redneck Zombies from Outer Space

Edited by Michael Knost and Jonathan Maberry

Submission period ends: December 31, 2011

Please do not check on status until after March 31, 2012

Publisher: Woodland Press

Publishing Date: Fall 2012

Word count: Up to 2500 words

Payment: Five-cents per word

Send submissions as an RTF attachment to: redneckzombiesfromouterspace@yahoo.com

Come up with a story that would fit the anthology title: Redneck Zombies from
Outer Space. Don't just take the obvious idea and run with it, come up with a
story you are pretty sure no one else will submit. Keep in mind that stories
should include a strong plot, well fleshed out characters (no pun intended), and
humor.

Stories DO NOT have to include zombies or rednecks for that matter.

This is intended to be a fun read, not bust-a-gut humor with every sentence. The
plot should not be a setup for a joke at the end. The ideal story will be a
good, solid one that has that classic B-movie genre feel to it…with humor
sprinkled in.

Again, you won't necessarily need a zombie in your tale, or rednecks for that matter,
but you will need to keep the theme of classic B-Movie science fiction/Horror in
mind.

Also, please title your story as a B-Movie (Science Fiction or Horror) classic.
i.e.: "I Married a Zombie from Outer Space."

Please keep the story clean of profanity and/or adult content.

No reprints or simultaneous submissions.

Please make sure your name, address, phone number, and email is listed on the
first page of the manuscript.

As for formatting, make sure to double-space lines, add italics where you want
italics, included only one space after a period.

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ONE NIGHT ONLINE WRITING CLASS: SUBTHEME

2011-07-09T22:45:00.000-07:00

I had a couple of folks asking if I would offer a class on the use of subthemes in fiction writing, and thought I would give you an opportunity to join the online class, too.

Since I have stepped back from conducting new four-week courses, I am still teaching courses and classes everywhere it seems, so I thought I would make this ONE NIGHT CLASS available to everyone.

So, if you are interested, here are the details:

SUBTHEME
Tuesday, July 19, 2011 at 9:00 PM EST.
Cost: $35.00
PayPal payment to: mikecollinsemail@yahoo.com

I hope to see you there!

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WORKSHOP REBOOT - LEVEL ONE ONLINE WRITING COURSE

2011-06-30T07:15:00.000-07:00

I have decided to step back from teaching new courses for a while, but I have also decided to reboot the entire online writing courses starting with the LEVEL ONE course. So, this means those who wanted to start from the beginning and go through all the courses from beginning to end, can now do so.

LEVEL ONE ONLINE WRITING COURSE

THURSDAY, JULY 7, 2011 @ 9:00 PM EST
PLOT & STRUCTURE

THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2011 @ 9:00 PM EST
DESCRIPTION & DETAIL

THURSDAY, JULY 21, 2011 @ 9:00 PM EST
POINT OF VIEW & DIALOGUE

THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2011 @ 9:00 PM EST
CREATING GREAT CHARACTERS

The course is $120.00, which includes all four classes.

Pay with Credit Cards, Debit Cards, or PalPal below:

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NEW ONLINE WRITING COURSE WITH SPECIAL GUESTS (GARY BRAUNBECK & G. CAMERON FULLER)

2011-05-19T23:15:00.000-07:00

Course is limited to the first 15 students who sign up.

Tuesday, May 31, 2011 @ 9:00 PM EST
The Thee Dimensions of Character – Michael Knost

Tuesday, June 7, 2011 @ 9:00 PM EST
How to use Description and Setting to Illustrate
Your Character’s Internal Struggle – Gary Braunbeck

Tuesday, June 14, 2011 @ 9:00 PM EST
Scene & Structure – Michael Knost

Tuesday, June 21, 2011 @ 9:00 PM EST
Revision & Self-Editing – G. Cameron Fuller

GARY A. BRAUNBECK’Swork has garnered 5 Stoker Awards, an International Horror
Guild Award, a Black Quill Award, and 3 Shocklines' "Shocker" awards. He teaches
creative writing at many places, including serving as instructor for the Seton
Hill MFA program on writing popular fiction.

G. CAMERON FULLER is a writer, teacher, and editor, who worked for Writer’s
Digest and a particular column they ran where beginning writers would submit
stories to be edited/critiqued publicly. He also is a well-known writing
instructor with the knack of having the GOLDEN TOUCH.

Course is limited to the first 15 students who sign up.

Cost: $120.00 for all four classes.

PayPal: mikecollinsemail@yahoo.com

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New Online Writing Course with Guest Speaker Tim Waggoner

2011-04-30T20:25:00.000-07:00

We are accepting the first 10 students – first come, first serve.

May 12, 2011 @ 9:00 PM EST
Subtlety in Fiction – Michael Knost

May 19, 2011 @ 9:00 PM EST
Surround Sound in Fiction – Michael Knost

May 26, 2011 @ 9:00 PM EST
Fusing Character with Plot - Tim Waggoner

June 2, 2011 @ 9:00 PM EST
Subplots – Michael Knost

Tim Waggoner is the author of numerous novels, two short story collections, and over one hundred published stories in the Fantasy, Horror, and Thriller genres. He’s written tie-ins for Stargate SG-1 and Nightmare on Elm Street. He currently serves as a professor of English and coordinator of creative activities at Sinclair Community College in Dayton, Ohio. Waggoner also teaches creative writing at Seton Hill University, Pennsylvania, in an innovative low-residency Master of Fine Arts degree program in Writing Popular Fiction.

The course is $120.00, which includes all four classes.

Pay with Credit Cards, Debit Cards, or PayPal below:

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LEVEL ONE ONLINE WRITING COURSE

2011-04-21T21:25:00.000-07:00

I have a few folks asking for the Level One online writing course.

Online classes will be conducted live via audio/video conference with PowerPoint presentations and chat lines. Audio or video capabilities (or special software) are NOT required for participation. However, a computer with Internet connection IS required.

Here are the classes for the course:

Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Plot and Structure.

Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Description and Detail

Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Point of View and Dialogue

Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Creating Great Characters

All classes begin at 9:00 PM EST

The course is $120.00, which includes all four classes.

Pay with Credit Cards, Debit Cards, or PayPal below:

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I need your help, please.

2011-04-12T10:12:00.000-07:00

A 12 year old girl in my area has lost everything in flood waters. She lost her clothes and electronic devices, but what devastated her most was the loss of her books. My friends at the local radio station (WVOW) are putting together a book drive for her. Please consider donating (age appropriate 12-year-old) new or used books.

If you send them to my address, I'll make sure they get to her. This breaks my heart.

Michael Knost
PO Box 12
Logan, WV 25601

Please don't send clothing or money, just books. I am told the little girl is really emotional about losing her books. I can relate. Even as a child my books were very special to me.

You have my permission to repost this in blogs, message boards, or wherever it will reach others that would help.

Thanks you!
Michael Knost

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NEW ONLINE WRITING COURSE WITH JONATHAN MABERRY

2011-03-28T20:34:00.000-07:00

We will accept only the first 15 students that sign up with payment.

Concept, Idea, and Premise – by Michael Knost
Thursday, April 7, 2011 @ 9:00 pm EST

Story Setting – by Michael Knost
Thursday, April 14, 2011 @ 9:00 pm EST

Writing Action and Suspense – by Jonathan Maberry *
Thursday, April 21, 2011 @ 9:00 pm EST

Why Manuscripts Are Rejected – by Michael Knost
Thursday, April 28, 2011 @ 9:00 pm EST

Total cost for course: $120.00

Send PayPal payment to: mikecollinsemail@yahoo.com

Send questions to: michaelknost@yahoo.com

* Jonathan Maberry is the NY Times best-selling & multiple Bram Stoker Award-winning author of PATIENT ZERO, THE WOLFMAN, ZOMBIE CSU and THE DRAGON FACTORY. He also writes for Marvel Comics (DOOMWAR, BLACK PANTHER, WOLVERINE, PUNISHER, etc).

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New Anthology Guidelines

2011-03-26T23:21:00.000-07:00

I will be sending manuscript guidelines via my email newsletter sometime next week for a new anthology. I am really excited about the project as it is something different for me...so, if you are not on my list, better sign up for the newsletter as soon as possible to get the scoop: www.michaelknost.com

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Dying To Write writing conference

2011-03-09T13:39:00.001-08:00

I'm going to be teaching a class called: Developing Monsters . . . Human and Otherwise at the Dying to Write conference at the beautiful Canaan Valley resort. Other speakers will be there, too.

Better get signed up before it sells out: http://dyingtowrite.com/

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Happy Valentine's Day

2011-02-14T11:31:00.000-08:00

For those who missed this post last year, here is the updated version:

This Valentine's Day my wife and I celebrate nineteen wonderful years together . . . we also celebrate the releasing of our nineteenth balloon.

Let me explain, we’d been dating only a few weeks when Valentine's Day was approaching. I bought flowers, candy, and a beautiful card for her . . . she bought a rose and a huge helium-filled balloon for me.

We decided to meet at a local grocery store parking lot before going out to eat. In the parking lot, she handed me the rose and balloon, except I thought the balloon’s string was tied to the rose, and she thought that I had a hold of the string and rose. We both watched helplessly as the balloon rose slowly out of sight. It was at that moment I asked her to "go steady" with me . . . fortunately she said yes.

Every Valentine's Day since, we have made our way to a grocery store parking lot to release a balloon into the sky. With this tradition we have turned a blunder into a celebrated moment.

Since then, we have released balloons from various states, and have been so busy at times we were forced to make a special effort to even continue the tradition. In 1999, balloon number seven was released in the middle of a hectic week of packing as we were moving from one city to another. Balloon number six was the very first to be released outside our native state of West Virginia, and on February 13, 1996, my wife's father passed away after only one week in the hospital . . . the next day we tearfully released balloon number four.

So, what have I learned in eighteen years? Well, I’ve learned that true love is not about flowers, candy, gifts, or even balloons. I’ve learned it’s not about possessions, wealth, youth, or power. I’ve learned that tough times are par for the course, but the course always gets smoother if you just keep playing. I also discovered it’s not always about me.

But more importantly, I’ve learned that true love really comes with no strings attached.

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Michael Knost Writer's Workshop with Manuscript Critique by me & Tom Piccirilli!

2011-02-04T20:11:00.000-08:00

Online classes will be conducted by Michael Knost live via audio/video conference with PowerPoint presentations and chat lines. Audio or video capabilities (or special software) are NOT required for participation. However, a computer with Broadband Internet connection IS required.

Here is the course description:

Tuesday, February 15, 2011 - 9:00 p.m. (EST)
Plot vs. Character - by Michael Knost

Tuesday, February 22, 2011 - 9:00 p.m. (EST)
Creating Character Emotions - by Michael Knost

Tuesday, March 1, 2011 - 9:00 p.m. (EST)
Writing the Action Scene - by Michael Knost

Tuesday, March 8, 2011 - 9:00 p.m. (EST)
Writing the Love Scene - by Michael Knost

Students will turn in a short story manuscript (under 5,000 words) to be critiqued by:
Michael Knost and Tom Piccirilli.

Critiques will be emailed to students after the final class is completed.

Tom Piccirilli is a two-time winner of the International Thriller Writers Award for "Best Paperback Original" (2008, 2010). He is a four-time winner of the Bram Stoker Award. He was also a finalist for the 2009 Edgar Allan Poe Award given by the Mystery Writers of America, a final nominee for the World Fantasy Award, and he won the first Bram Stoker Award given in the category of "Best Poetry Collection".

The total cost will be $150.00, which will include the detailed critiques of your story.

I am accepting only the first 15 students.

Payment must be made in order to secure a slot as I am paying Tom for his critiques.

Sign up via PAYPAL, DEBIT CARD, or CREDIT CARD at:

http://pages.suddenlink.net/michaelknost/class.html

By clicking on the PAY NOW button at the bottom of the screen.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP OR LEARN MORE

One night class: Showing and Telling

2011-01-27T21:46:00.001-08:00

"Show--don't tell."

We hear this as writing advice so often that it's nearly become a cliche. We've been told to write scenes, dramatize, cut exposition, cut summary. The truth is good writing almost always requires both showing and telling. the trick is finding the right balance of scene and summary--the two basic components of creative prose.

The problem is too many writers need to learn a few tricks on SHOWING in the areas needed. I'd like to help.

After receiving several requests to do a class of SHOWING AND TELLING, I have decided to put together something in-depth on the subject.

Here are the details:

Saturday, February 5, 2011 starting at 7:00 p.m. online.

It is a standalone class with a cost of just $20.00.

Use the following PayPal account to sign up:

mikecollinsemail@yahoo.com

Click the SEND MONEY tab.

Fill in the appropriate info.

Click the PERSONAL tab.

Choose OTHER.

Then send it on through.

Sorry if you get this more than once.

Thanks again!
Michael Knost

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New online writing course with guest teacher Gary A. Braunbeck (week three).

2010-12-13T19:59:00.000-08:00

We are accepting ten students for this course...only six slots remain...first come, first serve.

Class One: Choosing the Right Title for Your Story
Tuesday, December 21, 2010 – 9:00 p.m. (Eastern)

Class Two: Motivation
Tuesday, December 28, 2010 – 9:00 p.m. (Eastern)

Class Three: Character & Emotion (guest speaker: Gary Braunbeck)
**Students will turn in a short story (up to 5000 words) for critique.**
Tuesday, January 4, 2011 – 9:00 p.m. (Eastern)

Class Four: Story Critiques
Tuesday, January 11, 2011 – 9:00 p.m. (Eastern)

The cost of the course is $100.00.

To sign up, please send PayPal payment to:

mikecollinsemail@yahoo.com

Remember, when using PayPal, click:

Send money > Personal > Other

Hope to see you there!
Michael Knost

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Book signing in Ashland KY

2010-11-09T20:26:00.000-08:00

I'm going to be signing books at Waldenbooks at Ashland Town Center, on Sat., Nov. 13th, 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.

With me will be Mark Justice, Jason Keene, and Karen Newman. We will be signing a number of horror and suspense-filled book titles, including the Legends of the Mountain State series, Appalachian Winter Hauntings, Specters In Coal Dust, Dark Tales of Terror, and Writers Workshop of Horror.

For additional information, contact Waldenbooks, Ashland Town Center, 500 Winchester Ave., Ashland, KY; (606) 324-0000.

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Sign up for LEVEL ONE Online Writing Course and get a FREE copy of Specters In Coal Dust!

2010-10-28T18:13:00.000-07:00

I’ve had a lot of folks asking for the return of the earlier online writing courses, so I have decided to kick off from the beginning: the Level One online writing course. I will then schedule the subsequent course levels after that.

Online classes will be conducted live via audio/video conference with PowerPoint presentations and chat lines. Audio or video capabilities (or special software) are NOT required for participation. However, a computer with Internet connection IS required.

Here is the LEVEL ONE Online Writing Course

Thursday, November 4, 2010
Plot and structure.

Thursday, November 11, 2010
Description and detail

Thursday, November 18, 2010
Point of View and Dialogue

Thursday, November 25, 2010
Creating great characters

All classes are from: 9:00 to 10:00 p.m. Eastern

The course is $120.00, which includes all four classes. *

To sign up, visit www.MichaelKnost.com.

For questions or confirmations email me at michaelknost@me.com

The first eight people to sign up will receive a free copy of my latest anthology Specters In Coal Dust.

This anthology includes ghost stories set in coal mines from authors such as:

Gary A. Braunbeck
Christopher Golden
Tom Piccirilli
Steve Rasnic Tem
Elizabeth Massie
Lee Thomas
Ronald Kelly
Bev Vincent
William Meikle
Nate Southard
Joshua Reynolds
Barbara Jo Fleming
Michael Bracken
and Brian J. Hatcher.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP!

Extended submission period

2010-10-28T13:11:00.000-07:00

We are extending the submission period for the Appalachian Folklore anthology until we have the stories needed to fill the project. This does not mean that stories already submitted have been rejected, etc. It just means we want more stories to look at.

Title: Appalachian Folklore: Dark Tales of Superstition and Old Wives’ Tales

Publisher: Woodland Press

Editors: Michael Knost and Eugene Johnson

Format: Trade Paperback

Payment: Three-cents per word and one contributor copy.

Story Length: Up to 2500 words

Deadline: When anthology is filled

Please do not query about submissions until November 1, 2010.

Send Submissions to: appalachianfolklore@yahoo.com

Please send attachments (.doc or .rtf) when submitting, please do not copy and paste in the body of the email.

Publication Date: Early 2011

Please take note this is a theme anthology…if your story does not fit the theme, it will not be considered. Therefore, please adhere to the following: Stories should be horror or dark fiction and dealing with a known Appalachian superstition or old wives’ tale. We DO NOT want stories with excessive content or language.

We purchase First English Anthology Rights, non-exclusive audio and e-rights for publication in the English language anywhere in the world.

Manuscript format: Please double-space, use 12-point Times New Roman font, use a slug line in the header (not into the manuscript itself), use bold, italics, underline where desired…format just as you intend the reader to see it. Also don't forget to include your name and contact info in the manuscript.

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Book Trailer for Specters In Coal Dust

2010-10-27T00:04:00.000-07:00

Specters In Coal Dust is a collection of ghost stories set in coal mines.

Click HERE to watch video

Order your copy at www.WoodlandPress.com

FREE local writing classes

2010-10-17T21:22:00.000-07:00

I will be teaching a FREE writing course at three local libraries in Logan County, West Virginia.

Sponsored by Logan County Libraries and the Logan County Commission, the course (known as Level One), which includes four classes each, is free to the public (all ages invited) and is scheduled as:

Buffalo Creek Memorial Library, Man, WV – 304-583-7887

Wednesday, November 3, 2010 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Chapmanville Public Library, Chapmanville, WV – 304-855-3405

Thursday, November 4, 2010 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Logan Public Library, Logan, WV – 304-752-6652

Friday, November 5, 2010 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

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Three new books debuting in Huntington, WV this weekend.

2010-10-05T22:32:00.000-07:00

BARBOURSVILLE, WV - For the first time in the Mountain State, a book publishing company will be unveiling three brand new book titles simultaneously, and multiple Appalachian authors will be on hand to help celebrate their national release. The event will take place at the Huntington Mall Borders, this Saturday afternoon, Oct 9th, from 4:00 - 6:30 p.m.

Borders bookstore planners have announced the upcoming appearance of 2009 Bram Stoker Award-winning editor and writer Michael Knost, along with "a representation of the state's best and brightest writers," including Brian J. Hatcher, Mark Justice, F. Keith Davis, Jason Keene, Ellen Thompson McCloud, Frank Larnerd, S. Clayton Rhodes, G. Cameron Fuller, Karin Fuller and Jessie Grayson.

"We have assembled an impressive group of state and nationally-known writers for one gigantic book release party," said Lill Neace, spokesperson for the Barboursville bookstore. "Three new books will be launched here, and 11 authors will be on hand to meet and greet store visitors."

Knost will be introducing the much-anticipated fourth installment of the Legends of the Mountain State series, as well as his new anthology of ghost tales from the coal mines, entitled, Specters in Coal Dust.

Also, for this event, Brian J. Hatcher, noted Charleston-area magician as well as a speculative fiction writer and editor, will be performing illusions, special effects and sleight-of-hand demonstrations, as he celebrates the launch of his new anthology, Mountain Magic: Spellbinding Tales of Appalachia.

"I think everyone is really exhilarated over this book release party, especially because of the number of respected writers joining us," said Knost. "It's not often that one can meet and greet this many of the preeminent storytellers of West Virginia and Kentucky at one single event."

All three new titles — published by West Virginia independent publisher, Woodland Press — contain a variety of Appalachian-themed stories by exceptional Appalachian and nationally-known writers. Besides the three new releases, the participating authors will also personally autograph copies of other Woodland Press titles, including Legends of the Mountain State volumes 1-3, Appalachian Winter Hauntings, Dark Tales of Terror, The Secret Life and Brutal Death of Mamie Thurman, West Virginia Tough Boys, The Feuding Hatfields & McCoys and Writers Workshop of Horror.

For additional information about the Sat., Oct. 9th event (4:30 - 6:30 p.m.), or to reserve copies in advance, contact Borders, (304) 736-6233, 120 Mall Road, Barboursville, WV 25504.

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New anthology guidelines

2010-08-25T19:38:00.000-07:00

Title: The Mothman Files

Publisher: Woodland Press

Editor: Michael Knost

Format: Trade Paperback

Payment: five-cents per word (upon publication) plus contributor copy.

No reprints

Story length: Up to 3000 words

No multiple or simultaneous subs

Deadline: Friday, July 1, 2011

E-mail submissions to: themothmanfiles at yahoo dot com

We will accept .doc attachments only.

I am looking for fictional mothman stories. The setting is not limited to West
Virginia or any other regional area known as mothman territory.

I want tales with a solid plot and good character development. Stories should
grab the reader's attention quickly and hold it until the end. I want powerful
and emotional tales that are creepy, chilling, disturbing, and moody.

Although stories will mainly target an adult/young adult audience, we DO NOT
want stories containing language or content unsuitable for children.

Formatting your manuscript:

Double-space.
Use Times New Roman (12).
Italicize what you want italicized.
Single space after sentence-ending punctuation.

Be sure to include your name, address, email on manuscript.

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Context Writing Workshop

2010-08-24T19:04:00.000-07:00

If you are attending Context this weekend, I wanted to let you know there are 8 seats remaining in my writing workshop.

From the website:

Level One Writers Workshop

(Saturday, August 28th, 10am-3:30pm)

Bram Stoker Award-winning editor Michael Knost will be leading this intensive workshop, which covers all the basics for new writers. If you are serious about getting published, then this is a good first step in your writing career. This workshop includes sections on Story & Plot, Description, Point of View & Dialogue, and Creating Great Characters.

$90, 5.5 hours.

Come on, I'm bringing Guinness!

CLICK HERE TO SEE ALL WORKSHOPS AT CONTEXT

Specters in Coal Dust

2010-08-15T16:14:00.001-07:00

Hitting stores this October:

CLICK ON THE COVER TO SEE LARGER

The contributors are listed in order of appearance.

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Pre-orders for Legends of the Mountain State 4

2010-08-10T21:52:00.000-07:00

The fourth installment of the extremely popular "Legends of the Mountain State" series (Woodland Press) is here—and it's fantastic! As a matter of fact, Woodland Press is taking pre-orders now and books will ship by Oct. 18th, 2010, the same week as the national release of "Legends of the Mountain State 4" at the West Virginia Book Festival, Oct. 16 - 17th, held at the Charleston Civic Center, Charleston, WV.

CLICK HERE TO PRE-ORDER

Again, Appalachian myths, ghost tales, and folklore provide an eerie backdrop for powerful, dark, and gritty storytelling. Concerning the series, Shroud Magazine has written that myth, legend, and folklore are among the most powerful forms of storytelling, and "Legends of the Mountain State 4” will not disappoint—not one bit. Michael Knost again takes the reins as chief editor and coordinator; and here you’ll discover 13 "creeped-out" chapters—bone-chilling tales and legends to delight the reader. Stories are penned by many of the preeminent writers in the horror industry along with exceptional in-state storytellers. Authors include:

Gary A. Braunbeck
Steve Rasnic Tem
Alethea Kontis
G. Cameron Fuller
Jason Keene
Elizabeth Massie
JG Faherty
Brian J. Hatcher
S. Clayton Rhodes
Lisa Morton
Mark Justice
Lisa Mannetti
Michael Arnzen

CLICK HERE TO PRE-ORDER

I need stories!

2010-07-26T12:46:00.000-07:00

I have about ten good stories for my upcoming Legends of the Mountain State 4
anthology, but need around three more stories in order to send to the publisher.

I have more to read, but am getting ready to send rejections...and I still need
around three stories ASAP. Are you up for it?

If you have something that would fit the guidelines, or are a fast writer, now
is your chance to send me something for this.

The following guidelines should give you all the information you need.

Send me your best!

Thanks,
Michael Knost

-------------------------------
Title: Legends of the Mountain State 4

Publisher: Woodland Press

Editor: Michael Knost

Format: Trade Paperback

Payment: five-cents per word (upon publication) plus contributor copy.

No reprints (and please do not resubmit rejected stories from previous editions)

Story length: Up to 2000 words

No multiple or simultaneous subs

Deadline: Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Send submissions to: LOTMS4@yahoo.com

E-mail submissions only. We will accept .doc attachments only. Do NOT copy and
paste story into the body of your e-mail. Send submissions or inquiries to the
above e-mail address.

I do NOT want stories with legends or ghosts already covered in previous
editions of this series. Reading the other books is a great way to see what I am
buying.

Stories MUST expand a known legend/ghost tale from the state of West Virginia.

You do not need to be a West Virginian to submit, but you will need to keep the
story (and legend/ghost) true to the state. All stories should include real
towns and counties from the Mountain State. Do not tell us the biography of a
legend/ghost—-tell us a story with the legend or ghost at story's center.

We are looking for tales with a solid plot and good character development.
Stories should grab the reader's attention quickly and hold it until the end. We
want powerful and emotional tales that are creepy, chilling, disturbing, and
moody.

***However, we DO NOT want stories containing language or content unsuitable for
children.*

Formatting your manuscript:

Double-space
Use Times New Roman (12)
Italicize what you want italicized
Single space after sentence-ending punctuation.

Be sure to include your name, address, etc.

We purchase First World Anthology Rights for publication in the English language
anywhere in the world.

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Writer's Workshop (Level I course) at Context

2010-07-15T20:23:00.000-07:00

I wanted to let everyone know that I will be teaching my Level I Writer's Workshop at Context this year.

It will be held on Saturday from 10:00 am to 3:30 pm

This course usually costs $120.00, but Context students will pay only $90 for all four classes, which include:

Story & Plot
Description
Point of View & Dialogue
Creating Great Characters.

There are only 12 seats currently available, so sign up now while you still can!

Here's the link for all the writing workshops available:

http://www.contextsf.org/workshop.htm

Book signing in Pikeville, KY

2010-07-14T21:11:00.000-07:00

I will be signing books at BookNotes, a local bookstore in Pikeville, KY. Saturday, July 17, 2010 from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Location: 180 Town Mountain Road, Pikeville, KY 41501

I will be signing the following books:

• Writers Workshop of Horror
• Legends of the Mountain State
• Legends of the Mountain State 2
• Legends of the Mountain State 3
• Appalachian Winter Hauntings
• Dark Tales of Terror

For more information, contact Glenda Hall, BookNotes owner, at (606) 437-1030.

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FREE online class -- manuscript formatting

2010-07-05T15:43:00.000-07:00

After receiving numerous submitted manuscripts that make me want to pull both of my hairs out, I have decided to offer a free online class to anyone wishing to sign up.

The class (approximately one hour in length) will focus on manuscript formatting for fiction stories. You will see examples with a Powerpoint presentation while watching and listening to me via online camera/mic...but please don't let that keep you from signing up.

Date: Friday, July 16, 2010

Time: 9:00 p.m. eastern

I have set the time so as to accommodate folks from both coasts on the U.S.

Attendees DO NOT NEED to have a camera or microphone for class.

The following link is needed to get into the class:

http://www.wiziq.com/online-class/340589-manuscript-formatting

Share this link with anyone you feel would be interested.

See you there!

Writer's Workshop in Huntington, WV

2010-06-20T09:30:00.000-07:00

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. - For those who are serious about becoming a writer,
or improving in the writing craft, the first step may be a
comprehensive writing course to be held Huntington, WV, Saturday, June 26.
International Bram Stoker Award-winning author/editor Michael Knost will be the lead instructor as he offers his LEVEL ONE Writers Workshop Saturday, June 26 from 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., at Mountwest Community & Technical College.

"If you are serious about improving as a storyteller, and if your goal
is to be published, then this one day intensive writing course, which
includes four distinct classes, is the first step toward a successful
writing career," Knost said, explaining that he will be personally
teaching a course that will focus on four writing themes, including:
Plot and Story (9 a.m. – 9:45 a.m.); Description (10 a.m. – 10:45
a.m.); Point of View and Dialogue (11 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.); and Creating
Great Characters (1 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.). Although lunch is not included
in the cost, Knost will host a "free-for-all writing craft discussion"
for all who would like to attend during the lunch hour, from 12-noon
to 1:00 p.m.

Knost's book, Writers Workshop of Horror (Woodland Press), recently
won the Bram Stoker Award in the nonfiction category. The Bram
Stoker Award is hosted by the Horror Writers Association and is
considered the highest honor for authors and editors in the horror and
dark fiction genres.

The tuition for Writers Workshop: Level One, which includes includes
all four classes during the one-day course, is $125.00 For additional
information, or to sign up for the one day class at Mountwest
Community and Technical College, visit http://pages.suddenlink.net/michaelknost/huntington.html, or email michaelknost@yahoo.com.

Mountwest Community & Technical College is located at
3rd Ave. and 18th Street, Huntington, WV (Next to the Cam Henderson
Center). Class size is restricted, so interested individuals are
encouraged to sign-up early.

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The Michael Knost Commandments for Fiction Writing

2010-06-17T22:09:00.000-07:00

1. Thou shalt have something to say.

2. Thou shalt populate thy story with living individuals, not characters.

3. Thou shalt give thy protagonist a want.

4. Thou shalt allow an antagonist to (at least temporarily) keep thy protagonist from
obtaining that want.

5. Thou shalt avoid temptations of clichés, puns, info-dumps, or dream endings.

6. Thou shalt slay adverbs and adjectives with the jawbone of an ass.

7. Thou shalt research everything.

8. Thou shalt ensure thy words perform double and/or triple duties when possible.

9. Thou shalt circumcise excess.

10. Thou shalt never remind the reader she is reading.

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LEVEL V Classes

2010-05-24T19:56:00.000-07:00

I have scheduled the four-week LEVEL V classes to start Monday, May 31, 2010.

PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD

All classes are from: 9:00 to 10:00 p.m. Eastern

Cost: $120.00 for all four classes

Payment (for all classes) must be paid in full no later than May 31, 2010
Nonrefundable on or after May 31, 2010

Accepted payment methods:
PayPal – Money Order – Personal Check

Monday, May 31, 2010
EDITING TIPS FOR THE FINAL DRAFT

Monday, June 7, 2010
MANUSCRIPT FORMATTING

Monday, June 14, 2010
QUERY LETTER & BOOK PROPOSAL

Monday, June 21, 2010
CONTRACTS & NEGOTIATIONS

To sign up, simply drop me an email (writingwithknost@yahoo.com) with
your choice of payment. I will then send you an email with the information needed to make the payment.

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Writer's Workshop in Huntington, WV

2010-05-15T19:49:00.000-07:00

For anyone close enough to Huntington, WV, I am offering a four-class course (my Level One course) live and in person. Better than dead and in person, I guess.

Mountwest Community & Technical College
3rd Ave. and 18th street
Huntington, WV
(Next to the Cam Henderson Center)

Saturday, May 22, 2010
From 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Plot & Story
9:00 a.m. – 9:45 a.m.

Description
10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.

Point of View & Dialogue
11:00 p.m. – 11:45 p.m.

Lunch
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

(lunch is not included in cost, but we will all eat together with a free-for-all writing craft discussion.)

Creating Great Characters
1:00 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.

Cost $125.00 for all four classes

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP OR PAY VIA PAYPAL.

If you have any questions or troubles paying on the website, send me an email at:

michaelknost at me dot com

If you can't make it, please share with your friends.

Thanks,
Michael Knost

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HOW TO BULLETPROOF YOUR MANUSCRIPT

2010-04-23T21:36:00.000-07:00

I wanted to let you know about an online class I'm offering this Thursday night. It will be a nuts and bolts class on "How To Bulletproof Your Manuscript," ensuring editors will take you and your story seriously.

The reason I decided to do this class is due to the number of manuscripts I receive on a daily basis that give the impression the story I am about to read is one written by an amateur.

The class will be very specific, including screenshots using Microsoft Word as the tool, with plenty of tips to do these things faster and easier. This will go much deeper than manuscript formatting...it will go into the mindset of the editor, and why he or she looks at the manuscript the way he or she does.

This is a single class, one night only:

Thursday, April 29, 2010 (9:00 p.m. eastern, U.S.)

Cost: $30.00

PayPal address: mikecollinsemail@yahoo.com

Please remember the following when sending payment via PayPal:

Under the "Purchase" tab, check "Services"
Under the "Personal" tab, check "other"

I hope to see you there.

Michael Knost

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New anthology guidelines

2010-04-18T21:51:00.001-07:00

Submission Guidelines:

Title: Appalachian Folklore: Dark Tales of Superstition and Old Wives’ Tales

Publisher: Woodland Press

Editors: Michael Knost and Eugene Johnson

Format: Trade Paperback

Payment: Three-cents per word and one contributor copy.

Story Length: Up to 2500 words

Deadline: September 1, 2010

Please do not query about submissions until November 1, 2010.

Send Submissions to: appalachianfolklore@yahoo.com

Please send attachments (.doc or .rtf) when submitting, please do not copy and paste in the body of the email.

Publication Date: Late 2010

Please take note this is a theme anthology…if your story does not fit the theme, it will not be considered. Therefore, please adhere to the following: Stories should be horror or dark fiction and dealing with a known Appalachian superstition or old wives’ tale. We DO NOT want stories with excessive content or language.

We purchase First English Anthology Rights, non-exclusive audio and e-rights for publication in the English language anywhere in the world.

Manuscript format: Please double-space, use 12-point Times New Roman font, use a slug line in the header (not into the manuscript itself), use bold, italics, underline where desired…format just as you intend the reader to see it. Also don't forget to include your name and contact info in the manuscript.

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Book Launch Party

2010-04-02T10:27:00.000-07:00

The following is a press release from Woodland Press:

BARBOURSVILLE, W.Va. – A new book launch party and epic booksigning event will take place this weekend at Huntington Mall Borders, on Sat., Apr. 3rd, from 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

The new title, Dark Tales of Terror, includes sixteen bone-chilling short stories by West Virginia storytellers with strong appetites for the macabre—and most of the contributing writers will be on hand for the activities.

According to event planners, this book release party—on the day before Easter—will represent the single largest gathering of Appalachian authors since the West Virginia Book Festival, last October in Charleston.

Scheduled to appear at Huntington Mall Borders will be 2010 Bram Stoker Award-winning editor Michael Knost, along with book contributors G. Cameron Fuller, Karen L. Newman, Brian J. Hatcher, Michael Fitzgerald, Lesley Conner, Karin Fuller, Ellen Thompson McCloud, S. Clayton Rhodes, Robert W. Walker, Ellen Bolt, Jessie Grayson, Miranda Phillips Walker and Jason L. Keene.

“The public is cordially invited to this special event,” said Lill Neace, of Borders. “We’re very excited. The authors will be here greeting the public and signing copies of Dark Tales of Terror.”

Just back home from the 2010 World Horror Convention in Brighton, England, after winning the coveted Stoker Award on Mar. 27th, Knost says that within the pages of the new title lie.... “terrifying ghost tales sure to cause more than a few sleepless nights. It is a gripping anthology—full of Southern-fried horror of the first degree.”

During the scheduled event, Knost will also be signing copies of the award-winning title, Writers Workshop of Horror, as well as his other books, including the popular Legends of the Mountain State series.

Woodland Press, of Chapmanville, WV, published the new anthology. For additional information about the event, call Borders, 120 Huntington Mall, Barboursville, (304) 736-6233, or go online, at woodlandpress.com.

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The Incredible Shrinking Man

2010-03-13T12:36:00.000-08:00

I've had many people asking for updated photos during my weight loss progression. I have been so busy that I have really not had time to accommodate the requests, but I decided to post this today to show what I look like (so far) after losing 70 plus pounds.

To give you a little perspective of what I looked like prior to the weight loss, here's a photo taken during last year's Context:

I still have about 25 more to lose and then convert remaining fat to muscle.

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True Professionals

2010-03-11T08:12:00.000-08:00

I may catch some flack for this post, but I really don’t care. The content needs said, and I am more than willing to say it.

Someone once asked why I invite “big name authors” to contribute to my projects rather than allowing more slots for up-and-comers. I tried to be diplomatic in my answer, hoping not to come across as the jackass I really am (just ask my wife). So, I replied with something that sounded nice, sweet, and non-caloric.

Well, I would like to answer that question a little more openly here.

The reason I like working with “big name authors” is because I know I’ll be working with professionals.

I don’t have to worry about egos, petty crap, or prima donnas crowing endlessly about messing with their art. I know that sounds bass-ackwards, but it’s true. The “problem authors” I’ve had to deal with (or pacify) while working as an anthologist or editor, has primarily been first time or up-and-coming writers.

You see, if I LOVE a professional’s story but ask for changes, I don’t get hostility, resentment, or a flame war, I get the story I want with true professional cooperation. The professional wants to work with the editor or publisher, not fight them. That doesn’t mean a professional will not disagree over certain points, but it means each will work together to produce the strongest piece possible…without the attitude.

Let me say this, too. The problem children—the loudest crowers—are by far less talented than those I call professionals. This is my opinion, but I swear I see it on a consistent basis. And by the way, professionals are not all “big name writers” per se…they are merely professionals. I know and have worked with many professionals that do not have the “big name” tagged on them.

And while I’m at it, let’s talk about submission guidelines.

The true professional stays within the guidelines, straying very little…and when he or she veers slightly from the path, I can see why and usually agree with them.

I edited an anthology with Mark Justice called Appalachian Winter Hauntings where the theme was (plainly stated in the guidelines) Christmas ghost stories set in the Appalachian region of the United States. Our first submission was not only set in Oregon (as far from the Appalachian region as one can possibly get and yet remain in the Continental US), but also had NOTHING to do with Christmas, or any other holiday for that matter.

I have yet to put together a project where I have not had to deal with this in mass quantity, and I don’t understand it. Do the writers think the editor or publisher will forget what he or she is asking for and take anything coming in? Or do they just not read the guidelines?

A friend recently took on his first editing job with a themed anthology and I warned him he would get similar submissions. I don’t think he really believed me, but he recently called me with the news that he’d already experienced this phenomenon…and his submissions are not even officially open yet!

While I’m at it, I’ll also mention that within MINUTES of posting the submission guidelines for Appalachian Winter Hauntings, I received the non-Christmas ghost story set in Oregon. Of course this told me I would be reading a trunk story, and I would not be dealing with a professional.

If you really want to be treated like a professional, then you must write, work, and act like one.

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Specters in Coal Dust submission guidelines

2010-03-08T21:47:00.000-08:00

Tentative title: Specters in Coal Dust

Publisher: Woodland Press

Editor: Michael Knost

Format: Trade Paperback

Payment: five-cents per word (upon publication) plus contributor copy.

No reprints, please

Story length: Up to 3000 words

No multiple or simultaneous subs

Submissions deadline: August 1, 2010

Do NOT query about submission status until September 1, 2010

Send submissions or questions to: spectersandcoaldust@yahoo.com

E-mail submissions only. We will accept .doc or .rtf attachments only. Do NOT copy and paste story into the body of your e-mail. Send submissions or inquiries to the above e-mail address.

Projected publication date: November 1, 2010

We are looking for COALMINE GHOST STORIES SET IN OR AROUND THE APPALACHIAN REGION. Stories need not be based on a known ghost or legend, but that certainly does not mean it can’t be.

We’re looking for emotional tales that are creepy, chilling, disturbing, and moody. However, we DO NOT want stories containing explicit language or content.

Please double-space your manuscript, using either Times New Roman or Currier fonts.

Feel free to italicize, bold, and/or underline words as they should appear in print.

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Valentine's Day Balloon

2010-02-14T10:50:00.000-08:00

For those who missed this post last year, here is the updated version:

This Valentine's Day my wife and I celebrate eighteen wonderful years together . . . we also celebrate the releasing of our eighteenth balloon.

Let me explain, we’d been dating only a few weeks when Valentine's Day was approaching. I bought flowers, candy, and a beautiful card for her . . . she bought a rose and a huge helium-filled balloon for me.

We decided to meet at a local grocery store parking lot before going out to eat. In the parking lot, she handed me the rose and balloon, except I thought the balloon’s string was tied to the rose, and she thought that I had a hold of the string and rose. We both watched helplessly as the balloon rose slowly out of sight. It was at that moment I asked her to "go steady" with me . . . fortunately she said yes.

Every Valentine's Day since, we have made our way to a grocery store parking lot and released a balloon into the sky. With this tradition we have turned a blunder into a celebrated moment.

Since then, we have released balloons from various states, and have been so busy at times we were forced to make a special effort to even continue the tradition. In 1999, balloon number seven was released in the middle of a hectic week of packing as we were moving from one city to another. Balloon number six was the very first to be released outside our native state of West Virginia, and on February 13, 1996, my wife's father passed away after only one week in the hospital . . . the next day we tearfully released balloon number four.

So, what have I learned in eighteen years? Well, I’ve learned that true love is not about flowers, candy, gifts, or even balloons. I’ve learned it’s not about possessions, wealth, youth, or power. I’ve learned that tough times are par for the course, but the course always gets smoother if you just keep playing. I also discovered it’s not always about me.

But more importantly, I’ve learned that true love really comes with no strings attached.

Go Back To MichaelKnost.com

Level I online classes to start February 9, 2010

2010-02-02T21:50:00.000-08:00

I have had a bunch of folks asking when I would offer the first level of classes again. So, I have scheduled the four-week LEVEL I classes to start Tuesday, February 9, 2010.

PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD

All classes are from: 9:00 to 10:00 p.m. Eastern

Cost: $120.00 for all four classes

Payment (for all classes) must be paid in full no later than February 9, 2010
Nonrefundable on or after February 9, 2010

Accepted payment methods:
PayPal – Money Order – Personal Check

Online classes will be conducted live via audio/video conference with
PowerPoint presentations and chat lines. Audio or video capabilities
(or special software) are NOT required for participation. However,
a computer with Internet connection IS required.

Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Plot and structure.

Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Description and detail

Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Point of View and Dialogue

Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Creating great characters

To sign up, simply drop me an email (writingwithknost@yahoo.com) with
your choice of payment. I will then send you an email with the information needed to make the payment.

Thanks again!
Michael Knost

www.MichaelKnost.com

Go Back To MichaelKnost.com

New online classes start Monday

2010-01-28T19:45:00.000-08:00

I taught the first class (pacing) to my classroom students tonight (Thursday) and they said it was the best yet.

Here's the schedule:

Monday, February 1, 2009 @ 6:00 OR 9:00 PM – Pacing
Monday, February 8, 2009 @ 6:00 OR 9:00 PM – Mood & Tone
Monday, February 15, 2009 @ 6:00 PM OR 9:00 PM – Book Proposal
Monday, February 22, 2009 @ 6:00 OR 9:00 PM – Marketing

Cost is $120.00 for the four-week set.

For more information or PayPal instructions send email to michaelknost@yahoo.com

Go Back To MichaelKnost.com

The winner for this week's Writers Workshop of Horror winner is:

2010-01-18T10:21:00.000-08:00

Stephen Griglak of Milltown, NJ.

There is still time to sign up for the next drawings.

Visit www.MichaelKnost.com and fill in the entry form, then send.

I will draw a name out of a hat (yes, an actual hat) and announce the winners on the same website. I will also contact each winner via email.

You need only make one entry to be eligible for all drawings.

Good luck!
Michael Knost

Go Back To MichaelKnost.com

First week winner!

2010-01-11T06:47:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Thomas Riley of Minot, North Dakota!

Thomas is the winner of the first week copy of Writers Workshop of Horror.

If you have already entered, your name good for all future drawings.

If you have not entered, you may do so at any time at:

CLICK HERE

Win a FREE copy of Writers Workshop of Horror

2010-01-03T13:11:00.000-08:00

Want to win a signed (by editor Michael Knost) copy of Writers Workshop of Horror?

I will give away a copy each week for the month of January.

Visit www.MichaelKnost.com and fill in the entry form, then send.

I will draw a name out of a hat (yes, an actual hat) and announce the winners on the same website. I will also contact each winner via email.

You need only make one entry to be eligible for all drawings.

Good luck!
Michael Knost

Go Back To MichaelKnost.com

NEW ONLINE WRITING CLASSES

2009-12-28T20:33:00.000-08:00

Hey folks,

I am going to start the SECOND LEVEL online classes next week if you are interested in signing up:

Monday, January 4, 2009 @ 9:00 PM - Foreshadowing
Monday, January 11, 2009 @ 9:00 PM - Suspense & Tension
Monday, January 18, 2009 @ 9:00 PM - Flashbacks & Backstory
Monday, January 25, 2009 @ 9:00 PM - Revision & Self Editing

Cost is $120.00 for the four-week set.

Send PayPal payment to: mikecollinsemail@yahoo.com

Sign up now.

-----------------------------------------------------

Also, the THIRD LEVEL classes will debut in February:

Monday, February 1, 2009 @ 6:00 OR 9:00 PM – Pacing
Monday, February 8, 2009 @ 6:00 OR 9:00 PM – Mood & Tone
Monday, February 15, 2009 @ 6:00 PM OR 9:00 PM – Book Proposal
Monday, February 22, 2009 @ 6:00 OR 9:00 PM – Marketing

Cost is $120.00 for the four-week set.

Send PayPal payment to: mikecollinsemail@yahoo.com

Early sign-up is requested.

Hope to see you in class!
Michael Knost

Go Back To MichaelKnost.com

Level One Online Classes Scheduled

2009-11-15T20:57:00.000-08:00

I have had a bunch of folks asking when I would offer the first level of classes again. So, I have scheduled the four-week LEVEL ONE classes for December. Get signed up now.

PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD

There will be two class times scheduled each day:

Early class: 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. Eastern

or

Late class: 9:00 to 10:00 p.m. Eastern

Cost: $120.00 ($30.00 per class)

Payment (for all classes) must be paid in full no later than December 7, 2009
Nonrefundable on or after December 7, 2009

Accepted payment methods:
PayPal – Money Order – Personal Check

Online classes will be conducted live via audio/video conference with
PowerPoint presentations and chat lines. Audio or video capabilities
(or special software) are NOT required for participation. However,
a computer with Internet connection IS required.

Monday, December 7, 2009
Plot and structure.
We are going to discover why many beginning (and often advanced)
writers create fiction with no story. We will map out the key elements
of plot and structure, and what makes a story a story.

Monday, December 14, 2009
Description and detail
Our goal is to understand the true purpose of description and detail,
and why neither should be treated as fluff information strewn blindly
throughout the story.

Monday, December 21, 2009
Point of View and Dialogue
We are going to study the various viewpoints and learn tricks and tips
to make your story come alive. We are also going to delve into the
intricacies of solid dialogue.

Monday, December 28, 2009
Creating great characters
Then we are going to wrap it all up with the unifying element: character.
We will endeavor to find ways of turning the cardboard into well-rounded,
flesh and blood people.

To sign up, simply drop me an email (writingwithknost@yahoo.com) with
your choice of payment and the specific time slot you wish to sign up for. I will then send you an email with the information needed to make the payment.

Go Back To MichaelKnost.com

Brian Keene Must Die!

2009-11-02T17:55:00.000-08:00

Brian Keene is being killed off today in a number of blogs throughout the world. After reading some great stories, I wanted to participate. If you are enjoying the stories, hopefully you'll consider making a donation to the Shirley Jackson Awards in memory of Brian.

Click here to donate

Check out Brian Keene's website for other great stories.

And now:

Brian Keene Must Die

Brian Keene placed the sweating tumbler of Knob Creek on his desk and drew on the half-smoked Partagas. “This novel is going to be the death of me,” he said, exhaling leathery smoke. His eyes dried from staring too long at the computer screen, producing tears.

The monitor flickered, warped. “What the hell?” Brian ground thick knuckles into his eye sockets. “I’ve only had one bottle today.”

Coldness moved around his legs and crept up his spine.

“You know what the story needs, Brian.” The disembodied voice was gruff, as if its speaker had smoked unfiltered Camels for decades.

Brian pushed away from the desk, his gaze scanning for movement. “Who’s there?”

The Word document on his monitor rippled as though liquid. “I mean seriously, what kind of shit is this?” The voice seemed to originate from the computer speakers.

Brian rose to his feet. “Look, I don’t know who you think you—”

“Sit down, Brian.”

Warmth spread from Brian’s neck to his face. “I don’t have to do—”

“Sit down, Brian!”

The chill moved up his body, writhing around his neck, tightening. Brian clawed at his throat for breath, finally taking in the sharp air. He eased into his chair and stared at the floating words on the screen. “Who are you?”

“I would have thought you’d recognize me by now.” The voice sounded offended.

“Are you sure you’re not confusing me for Tomo or Dickie?”

Laughter came from the speakers. “I’m your muse.”

“Great,” Brian said, rolling his eyes. “Where the hell have you been?”

“Do you want my help or not?”

Brian rubbed his forehead. “I just want to finish this story so I can go to bed.”

“Well, that’s just the problem—the story doesn’t like the direction you are taking it.”

“What?” Brian’s eyebrows furrowed. “That’s ridiculous.”

“This story is dangerous, Brian. You’d better let it move where and how it wants.”

“Is that right?” Brian wanted to say something harsher but feared the cold grip would return. “Well, it’s my story.”

“Actually, you’re only the story’s author, Brian. It chose you.”

Brian chuckled. “Well the story has good taste, at least.”

“I would agree,” the voice said. “It first chose Joe Lansdale but he wasn’t interested.”

Brian cocked his head. “Are you saying I am its second choice?”

“Well,” the voice said, hesitantly. “I wouldn’t say you were the second choice.”

Brian folded his arms across his chest. “Oh, really?”

“Ramsey Campbell turned it down, too.”

“So, I was the third choice?”

What sounded like a sigh came from the speakers. “Let’s get back to the matter at hand, shall we? The story is unhappy with your direction and wants a rewrite.”

Brian picked up the tumbler and finished off the Knob Creek. “You can tell the story the only rewrites made will be over my dead body!”

“Don’t say that, Brian.”

“Fuck you, Muse!” Brian poured more Knob Creek into his glass. “I can eat an entire can of Alphabet soup and shit a better story than you any day of the week.”

“Just consider what the story is asking, Brian.”

“All right.” Brian emptied the tumbler again. “What does the story want?”

“A zombie.”

“Get out,” Brian said in a low tone.

“Brian, please—”

“Get out! And don’t you ever come back!”

“Brian, if you would just consider—”

“No!”

The silence was creepier than the disembodied voice.

Brian scanned the room before pulling up to his desk. “Now let’s finish this story.”

Just as his fingers touched the keyboard, Brian noticed a crack spider-webbing across the monitor, with the sounds of glass chinking and crunching. He pushed back from the desk. “Now what?”

The letters from the Word document moved toward the widening cracks in the screen as if trying to escape. A whirring sound came from the monitor, high pressure building like the cracked fuel pump of an ‘84 Oldsmobile.

The air pounded against Brian, forcing him to his feet—the pressure building, making it difficult to remain standing. Brian watched as the letters moved to the edge of the crack.

An upper case V shot from the crack, striking Brian squarely in the chest. The trajectory sounded like a bullet fired from a Glock nine millimeter, digging deep into Brian’s chest.

He stumbled, touching the entry wound. “Jesus—” He brought back bloodied fingertips. “I can’t believe this!”

The letters came in quick succession as if fired from an Uzi, each penetrating Brian’s body with thuds and pings.

Brian fell to the floor, blood pooling from his motionless body.

The pressure from the computer screen faded to nothing. All was quiet except for the squishing sounds of the letters pushing through flesh, exiting Brian’s body.

Now to choose another author.

Go Back To MichaelKnost.com

2009-10-31T19:36:00.000-07:00

I am going to be on the Funky Werepig show Sunday night beginning at 9:00 p.m. eastern.

Please drop by . . . I have some surprises in store!

Plus, I will be giving away an iPod and other stuff!

Here's the link:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/The-Funky-Werepig

I hope you drop by!

Michael Knost
www.MichaelKnost.com

Go Back To MichaelKnost.com

Writers Workshop of Michael Knost II

2009-10-24T20:03:00.000-07:00

I have the next level of online writing courses scheduled.

There will be two class times scheduled each day:

6:00 to 7:00 p.m.

or

9:00 to 10:00 p.m.

Cost $120.00 ($30.00 per class)

Payment (for all classes) must be paid in full no later than November 9, 2009
Nonrefundable on or after November 9, 2009

Accepted payment methods:
PayPal – Money Order – Personal Check

Online classes will be conducted live via audio/video conference with
PowerPoint presentations and chat lines. Audio or video capabilities
(or special software) are NOT required for participation. However,
a computer with Internet connection IS required.

Monday, November 09, 2009
Foreshadowing, Imagery, and Symbolism

Monday, November 16, 2009
Suspense and Tension

Monday, November 23, 2009
Flashbacks and Backstory

Monday, November 30, 2009
Revision and Self-Editing

To sign up, simply drop me an email (writingwithknost@yahoo.com) with
your choice of payment and the specific time slot you wish to sign up for. I will then send you an email with the information needed to make the payment.

Go Back To MichaelKnost.com

New submission guidelines

2009-10-11T19:33:00.000-07:00

After adamantly stressing Legends of the Mountain State 3 would end the series of the Woodland Press anthologies, I have changed my mind.

The publisher never wanted the series to stop, and after talking with many protesting fans for the past few months, I have decided to continue with Legends of the Mountain State 4.

So . . .

Here are the submission guidelines:

------------------

Title: Legends of the Mountain State 4

Publisher: Woodland Press

Editor: Michael Knost

Format: Trade Paperback

Payment: five-cents per word (upon publication) plus contributor copy.

No reprints (and please do not resubmit rejected stories from previous editions)

Story length: Up to 2000 words

No multiple or simultaneous subs

Deadline: April 1, 2010

Do NOT query about submission status until August 1, 2010

Send submissions to: LOTMS4@yahoo.com

E-mail submissions only. We will accept .doc or .rtf attachments only. Do NOT copy and paste story into the body of your e-mail. Send submissions or inquiries to the above e-mail address.

Publication date: September 1, 2010

I do NOT want stories with legends or ghosts already covered in previous editions of this series. Reading the other books is a great way to see what I am buying.

Stories MUST expand a known legend/ghost tale from the state of West Virginia.

You do not need to be a West Virginian to submit, but you will need to keep the story (and legend/ghost) true to the state. All stories should include real towns and counties from the Mountain State. Do not tell us the biography of a legend/ghost-tell us a story with the legend or ghost at story's center.

We are looking for tales with a solid plot and good character development. Stories should grab the reader's attention quickly and hold it until the end. We want powerful and emotional tales that are creepy, chilling, disturbing, and moody. However, we DO NOT want stories containing explicit language or content.

The most common reasons for rejection will be lack of originality, slow pacing, poor writing, and failure to follow the guidelines. Please visit www.shunn.net/format/story.html for the only manuscript format we accept.

We purchase First World Anthology Rights for publication in the English language anywhere in the world.

Go Back To MichaelKnost.com

Writers Workshop of Michael Knost

2009-09-20T12:53:00.000-07:00

Writers Workshop of Michael Knost

Tuesday evenings 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. eastern time

Or

Tuesday evenings 9:00 to 10:00 p.m. eastern time for West Coast folks

Cost $120.00 ($30.00 per class)

First come, first serve
Payment (for all classes) must be paid in full prior to October 6, 2009
Nonrefundable on or after October 6, 2009

Accepted payment methods:
PayPal – Money Order – Personal Check

Online classes will be conducted live via audio/video conference with
PowerPoint presentations and chat lines. Audio or video capabilities
(or special software) are NOT required for participation. However,
a computer with Internet connection is required.

Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Plot and structure.
We are going to discover why many beginning (and often advanced)
writers create fiction with no story. We will map out the key elements
of plot and structure, and what makes a story a story.

Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Description and detail
Our goal is to understand the true purpose of description and detail,
and why neither should be treated as fluff information strewn blindly
throughout the story.

Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Point of View and Dialogue
We are going to study the various viewpoints and learn tricks and tips
to make your story come alive. We are also going to delve into the
intricacies of solid dialogue.

Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Creating great characters
Then we are going to wrap it all up with the unifying element: character.
We will endeavor to find ways of turning the cardboard into well-rounded,
flesh and blood people.

To sign up, simply drop me an email (writingwithknost@yahoo.com) with
your choice of payment and time. I will then send you an email with the information
needed to make the payment.

Remember, first come, first serve...

Online Writing Classes

2009-09-17T19:49:00.000-07:00

I teach a couple of writing classes every week in my hometown for a local
college. I get a kick out of witnessing students experiencing Aha! Moments.

A few folks have asked me to offer classes online.

Well, I am considering this. I am researching the best way to make it happen so
the student gets the best experience possible.

If you're interested in signing up, drop an email to the following address:

writingwithknost@yahoo.com

I will send you an email with all the details (when I have them) to see if you
would like to sign up.

Hope to see you there!
Michael Knost

Go Back To MichaelKnost.com

Book Event and Writers Panel You Do Not Want To Miss

2009-08-31T23:39:00.000-07:00

This Saturday, September 5, 2009, The Huntington Mall Borders (Huntington, WV) will host a major book signing and writers panel for Writers Workshop of Horror. From 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Among those scheduled to appear will be Gary A. Braunbeck, Lucy Snyder, Elizabeth Massie, Tim Waggoner, Jason Sizemore (Apex Publications), C. Cameron Fuller, Brian J. Hatcher, and Michael Knost.

All the participants will be signing special copies of Writers Workshop of Horror as well as other titles they each have penned, during this gathering.

They will also be available to answer questions from the public during an informal panel forum.

The book signing event is open to the public, and patrons are encouraged to come early to speak with their favorite authors. For additional information, contact Huntington Mall Borders, at Barboursville, at 304-736-6233.

Go Back To MichaelKnost.com

Writers Workshop of Horror is now shipping (author links still good)

2009-08-11T23:17:00.000-07:00

Book Signing and Writing Contest

2009-07-31T20:06:00.000-07:00

I wanted to invite you to my book signing and writing contest Saturday, August 1, 2009. From 2-4pm. It will be at the Huntington Mall Borders, Barboursville, WV.

I'll be signing Writers Workshop of Horror, a collection of articles/interviews by/with some of the biggest names in the writing industry (Clive Barker, Joe Lansdale, F. Paul Wilson, Ramsey Campbell, Elizabeth Massie, Gary Braunbeck, Brian Keene, etc.) The book focuses solely on bettering your craft as a fiction writer.

And I am conducting a writing contest while at the Borders event. I would like to invite you to submit something. There is no submission fee. Word count should be 5,000 or less. Submissions may be from any fiction genre. Submissions must be in person from 2-4pm. The winner will be published in a future anthology (and paid pro rates).

I hope to see you there.

Michael Knost

Go Back To MichaelKnost.com

Pre-order Writers Workshop of Horror

2009-06-16T00:37:00.000-07:00

Hi folks,

I wanted to let you know that Writers Workshop of Horror will hit shelves August
1, 2009, but folks can pre-order copies right now.

Pre-order here:

http://writersworkshopofhorror.com

Writers Workshop of Horror is a collection of articles/interviews by/with some
of the biggest names in the horror and dark fiction genres, focusing on
improving specific elements of writing. It focuses solely on honing the craft of
writing. You won't find anything in these pages on marketing, promotions, or
submission tips. That's another book for another time. What you will find is
solid advice-from professionals of every publishing level-on how to improve your
writing.

Although this project is centered on writing horror and/or dark fiction, the
principles and advice inside this book will transcend all genres and all forms
of writing. It doesn't matter if you write romance, science fiction, western,
mysteries, fantasy, or memoirs, you will benefit from the information,
ultimately improving your craft by bringing polished elements of horror, fear,
anxiety, or dread to your work when needed.

Here's to creating better nightmares.

Table of Contents:

• Elizabeth Massie - Once Upon a Scary Time: Creating Effective Beginnings
• Michael Laimo - Middles: The Meat of the Matter
• J.G. Gonzalez - The Grand Finale
• Gary A. Braunbeck - Connecting the DOTS
• Tim Waggoner - And Horror the Soul of the Plot
• Scott Nicholson - What's The Point and Who's On First: Character POV
• Thomas F. Monteleone - "We don't get too many strangers around here . . . ."
Or: Using Dialogue to Tell Your Story
• G. Cameron Fuller - A Claustrophobic Locked in an Isolated Room: The Power of
Setting and Description in Horror Fiction
• Rick Hautala - "The Hardest Three" Tone, Style, and Voice
• Michael A. Arnzen - Stripping Away the Mask: Scene and Structure in Horror
Fiction
• Jonathan Maberry - Fight And Action Scenes In Horror
• Tom Piccirilli - Exploring Personal Themes
• Mort Castle - New Fiction Blend: History, Fantasy, Horror
• Jeff Strand - Adding Humor to Your Horror
• Joe R. Lansdale - Cross Reading
• Brian Keene - Time, and How to Make It
• Deborah LeBlanc - A Face by Any Other Name
• Ramsey Campbell - The Height of Fear
• Michael Knost - The Aha! Moment
• Jason Sizemore - Be a Conformist: A Guide to Manuscript Formatting
• Lisa Morton - CUT! Or, Why Writing Horror Screenplays is REALLY Scary
• Gary Frank - It's All About the Series: An Interview with F. Paul Wilson
• Tim Deal - It's All About the Work: An Interview with Tom Piccirilli
• Michael Knost - It's All About the Craft: An Interview with Ramsey Campbell
• Lucy A. Snyder - It's All Part of the Fun: An Interview with Clive Barker
• Jack M. Haringa - The Agnotology of Horror; or, Lies the Internet Told You
• Robert N. Lee - How Stephen King's Writing Advice Broke My Heart and Smashed
My Dreams
• Brian Yount - Top Ten Things an Editor/Publisher Hates To See

Pre-orders are now accepted, but will not ship until August 1, 2009

Pre-order here:

http://writersworkshopofhorror.com

Go Back To MichaelKnost.com

I will be offering short story critiques at Context this year

2009-03-30T14:58:00.000-07:00

From the Context website:

Michael Knost: Short Story Critiques

(Friday, Saturday, Sunday TBA)
Editor Michael Knost will be offering individual critiques of dark genre short stories of up to 6,000 words. You must submit your manuscript at least a month before the convention. At the convention, Mr. Knost will meet with you individually to discuss your manuscript; in addition to the discussion, he will give you a written critique of your work. Submission details will be sent to students after they register; students will be scheduled for their 20-minute sessions based on other workshop scheduling. $50. 10 sessions remain.

For more information or to sign up, visit: http://www.contextsf.org/workshop.htm

I hope to see you there!

Go Back To MichaelKnost.com

Writers Workshop of Horror

2009-03-28T23:33:00.000-07:00

I apologize for not posting anything in a while. I’ve been extremely busy. But I wanted to get out an update on the latest project I’ve been working on.

Writers Workshop of Horror is almost finished and ready to go to the printers!

This is a project I have wanted to do for a long while, and was able to see it through with some of the best writers in the business.

Writers Workshop of Horror is a collection of articles/interviews by/with some of the biggest names in the industry regarding the craft of writing as it pertains to horror and dark fiction genres.

Here’s the Table of Contents:

Elizabeth Massie - Once Upon a Scary Time: Creating Effective Beginnings

Michael Laimo - Middles: The Meat of the Matter

J.G. Gonzalez - The Grand Finale

Gary A. Braunbeck - Connecting the DOTS

Tim Waggoner - And Horror the Soul of the Plot

Scott Nicholson - What’s The Point and Who’s On First: Character POV

Thomas F. Monteleone - “We don’t get too many strangers around here . . . .”
Or: Using Dialogue to Tell Your Story

G. Cameron Fuller - A Claustrophobic Locked in an Isolated Room: The Power of Setting
and Description in Horror Fiction

Rick Hautala - “The Hardest Three” Tone, Style, and Voice

Michael A. Arnzen - Stripping Away the Mask: Scene and Structure in Horror Fiction

Jonathan Maberry - Fight And Action Scenes In Horror

Tom Piccirilli - Exploring Personal Themes

Mort Castle - New Fiction Blend: History, Fantasy, Horror

Jeff Strand - Adding Humor to Your Horror

Joe R. Lansdale - Cross Reading

Brian Keene - Time, and How to Make It

Deborah LeBlanc - A Face By Any Other Name

Ramsey Campbell - The Height of Fear

Michael Knost - The Aha! Moment

Jason Sizemore - Be a Conformist: A Guide to Manuscript Formatting

Lisa Morton - CUT! Or, Why Writing Horror Screenplays is REALLY Scary

Gary Frank - It’s All About the Series: An Interview with F. Paul Wilson

Tim Deal - It’s All About the Work: An Interview with Tom Piccirilli

Michael Knost - It’s All About the Craft: An Interview with Ramsey Campbell

Lucy A. Snyder - It’s All Part of the Fun: An Interview with Clive Barker

Jack M. Haringa - The Agnotology of Horror; or, Lies the Internet Told You

Robert N. Lee - How Stephen King’s Writing Advice Broke My Heart and Smashed My
Dreams

Brian Yount – Top Ten Things an Editor/Publisher Hates To See

I have to admit—in spite of my involvement—this is one of the best writing books I have ever read. It is 100% focused on the craft itself . . . nothing about marketing, promotions, or submission tips. What you will find is solid advice—from professionals of every publishing level—on how to improve your writing.

I’ll keep you posted on the street date . . .

Go Back To MichaelKnost.com

WHAT IT'S LIKE TO BE A FATHER

2009-02-25T21:32:00.000-08:00

Yesterday my six-month old baby girl started running a fever and vomiting. After Tylenol and a bath, her fever kept going up. So we took her to the ER.

They gave her Motrin, which brought down the fever some, and scheduled some tests.

They wanted a urine sample to make sure she didn’t have a urinary tract infection. Now, that in itself is not bad, but they wanted to obtain the urine via a catheter, which was obviously very painful to Bella.

Then they wanted to do a sinus culture, which involved sticking a flexible plastic stick down her throat via her nose . . . which was obviously very painful to Bella.

Then they wanted to draw blood to test for viral possibilities. The phlebotomist came and stuck the baby in both arms, fishing for veins with no blood being drawn. After hearing Bella screaming and gagging from the obvious pain, I told the nurse we were finished with the training session.

Then they wanted a chest x-ray to see if she had pneumonia. I watched as they strapped my screaming baby to a board, arms over her head in a vise. The picture reminded me of the much-televised Baby Jessica as rescuers brought her out of the well many years ago.

The doctor came and said they really needed blood to rule out as much as possible. I agreed, as long as they had someone that knew what they were doing and were not fishing in her arms and legs with the needle. So I watched, holding my tearful wife, as my baby screamed for Da-Da while the nurses took the blood they needed.

Bella is home and doing fantastic. Her fever is gone and she is back to normal. All the tests showed up negative and she is happy and content as she always was.

I tell you all this so you will understand what I am about to say:

I never knew true joy until my Bella Grace was born.
I never knew true pride until I first heard her say Da-Da.
I never knew true love until I saw her smile when I walk into the room.
And I never knew true pain until watching her endure her own.

I know there will be worse things ahead as she grows older, but my God I had no idea it would be this painful. As the person sworn to protect my Bella Mia, it was pure torture watching her scream for me, her gaze never leaving me, as I stood by helpless.

Her external scars will all but be forgotten in a few days, she no longer favors the soreness from needles and caths, but the scars inside me will burn for the rest of my life.

And that’s what it’s like to be a father.

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New Book for Horror Writers

2009-02-16T16:16:00.000-08:00

Writers Workshop of Horror is a collection of articles and interviews on the craft of writing horror.

Each article -- written by some very big names -- tackles a specific element of the writing craft as it relates to the horror and dark fiction genres.

Release date and other information will be forthcoming.

I will post pre-order dates and info in my newsletter when nailed down. You are invited to sign up for the newsletter at: www.MichaelKnost.com and follow the newsletter link.

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Valentine Balloon

2009-02-09T22:19:00.001-08:00

This Valentine's Day my wife and I will celebrate seventeen wonderful years together . . . we also celebrate the releasing of our seventeenth balloon.

Let me explain, we’d been dating only a few weeks when Valentine's Day was approaching. I bought flowers, candy, and a beautiful card for her . . . she bought a rose and a huge helium-filled balloon for me.

We decided to meet at a local grocery store parking lot before going out to eat. In the parking lot, she handed me the rose and balloon, except I thought the balloon’s string was tied to the rose, and she thought that I had a hold of the string and rose. We both watched helplessly as the balloon rose slowly out of sight. It was at that moment I asked her to "go steady" with me . . . fortunately she said yes.

Every Valentine's Day since, we have made our way to a grocery store parking lot and released a balloon into the sky. With this tradition we have turned a blunder into a celebrated moment.

Since then, we have released balloons from various states, and have been so busy at times we were forced to make a special effort to even continue the tradition. In 1999, balloon number seven was released in the middle of a hectic week of packing as we were moving from one city to another. Balloon number six was the very first to be released outside our native state of West Virginia, and on February 13, 1996, my wife's father passed away after only one week in the hospital . . . the next day we tearfully released balloon number four.

So, what have I learned in seventeen years? Well, I’ve learned that true love is not about flowers, candy, gifts, or even balloons. I’ve learned it’s not about possessions, wealth, youth, or power. I’ve learned that tough times are par for the course, but the course always gets smoother if you just keep playing. I also discovered it’s not always about me.

But more importantly, I’ve learned that true love comes with no strings attached.

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Call for submissions for new regional anthology

2009-02-03T22:51:00.000-08:00

APPALACHIAN HOLIDAY HAUNTINGS

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES:

Title: Appalachian Holiday Hauntings

Editors: Michael Knost and Mark Justice

Publisher: Woodland Press

Publication date: November 1, 2009

Word count: 1000 to 3000 words

Pay: three-cents per word plus contributor copy (one-cent per word on reprints)

Submit to: xmasanthology@yahoo.com

Format: Attached RTF or Word Document file. (do not copy and paste into email body)

No simultaneous or multiple submissions

No explicit language or sexual content (this project will be in regional school systems)

Deadline: September 1, 2009 (do not inquire on status of submission until after this date)

We are looking for traditional Christmas ghost stories set in the Appalachian region. Think Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol with an Appalachian backdrop. However, given this example, we want to make sure you understand that stories may be set in any time frame, including the present.

We are not interested in tales that disrespect or alter the religious aspects of the holiday.

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Cowboys and Indians

2009-01-27T20:32:00.000-08:00

The Appalachian mountains of Southern West Virginia served as the playground during my childhood. We were rugged outdoor kids who simply loved adventure. We didn't sit indoors like most kids today (jeez, I sound like my father), playing video games and surfing the Net . . . we were too busy out playing ball, swinging on grapevines, catching crawdads and minnows, hiking, swimming or fishing at the old pond, camping, or anything else that would get us out of the house. Had our parents only known a fraction of what we were doing, they would have surely maintained a fuller prayer life.

We'd play hide-and-seek, tag, and tackle-the-man-with-the-football, as well as make-believe games like (the now politically incorrect) cowboys and Indians or cops and robbers. In the world of make-believe, guns were created by sticking your thumb straight up and extending your index finger straight out while curling the other three around a make-believe pistol grip. If someone pointed his "gun" at you and shouted "Bang!" or "Pow!" you were considered dead and were obligated to fall to the ground immediately without moving.

One day in particular we were playing cowboys and Indians deep in the mountains. Envisioning myself as John Wayne, better known as the Duke, I had my "five-shooters" out and ready for action. I decided to climb a huge tree to get a better view of where the bad-guys were hiding. Climbing higher and higher, I saw no sign of anyone until I was six to eight feet off the ground. It was from there I noticed Gary Browning (my cousin) quietly sneaking along, ready to shoot the first thing that moved. I allowed him to move in a little closer before taking aim. However, I was distracted by a noise from the other side of the tree.

Turning to investigate, I found myself staring straight down the index finger of Curtis Gibson. "Pow!" he shouted from the ground. Panicked that I was so far up the tree, I began climbing down as fast as I could.

"The Duke has been shot in the foot!" I said. Remember, I was obligated to fall, but I was eight feet off the ground in a tree.

"Bang!" shouted Gary, who was now aware of my hiding place.

"The Duke has been shot in the shoulder!" I screamed as I kept climbing down.

"Pow, Pow!" A double shot came from Curtis.

"The Duke has been shot twice in the calf!" I said, nearly reaching the ground.

Then as I was dangling from the lowest limb, Curt and Gary emptied their imaginary ammo into me. “Pow!” “Bang-Bang!” “Pow, Pow-Pow!” “Bang!”

I finally dropped to the ground, announcing, "The Duke is dead!"

As writers we sometimes have characters acting similarly on the page, don’t we? You know what I mean, they’re doing silly things that really doesn’t move the story forward. Pointless behavior that has nothing to do with the plot or conflict around them.

Remember, anytime we have a character acting in a particular manner because it serves the character, rather than serving the story, we run the risk of losing the reader. After all, no one likes to be lied to.

I think the real Duke, John Wayne, said it best. “I don’t act . . . I react.”

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Reopening submissions for West Virginia writers

2009-01-13T15:38:00.000-08:00

Sorry to put this in the blog, but I wanted to get this out:

I received a ton of submissions for this but very few made the cut.
So, I am moving back the deadline and reopening for a second round of
submissions:

(NOTE: If you made an earlier submission and have not heard back from me, it is still
under consideration so you do not need to submit)

Tentative title: Spooky Stories of West Virginia: 13 Tales from
Mountain State Writers

Editor: Michael Knost

Publisher: Woodland Press

Submission form: email attachment to michaelknost@yahoo.com

Length: 2500 words or less

Pay: Three-cents per word, plus one contributor copy

Deadline: April 1, 2009 (please do not check on status until this date)

Submissions are open only to current and/or former West Virginia
residents...or writers with significant ties to the state.

Stories set in West Virginia are preferred but not mandatory.

These must be fictional tales, whether you are building around a known
ghost or legend, or creating something original.

We are looking for speculative fiction, including ghosts, monsters,
UFO's, etc.

Any further questions should be directed to the editor (see above for
email).

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The Day Bobby Died

2009-01-07T21:08:00.000-08:00

I was enjoying cookies and milk with my grandmother under her swing shed when my aunt, who lived next door, came running into the yard, screaming and bawling. I was eight years old and had never seen anyone cry so hard or so much.

“What’s wrong,” my grandmother asked, running to her.

“It’s B-B-Bobby,” my aunt said amid sobs.

My grandmother pulled her sister close. “What happened, Audrey?”

“He’s dead.” She dabbed her eyes with a wad of mascara-stained tissues. “Somebody shot him . . . I just can’t believe it!”

I watched the two women I loved more than anything bawling their eyes out and knew what I had to do. So I fought back the tears and headed home.

Mom was in the kitchen as I walked in. I knew the news would devastate her but I didn’t want her to hear it from anyone else. She had to know, and I had to tell her.

“What’s wrong, Honey?” she asked, moving closer.

I realized tears were welling in my eyes and tried to wipe them with my shirtsleeve. I wanted to speak calmly but fought back the torrent building inside me. My chin quivered just thinking how much this was going to hurt the most important person in my life.

“Bobby’s dead!” The words erupted from me with forceful sobs. “He was shot--” That’s all I could get out. I laid my head on her shoulder, crying harder than my grandmother and aunt put together.

“Who’s Bobby?”

“I don’t know.” I looked up at Mom, noticing she was not crying at all. “Mamaw and Aunt Audrey were talking about him.”

Mom picked up the telephone. I knew she was calling my grandmother. And I just knew when she heard Mamaw tell her the story she would break down. I was ready for it. I tried to prepare myself for it, waiting for her tears.

As I watched my mother talk, I saw her deliberately trying to hide a smile. How heartless could she be? Bobby was dead. Someone shot him! And she finds this amusing?

“Michael, I need to tell you something,” she said, hanging up the phone. “Bobby is a character from a soap opera your grandmother and aunt watch every day.”

My New Year resolution is to create characters the reader can relate with . . . characters the reader actually cares about . . . characters, well, like Bobby.

. . . oh, and to also make old women cry.

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Thank you

2008-12-30T20:15:00.000-08:00

I want to kick off my blog by thanking everyone I've met and worked with in the horror genre thus far. There have been quite a few folks who have taken the time to make me feel at home.

I have worked in several areas of publishing before making my way to the dark corners of the horror genre, and I have to say the you have been extremely accommodating.

Listen folks, you have a reputation to uphold! You're supposed to be evil blasphemers and psychos. Okay some of you are evil blasphemers and psychos . . . hell, some of you are evil blaspheming psychos. But overall I would rather work with you than those in any other genre.

I could name names but I know (in my infallibility) I would miss someone, and every one of you have been so important to me. You know who you are.

Thank you for giving me the greatest gift a man can receive . . . acceptance and friendship.

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