Richard Schiver

Tag: books

  • Exploring the Power of Horror Tropes in Storytelling

    Exploring the Power of Horror Tropes in Storytelling

    Storytelling thrives on the familiar and the unexpected. Nowhere is this more evident than in the use of tropes. Tropes, recurring themes, motifs, and character types are the building blocks of narratives. Shaping how stories unfold and how audiences connect with them. In horror, tropes like the “final girl,” haunted houses, forbidden fruit, or the impostor in plain sight are instantly recognizable, but their influence extends far beyond the genre.

    What makes horror tropes so powerful is their adaptability. The “final girl,” for example, is a staple of slasher films, representing resilience and survival. Yet, this trope appears in thrillers, action movies, and even science fiction, where a lone protagonist must confront overwhelming odds. Haunted houses, another classic horror motif, are not limited to ghost stories. They can symbolize psychological turmoil in dramas or serve as metaphors for societal decay in dystopian fiction.

    Tropes also serve as bridges between genres. The forbidden fruit, rooted in horror’s fascination with temptation and consequence, is equally at home in romance, fantasy, and crime stories. By crossing genres, tropes invite writers to subvert expectations, blending elements of horror with comedy, mystery, or adventure. This fusion creates fresh narratives that surprise and engage readers, challenging them to reconsider what they know about both horror and storytelling itself.

    Moreover, tropes influence how stories are told and received. They provide a shorthand for emotion and meaning, allowing writers to quickly establish atmosphere or character dynamics. When used thoughtfully, tropes can deepen psychological tension, heighten suspense, or evoke empathy. However, their true power lies in reinvention. Horror writers excel at twisting familiar tropes, breathing new life into old patterns and crafting stories that resonate across genres.

    In the end, tropes are not just tools for horror. They are catalysts for creativity, shaping the stories we tell and the ways we experience them, no matter the genre.

  • Fridays 5 with Thomas Monteleone

    Fridays 5 with Thomas Monteleone

    I’ve decided to mix Fridays up a little bit. Some weeks it will be an interview with one of my characters, while other weeks it will be Fridays 5. I’m hoping to add some new blood to this weekly feature. If you write in the speculative fiction genres, and would like to participate, drop me a line at rschiver@gmail.com

    Q When did you first consider yourself a writer?

    A When I was 12 years old and spent a summer’s worth of lawn cutting money on a Royal manual typewriter.

    Q What is the hardest part of writing?

    A Forcing yourself to do it every day… even on the days when you have other stuff you must do or don’t feel the urging of the muse.

    Q How did you feel upon publication of your first completed project?

    A When I saw my name on the cover of the March 1973 issue of Amazing Science Fiction magazine, I realized I had accomplished something that 99% of the population would never do. And most likely would never think to do.

    Q In addition to writing, what else are you passionate about?

    A I am passionate about my family. Son, daughter, grandkids, and wife are simply everything to me. (. . . And bourbon isn’t so bad either. )

    Q If you could ask any author, living or dead, one question, what would it be?

    A I’d ask Ayn Rand why she allowed John Galt to speak for more than 100 pages.

    Thomas F. Monteleone is an American science fiction author and horror fiction author. His first novel, Seeds of Change was the lead-off title in the critically unsuccessful Laser Books line of science fiction titles, but he went on to become a popular writer of supernatural thrillers.

    A professional writer since 1972, and 4-time winner of the Bram Stoker Award. He has published more than 100 short stories in numerous magazines and anthologies. His stories have been nominated for many awards and have appeared in many best-of-the-year compilations. Click on his image above to be taken to his amazon author page.

    In 2023 Thomas was banned from the Horror Writer’s Association for his conservative beliefs. An organization he had been a member of since its inception. As a result he was cancelled and his publishing company Borderlands Press fell upon hard times. A GiveSendGo fund has been set up to help the 79 year old. If you’re inclined to help out follow the link below, and thank you. No one should have their livelihood taken from them because of their beliefs!

    GiveSendGo

  • New Release: Love Bites

    New Release: Love Bites

    From the twisted mind that brought you the short crime thriller, 1+1=3, comes a love story unlike any other!

    READ!! The steamy scene between Azrael and Morrigan in their car!

    FEAR!! The fake cop who kidnaps them!

    RECOIL!! From the gore!

    ENRAGE!! At the feeling of seeing a show but being seated in front of a post.

    PLUS

    WHY…Is there a walk-in freezer in the fake cop’s basement?

    WHAT…secret is the fake cop hiding?

    WHAT…are Azrael and Morrigan?

    All these questions are answered in LOVE BITES, the new Paranormal Romance story from Kieran Ferrara

    Content Warning: Due to depictions of sex, violence, gore, and foul language, this eBook is not recommended for anyone under the age of 17. By purchasing this eBook, you do not hold the author responsible for anything that may happen and acknowledge that you are at least 17 years old.

    Click on the cover to get your copy now!

    About the Author

    Kieran Ferrara spent aeons lying dormant before taking corporeal form. With a BA in Creative Writing and English from Southern New Hampshire University, he will use his writings to spread havoc across the cosmos.

    When not writing, Kieran enjoys spending time with his wife (The Great Priestess) and two children (Thing 1 and Thing 2). He is the editor of No Happy Endings: A Grimdark Anthology as well as the owner/proprietor of Nobody’s Knightmare Press.

  • Weekly Writing Challenge – I Am. 02/11/2026

    Weekly Writing Challenge – I Am. 02/11/2026

    The final segment:

    Brodie sat in a narrow chair built more for function than comfort. For reasons beyond his understanding Doctor Wilberman had asked him to stop by his office. He was sure it had something to do with the clone who had recently confronted him in the men’s room.

    “He didn’t say anything at all?” Doctor Wilberman asked as he worked to keep his pipe lit.

    “They can’t speak,” Brodie assured him, sticking to the proper narrative, it was safer that way, for him at least. He recognized the clone as the assistant manager of a co-op his grandfather used to take him to when he was a small child. Reminding him of a man who went missing when he was a teen. Several years before the restrictions on cloning were lifted.

    “True,” Doctor Wilberman said as he exhaled a cloud of smoke and flipped through the file lying open on his desk. “There are some who believe a bit of the past remains with the cells we use to create these clones. Are you sure he didn’t say anything?” Doctor Wilberman said as he continued flipping through the pages of the report, “according to the foreman’s report the clone in question tried to speak to him in the mess hall.”

    Brodie shrugged, his fingers working along the edge of his hat, hidden below the lip of the doctor’s desk. It wouldn’t do for them to see how nervous he was. While cloning was now legal, it hadn’t always been that way, and he remembered a time when several of the larger corporate farms operated outside the law in that regard.

    “He didn’t say a word sir, he tried to, but nothing came out.”

    “You’re certain?”

    “Absolutely.”

    “Did you recognize him?”

    “Why would I recognize him? Aren’t all the clones taken from the same cell source?”

    “They are, but every so often a mutation occurs, such as it did here.”

    “If you say so sir, you know more about this stuff than I do.”

    “Very well then,” Doctor Wilberman said as he closed the file, “if there’s anything else I need to ask I’ll be in touch.”

    “Can I go now?” Brodie said as he moved to get up, he couldn’t wait to get out from under the doctor’s scrutiny. If he did admit to recognizing this particular batch of clones what would happen to him?

    “You’re free to go,” the doctor said and Brodie got out of the office as fast as he could. He was halfway across the compound when he saw the latest batch coming in from the fields. Each one of them reminded him of that manager who had gone missing nearly thirty years before and he wondered how he was going to keep his mouth shut while working around them every day. On the other hand who could he say anything to? Cloning was now legal, and while it might have been safe to reveal what he knew, there were no absolutes. He’d felt a connection with the clone, a recognition of his plight, and as he watched them moved across the compound he worried another one might try to make contact with him.

    This completes the story I AM. Join me next week when I begin a new short story. I’ve been itching to go a lot darker than the past stories so we’ll have to wait and see what I come up with. The letter will be J, and that opens up so many possibilities.

  • Why Sharing Your Writing Dream Matters

    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.