Richard Schiver

Tag: books

  • New Release

    New Release

    Lilitu: Bloody Caleb by Jonathan Fortin

    Now available on Kindle, Kindle Unlimited, and paperback.

    Dante’s Inferno meets The Count of Monte Cristo in Lilitu: Bloody Caleb—a Gothic dark fantasy of murder, revenge, and the horrors of Hell.

    Caleb Schwartzenfeld, a 22-year-old vagrant violinist in the grim streets of Victorian England, is struggling to survive. But when his search for a patron leads him into the clutches of a sinister cult, he’s brutally sacrificed—and awakens in Hell, a nightmarish realm where death is impossible, and demons delight in torturing the living.

    Refusing to let eternal agony break him, Caleb vows to escape, reunite with the woman he loves, and exact revenge on those who murdered him. Yet the only way back to Earth may require becoming one of the very monsters who torment the damned.

    Under the dark tutelage of the depraved incubus Salem Sotirios, Caleb is seduced into the twisted pleasures and deadly politics of Hell’s elite. As he navigates a macabre underworld of power, lust, and vengeance, Caleb must decide whether reclaiming his life is worth risking his soul.

    Perfect for fans of Gothic horror, supernatural revenge thrillers, and dark romantic fantasy, Lilitu: Bloody Caleb delivers a chilling, seductive, and unforgettable journey through Hell and back. It is the newcomer-friendly second volume in the Lilitu saga, and can be read either before or after the first volume, Lilitu: The Memoirs Of A Succubus.

    Explore the Dark Depths: https://getbook.at/Lilitu2

    Add it on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/240624391-lilitu

    Lilitu saga series: https://geni.us/LilituSaga

    Proudly represented by Crystal Lake Publishing— Where Stories Come Alive!

    About the author

    Jonathan Fortin is the author of “Lilitu: The Memoirs of a Succubus” (Crystal Lake Publishing), “Requiem In Frost” (Horroraddicts.net), and “Nightmarescape” (Mocha Memoirs Press). An unashamed lover of spooky Gothic stories,

    Jonathan was named the Next Great Horror Writer in 2017 by HorrorAddicts.net. He attended the Clarion Writing Program in 2012, one year after graduating summa cum laude from San Francisco State University’s Creative Writing program. When not writing, Jonathan enjoys voice acting, dressing like a Victorian gentleman, and indulging in all things odd and macabre in the San Francisco Bay Area. You can follow him online at www.jonathanfortin.com or on Twitter @Jonathan_Fortin.

  • Why Human Creativity Matters in Writing

    Why Human Creativity Matters in Writing

    Artificial intelligence has already entered the realm of writing. From generating articles to crafting emails and even composing poetry. AI promises efficiency and convenience. As the technology becomes even more accessible, we need to stop and ask ourselves. Should we rely on AI for our reading entertainment? The answer, for many passionate writers and readers alike, is a resounding no.

    Writing is much more than stringing words together. It’s about sharing one’s thoughts, their emotions, and their unique worldview. AI tools, no matter how sophisticated, lack empathy and experience. Their output is based on algorithms and databases of existing content. Not personal insights or original perspectives. When we turn to AI for our writing needs, we risk losing the authentic voice that makes each one of us unique. We lose the depth of human storytelling, nuanced humor, and cultural context.

    AI can analyze trends and generate text that fits a given mold. But genuine creativity, the spark that inspires our ideas and our literary works cannot be replaced by machines. The best writing often comes from past experiences that form unexpected associations, emotional depth, and a willingness to challenge the norms. When we substitute human creativity for AI-generated content, we sacrifice innovation and the possibility of pushing boundaries. The world needs new ideas, not endless rehashes of what already exists.

    Using AI in writing raises important ethical questions. Who owns the content produced by the algorithms? Is it honest to present computer-generated work as our own? Additionally, the spread of AI-written content threatens to undermine trust in published materials, making it harder to distinguish between genuine expertise and synthesized output. For students, professionals, and writers alike, this blurring of lines can have significant consequences for credibility and accountability.

    Ultimately, writing should remain a human endeavor. By resisting the urge to delegate this creative task to AI, we preserve our unique voice, foster innovation, and maintain ethical standards. Technology can support the writing process, but it should never replace the irreplaceable value of human authorship.

    What are your thoughts in using AI to write?

  • Fridays 5 with Justin Boote

    Fridays 5 with Justin Boote

    1) When did you first consider yourself a writer?

    A. I would say that I considered myself a writer after I’d written the first 5 stories or so and joined a writing forum to learn more about the craft. Also, when I had my first story accepted for publication some 5 years ago, this helped cement that belief!

    2) What is the hardest part of writing?

    A. For me the hardest part of writing is not so much the editing stage anymore, but probably trying to turn a rough idea into a full, original story. I have lots of little thoughts and ideas for stories but to give them original twists or make them a little different to what I’ve written or read before is the challenge. I’ve written close to 200 short stories by now so that challenge is ever more difficult!

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

    A. Coinciding with my answer to question no.1, I would say it made me feel that maybe I was capable of writing something that not only people enjoy reading but that publishers are prepared to pay for. That made a big difference as opposed to just hearing friends tell you they love your work. It was a confirmation of sorts.

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

    A. Aside from writing, I do very little else! I’ve loved soccer since I can remember-my team being Liverpool F.C., but also anything related to horror, be it movies, books, whatever. And very possibly a minor addiction to Candy Crush! Other than that, my time is mostly spent writing the next novel.

    5) If you could ask any author, living or dead, one question, what would it be? A. The one thing I’ve always wanted to ask Stephen King for example is how they would go about things today with how big and easy self-publishing has become. Still continue submitting to publishers or go the self-publishing route?

    Justin Boote is a 49-year-old Englishman living in Barcelona, author of dark, horror fiction. Having spent 5 years writing short stories, he now dedicates his time to writing novels. To date he has published around 16 novels, and 3 short story collections, all of which can be found on Amazon and KU.

    Justin’s Amazon author page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B073Q44SZP

    If you write in the horror, sci-fi, or fantasy genres and would like to participate answer the five questions above and send them to me at rschiver@gmail.com include a brief bio and author photo. Thanks,

  • Plot vs. Character: Finding the Balance in Writing

    Plot vs. Character: Finding the Balance in Writing

    Do you remember the last story or book you read? If it stayed with you long after you closed the cover of the book it’s likely you also remember the main character’s name,. When you look at some of the most beloved novels in literature. It’s typically not the twists and turns of the plot that linger in our minds, but the unforgettable personalities of the characters.  

    When creating memorable fiction, writers often debate whether plot or character should take center stage. While a compelling plot can certainly drive a story forward, it’s the characters who breathe life into the narrative and leave a lasting impression on readers.

    Characters are the heart and soul of any story. They are the lens through which readers experience the world the author has created. Even the most intricate plot can fall flat if the characters are one dimensional or fail to evoke empathy. Readers connect with stories on an emotional level, and that connection is forged through the struggles, triumphs, and growth of the characters. When readers care about the people in a story, they become invested in what happens to them, regardless of how simple or complex the plot may be.

    Focusing on character development allows writers to explore deeper themes and create stories that reflect the complexities of real life. Well crafted characters can surprise us, challenge our assumptions, and provide inspiration. They give writers the freedom to let the plot evolve organically, shaped by the characters motivations and reactions rather than contrived events.

    Ultimately, while plot provides structure, it is the characters who give a story its soul. Writers who prioritize character over plot create fiction that is not only engaging but also memorable and impactful. By investing in rich, believable characters, authors ensure that their stories will resonate with readers long after the final page is turned.

    How can I apply this to my writing?

    Before outlining your plot, spend time developing your main characters. Ask yourself: What do they want?

    What are their fears, flaws, and strengths? How do they change over time?

    Create detailed character profiles. Include background, personality traits, relationships, and motivations.

    Instead of forcing your characters through a predetermined plot, let their choices and reactions shape the events.

    External events are important, but internal struggles make characters relatable. Show how your characters wrestle with doubts, desires, and moral dilemmas.

    Use these internal conflicts to guide the direction of your story.

    When you reach a turning point in your story, ask. “What would my character really do here?” Authentic decisions lead to organic plot development.

    Give your characters relatable goals and vulnerabilities. Readers should root for them, worry about them, and celebrate their victories.

     Use dialogue, thoughts, and actions to reveal who your characters are beneath the surface.

    During editing, check if your plot points arise naturally from your characters’ motivations. If something feels forced, adjust the event or the character’s response.

    I hope this helps writers who might be struggling with the plot or character question. I also hope to offer readers a brief glimpse behind the scenes of crafting memorable fiction. I first started writing in the nineties and have focused on the craft ever since. I went through the usual process of experimenting before I finally discovered my own voice. Being well read also helped as it gave me a foundation to launch my writing career from. Now if I could just figure out this whole marketing thing I’ll be all set.

  • Unlocking Creativity: The Role of the Subconscious in Writing

    Unlocking Creativity: The Role of the Subconscious in Writing

    Every writer, whether a seasoned veteran or just starting out, has experienced moments when the words flow with little effort. This can be attributed to the subconscious mind. A vast and mysterious realm beneath our conscious awareness that shapes our thoughts, emotions, and creative impulses.

    The subconscious is a silent partner in the writing process. While the conscious mind focuses on grammar, structure, and logic. The subconscious quietly weaves together memories, emotions, and fragments of experience. It’s here that ideas incubate, characters develop personalities, and stories find their unique voice. Writers often describe inspiration as a sudden spark or a whisper from within, but in reality, it’s the subconscious mind drawing from a deep well of lived experiences and hidden associations.

    Many creative breakthroughs occur when writers allow themselves to step back and let the subconscious take the lead. Techniques such as free writing, journaling, or even daydreaming can help bypass the inner critic and tap into this reservoir of creativity. Dreams, too, are a window into the subconscious, offering surreal images and narratives that can be transformed into compelling stories.

    However, the relationship between the writer and their subconscious is not always straightforward. The subconscious can be elusive, at times withholding ideas or presenting them in cryptic forms. This is why many writers develop rituals. Such as walking, listening to music, or meditating to quiet the conscious mind and invite the subconscious to speak.

    I’ve always been more comfortable making my decisions from the subconscious level, or more emotionally, because I find it is more truthful to me; Intellectually, I don’t think like that because I get uncomfortable.

    Tim Burton

    Ultimately, the magic of writing lies in the interplay between conscious craft and subconscious inspiration. By learning to trust and nurture the subconscious, writers can access deeper layers of meaning and emotion in their work. The stories that resonate most powerfully are often those that emerge from this hidden place, carrying the authenticity and complexity of human experience.

    For me the key to my subconscious stirs during showers, and the brain teaser games I play on my phone. Every time I hop into the shower my mind starts gnawing at whatever impasse I might find myself stuck in my current WIP. If things are going well on the writing front it’ll start poking holes into whatever I’m working on.

    One of the puzzles I play on my phone is Woodoku. This morning while working on a chapter for Parasite I got stuck with my character at the stove cooking breakfast. What could be so exciting about cooking breakfast that it needed to appear in my story?

    I didn’t understand it at the time, so I turned to my phone and started playing. Halfway through the first game my mind flashed on an image of the yellow yolks of an egg in a skillet. A game many of us may have played as children that involves buttercups and the question, ‘Do you like butter?’ came to me. This in turn opened the floodgates to a sequence of events that shaped my characters choices later in life and dovetailed nicely into the narrative.

    If you’re a writer, artist, or any kind of creative, what ritual, or process do you follow to unleash you creativity?