Richard Schiver

Author: RichardSchiver

Why Sharing Your Writing Dream Matters
Do you share your writing with those close to you?

Every writer begins with a dream—whether it’s finishing a novel, publishing a memoir, or simply expressing creativity through words. Yet, sharing this dream with friends and family can feel daunting. The act of revealing your writing ambitions is often the first step toward claiming your identity as a writer, but it’s also a leap into vulnerability.

My wife supports my dream, but she does not read in the genre I work and flatly refuses to read anything I’ve written. I do have several friends who have read my work and are always asking what’s coming next.

Why Share Your Dream?

Sharing your writing dream is transformative. It turns a private aspiration into a public commitment, helping you grow both as a writer and as a person. When you allow others to read your work, you move beyond imposter syndrome and embrace your creative potential. Supportive feedback can boost your confidence, while constructive criticism sharpens your skills. Kerstin at Write You Journey

Navigating Support and Skepticism

Not everyone will understand your passion. Some friends or family may be unsupportive, dismissive, or simply indifferent. Remember, their reactions often reflect their own insecurities, not your worth as a writer. Setting boundaries and communicating your feelings can help manage expectations. If support is lacking, seek encouragement from writing groups or online communities, where fellow writers understand your journey. Lisa Fellinger at Live Write Thrive

Building Accountability

Announcing your goals to loved ones creates accountability. Whether you share updates on social media, join a writing group, or simply tell a trusted friend, publicizing your intentions makes you more likely to follow through. Allowing you to celebrate your milestones together, such as finishing a chapter, submitting a story, or receiving feedback. These moments reinforce your commitment and remind you that progress is worth celebrating.

Embracing the Journey

Sharing your writing dream is not just about seeking validation, it’s about inviting others into your creative world. Be open to feedback but protect your vision. Surround yourself with those who encourage you, and don’t be discouraged by those who don’t. Ultimately, your writing journey is yours to shape but sharing it can make the path brighter and more rewarding.

Listed below are several writing communities, stop by and check them out.
- Reedsy Discord: A supportive, free community for writers of all genres, offering writing prompts, flash fiction contests, and peer feedback.
  Absolute Write Water Cooler: One of the largest and most active forums, covering every genre, freelance writing, publishing, and critique.
  Critique Circle: Focused on in-depth feedback and critiques, with free and paid options.
  Writers.com: Offers regular prompts, Zoom sessions, workshops, and an online space for sharing work.
  Scribophile: A large, award-winning group for manuscript feedback, beta readers, and writing forums.
  WritersCafe.org: Post your work, get reviews, join contests, and connect with other writers.
  Shut Up & Write!: Global, free community focused on accountability and writing sessions—both online and in-person.
  She Writes: A large community for women writers, offering articles, tips, and forums.
  The Next Big Writer: For writers seeking critiques and advice from published authors.
This is far from an exhaustive list of the groups out there. If you’d like to share those I’ve missed leave a comment below.
February 9, 2026
A conversation with myself.

This week I speak with Meat, the main character in This Lawless Land, a six book post-apocalyptic series. The first book, All Roads Lead to Terror will be updated next week.

1. Can you describe what motivates you to keep going in such a harsh, post-apocalyptic world?

I guess what keeps me moving is the hope that things can get better, even if it’s just for a little while. I’ve seen too much loss to believe in miracles, but I can’t just sit back and let the world swallow up the people I care about. Maybe it’s stubbornness, or maybe it’s just wanting to prove I’m more than what my name says I am. I want to help others survive, especially the kids who got taken. If we don’t look out for each other, who will?

2. How did your upbringing shape the person you are now?

My childhood was a mess—always running, never safe, never really wanted. My mom called me Meat because, to her, that’s all I was. I grew up with survivors, not family, and learned early that you can’t count on anyone but yourself. But I also learned that sometimes, you must step up for others, even if it hurts. That’s what makes you more than just Meat to the world.

3. What does leadership mean to you, especially when you’re leading other kids?

Leadership isn’t about being the loudest or the strongest. It’s about making hard choices and carrying the weight when things go wrong. I never asked to be in charge, but people look to me because I’ve survived outside the fence. I try to keep everyone together, even when I’m scared or unsure. Sometimes, all you can do is keep moving forward and hope your choices don’t get someone killed.

4. How do you handle fear, both your own and that of your friends?

Fear never really goes away. I feel it every day, especially when I think about what could happen to the people I care about. I try not to show it, because if I fall apart, so does everyone else. I focus on what needs to be done. Tracking, fighting, surviving. If I let fear take over, we’re all dead. So, I push it down and keep going.

5. What do you think about the rules at Bremo Bluff, especially the ones about outsiders and survivors?

The rules at the Bluffs are harsh, but I get why they exist. If word got out about what we have—electricity, water, safety. Everyone would want in, and we’d be overrun. Still, it doesn’t sit right with me that people who know about us can’t ever leave. It’s like a prison, even if it’s for our own good. Sometimes I wonder if we’re really any better than the people we’re afraid of.

6. How do you deal with loss, especially after everything you’ve seen and done?

Loss is just part of life now. I’ve lost friends, family, even people I barely knew. It hurts every time, but you can’t let it break you. I try to remember the good things, the small moments of hope or laughter. But I also use that pain to keep me sharp. If I forget what I’ve lost, I might get careless, and that’s when people die.

7. What do you think about hope? Is it a weakness or a strength?

Hope is the only thing that keeps us going. Without it, we’d just give up and let the world win. It’s not weakness to hope for something better, even if it’s just a hot meal or a safe place to sleep. Hope is what makes us human. It’s what separates us from the monsters, both the dead and the living.

8. How do you view the adults who survived the awakening compared to your own generation?

Most of the adults are broken by what happened. They remember the world before, and that makes it harder for them to adapt. My generation, we never really knew anything else. We grew up in the ruins, learned to fight and survive from the start. Maybe that makes us harder, or maybe just more desperate. Either way, we’re the future, for better or worse.

9. What’s the hardest decision you’ve had to make so far?

Letting go of the idea that we could save everyone. Sometimes, you must make choices that haunt you. Like leaving someone behind or doing what needs to be done to protect the group. The hardest was probably agreeing to the council’s rule that there could be no survivors among the kidnappers. It made me question if we were still the good guys.

10. If you could change one thing about your world, what would it be?

I’d bring back a sense of safety, even if just for a day. A world where kids could play without looking over their shoulders, where families didn’t have to choose between survival and their humanity. I’d want a world where names mean something, where you’re more than just a walking bag of meat to the people around you.

In the coming months you will have the opportunity to follow Meat’s story as the series is released in its entirety. I’m nearly done with the final book and have hired a good cover designer to help me bring these stories to life.

February 6, 2026
Weekly Writing Challenge 02/04/2026 I Am.

Gus backed away from the three men, then turned and fled towards the only building that had any color in his featureless world.

“He’s got a gun, get him.” He heard the shouts behind him as he fled across the open ground. A farmhand appeared at the door before him, his relaxed features giving way to sudden surprise when he found himself staring down the muzzle of the pistol as Gus pushed past him into the interior of the building.

He stopped just inside the door, his wavy reflection stretched out at his feet in the surface of the highly polished floor. A door stood to his right and as approaching footsteps came from around the bend in the hallway before him, trapped between them and the pounding footsteps that were fast approaching behind him, he slipped into the room.

Beyond the door, on his right, stood a row of stalls. Gray walls wrapped around toilets to afford the user a degree of privacy. Opposite the stalls was a row of white porcelain sinks and above each was a mirror.

Gus was drawn to the mirror, having never seen himself as much as he could recall, the sound of movement in one of the stalls interrupted him and he spun around with the pistol leveled at the door as a farmhand emerged from within the stall. It was the one he recognized as Brodie and he stepped towards him. His hands spread in a questioning manner as Brodie backed away.

Gus grunted, unable to make any other sound, his hand once more going to the puckered wound on his neck, he could feel the stitches with his fingers.

“Don’t hurt me, please,” Brodie said as he backed away.

From the corner of his eye Gus caught a glimpse of his reflection in the mirror to his right as Brodie backed towards the door. It drew him like a moth to a flame and with Brodie forgotten he spun around to look at himself in the mirror. What he saw gazing back at him was the same face he’d seen upon his arrival.

Short sandy hair crowning a face that formed a near perfect circle with wide spaced eyes, and a pug nose above a thin mouth.

No!

It couldn’t be, it wasn’t possible, he wasn’t one of them. He had a wife, kids, a home. He had been the assistant manager of a farmers co-op. His finger went to his throat, he fel that puckered wound, the stitches protruding from his flesh. But when he looked in the mirror all he saw was the unblemished skin of his neck.

No!

A commotion at the door drew his attention and he turned to confront several farmhands pushing their way through the door with weapons aimed in his direction. He lifted the pistol and aimed the shaking muzzle at them. Bullets ripped through tender flesh, spinning him around and he fell face first towards the floor, his last thoughts clinging to the notion that it had all been a terrible mistake.

To be continued!

February 4, 2026
Plotting vs Pantsing: Which Writing Style Suits You?
When embarking on a writing project, authors often find themselves choosing between two distinct approaches. Plotting and pantsing. Each method offers unique advantages and challenges, and understanding their differences can help writers select the path that best suits their creative style.

Plotting: Structure and Strategy

Plotting, sometimes called outlining, is a methodical approach where writers plan their story in advance. This can involve creating detailed outlines, mapping out character arcs, and organizing scenes before writing the first draft. Plotters benefit from having a clear roadmap, which helps maintain narrative coherence and logical progression. This structure is especially useful for complex stories with multiple subplots or intricate character relationships. Plotting can also minimize writer’s block, as the author always knows what comes next, and it often leads to more efficient revisions since potential plot holes are addressed early on. However, plotting can sometimes stifle spontaneity, making stories feel predictable or causing writers to get stuck in the planning phase without moving forward.

Pantsing: Creativity and Discovery

Pantsing, derived from “flying by the seat of your pants,” is a more spontaneous approach. Pantsers dive into writing with minimal planning, allowing the story and characters to evolve organically. This method fosters creativity and can lead to unexpected twists, making the writing process exciting and dynamic. Pantsers discover their plot as they write, which can result in fresh, authentic narratives. However, this freedom comes with risks: stories may lack structure, leading to plot holes or pacing issues, and writers may experience burnout if inspiration wanes.

Choosing Your Path

Ultimately, neither method is universally superior. Some writers blend both approaches, outlining key points but leaving room for discovery. The choice depends on your personality, project needs, and what inspires you most. Whether you thrive on structure or embrace creative chaos, understanding plotting and pantsing empowers you to craft stories in a way that feels authentic and productive.

Plotting, or outlining, is favored by writers who prefer structure and advance planning. Notable authors who are known for their plotting methods include:
- J.K. Rowling: Famously plotted the entire Harry Potter series before writing, using detailed outlines and spreadsheets to track characters and plot points.
- Brandon Sanderson: Known for his intricate world-building and complex plots, Sanderson meticulously outlines his novels before drafting.
- James Patterson: Outlines every chapter before writing, ensuring a tight, fast-paced narrative.
- John Grisham: Plans his legal thrillers in detail, mapping out the story before beginning the first draft.
- Dan Brown: Uses extensive outlines and research to structure his bestselling thrillers.
These authors demonstrate that plotting can help manage complex stories and maintain consistency throughout a series or standalone novel.

Authors Who Use Pantsing

Pantsing, or “writing by the seat of your pants,” is embraced by writers who prefer spontaneity and organic story development. Well-known pantsers include:
- Stephen King: Often writes without a clear outline, letting the story and characters guide the narrative. King discusses this approach in his memoir, On Writing.
- George R.R. Martin: Describes himself as a “gardener” rather than an “architect,” preferring to discover the story as he writes.
- Margaret Atwood: Known for allowing her stories to evolve naturally, without rigid outlines.
- Neil Gaiman: Embraces discovery writing, letting ideas and characters develop as he goes.
- Ernest Hemingway: Wrote with minimal planning, focusing on the flow of the narrative.
Other notable pantsers include Diana Gabaldon (Outlander), Mark Twain, Isaac Asimov, Dean Koontz, and Hilary Mantel. These authors value the creative freedom and unexpected twists that pantsing can bring to their work.

If you’re a writer what method works best for you? I’m more of a pantser until the work starts becoming unwieldy at which point I’ll start plotting the rest of the novel to fill in any holes.
February 2, 2026
A Conversation with Myself

An interview with Sheriff Paul Odenton.

Sheriff Paul Odenton appeared as a supporting character in Cursed, which I realize now I should have titled. The Curse of Porter Mines.

1. Sheriff Odenton, you’ve served your community for decades. What first inspired you to pursue a career in law enforcement, and how has your perspective on the job changed over the years?

When I was a young man, I believed in the idea of justice, of right and wrong being clear as day. My father always said someone had to stand up and do the hard things, and I suppose I took that to heart. Over the years, though, I’ve learned that the world isn’t so black and white. There’s a lot of gray and sometimes doing the right thing means making choices that haunt you long after the paperwork’s filed.

2. The disappearances of children in Porter Mines have haunted your career. How do you cope with the emotional toll of unsolved cases, especially those involving the most vulnerable members of your community?

You never really cope, not fully. Those faces stay with you. You see them in your dreams, and you hear their parents’ voices every time the phone rings. I try to remind myself that I did everything I could, but the truth is, you always wonder if you missed something. I lean on my wife, Maggie, and the folks I trust. Sometimes, all you can do is keep going and hope you make a difference the next time.

3. Throughout the investigation, you’re confronted with both rational explanations and local legends, such as the Witch of Porter Mines. How do you balance skepticism with the need to respect the fears and beliefs of the townspeople?

I was trained to look for evidence, to trust what I can see and prove. But in a place like Porter Mines, legends are as real as the ground we walk on. Folks need something to explain the unexplainable. I try to respect that, even if I don’t always believe it myself. Sometimes, listening to their fears is as important as chasing down leads.

4. The events in Porter Mines often put you at odds with political pressures and public scrutiny. How do you maintain your integrity and focus on justice when facing criticism from both the community and local government?

It’s not easy. There’s always someone looking over your shoulder, second-guessing your decisions. I remind myself why I took this job in the first place, to protect people, not to win popularity contests. I do my best to be honest, even when the truth is ugly, and I try to treat everyone fairly, no matter who’s watching.

5. In your view, what role does the past, both personal and communal, play in shaping the present dangers and fears in Porter Mines?

The past never really leaves us. In Porter Mines, old wounds fester, and stories get passed down like family heirlooms. Sometimes, the things we don’t talk about, like secrets and regrets are what hurt us most. I’ve seen how history repeats itself when we don’t face it head-on. That’s true for families, and it’s true for towns.

6. You’ve witnessed the impact of trauma on families, including your own. What advice would you give to others in law enforcement about supporting victims and their loved ones through tragedy?

Listen. Don’t just go through the motions, really listen. People need to know you care that you’re not just another badge. Be patient, and don’t make promises you can’t keep. Sometimes, all you can offer is your presence and your willingness to help them carry the weight, even if only for a little while.

7. Now that the case has reached its conclusion, what lessons do you hope the community, and perhaps future generations of law enforcement, will take from your experiences in Porter Mines?

I hope folks remember that evil isn’t always a stranger in the night, it can be the things we ignore, the pain we bury, or the anger we allow to fester. For those who come after me, I’d say. Never stop asking questions, never stop caring, and never forget that every case is someone’s whole world. Sometimes, the only thing standing between hope and despair is the person willing to keep searching for the truth.

Sheriff Odenton is a persistent old man who continues to show up in various other places in my work. He briefly appeared in Parasite, part two of my Shadows of the Past trilogy, and in my works in progress, Bitter Hollow, The Bad Place, and will take the stage again in The Gathering when I get around to writing it. Which will be the last chapter in a trilogy of books that started with Cursed.

Cursed

Click on the cover to purchase.

After the loss of her husband, Susan sought a safe place to rebuild a life for herself and her six-year-old daughter, Christine. Quaint and picturesque, Porter Mines seemed ideal, but Susan soon learns appearances can be deceiving.

Like many small towns, the history of Porter Mines was woven in a tapestry of dark secrets. One centered on a witch, who vowed with her dying breath to claim vengeance against those who wronged her. A ghost story rooted in grisly truth.

Can Susan protect Christine from a wrath even death couldn’t tame?

Or will her only child fall prey to the curse of Porter Mines?

January 30, 2026