Welcome to Pen & Sword, a blog by two fans of all things reading and writing.
Join us for updates twice a week as we ramble about our favorite reads, bemoan the struggles of being an aspiring author, and discuss anything else related to the lovely world of literature.
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OUT NOW- Losing Air: Dark and Strange Tales
The day has come. Came and went, actually. The book came out on the 30th. But you know that, ’cause you’ve already bought it! Right? Right?? That’s right! My self-published short story collection is OUT NOW!! I know you’ve already… Continue reading
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I Reread and Watched “Project Hail Mary” in the Same Week
This article will contain discussion about both the book and movie for ‘Project Hail Mary’. While explicit spoilers will be disclosed as they appear, the article as a whole may contain general plot points or details of the book/movie. Reader… Continue reading
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UNSCHEDULED: Internal Salvation Soft-Launch!
I have some very exciting news to share regarding one of my own projects! Just this week, a collection of my poetry has been published as a chapbook through Bottlecap Press. It was a pleasure to work with them and… Continue reading
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My Favorite Blend: Discussing The “Horror Western”
I know defining genre can get murky, so I’ve consulted with an expert to give us a solid definition of what makes a western. My dad. His credentials: He’s read approximately 3-400 westerns in his life. I don’t think we… Continue reading
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Why Does the ‘Cozy’ Subgenre Work So Well?
Guys I’m plagued by the capitalist society that we live in. JK. Kinda. I think I’m mostly tired of the monotony that I find myself in when it comes to my work, and the struggle to improve it. My degree… Continue reading
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An Excerpt From “Father Cruz”
Hello friends! I realized recently that I’ve only ever shared one novel excerpt with you guys, at the very beginning of the blog! It’s from The Silverwing, and if you’re new since then, you can read it here if you’d… Continue reading
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Writing Habits and Journal Keeping
In October, one of the things I did was begin to track my daily writing. It was a lot of fun to see how far I could get in some sessions, and to see how a whole month of work… Continue reading
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Genre-Fluid Heroes
If you’ve read Stephen King’s On Writing, you may remember an anecdote between King and Chuck Verill (pretty sure it was him, his agent) where King is warned, as they’re gearing up for his third book to release, that this… Continue reading
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Managing Stress and Projects
Lately, Ava and I have been on a roll. We started a project recently that we have been ale to really sink our teeth into. I don’t think we’re quite ready to give all the details yet, but we’ve been… Continue reading
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Word Count Worries: Saved by the Novella
I am my own worst enemy. It takes a special level of wisdom to know oneself, and also to know when a project doesn’t have enough plot to be a full novel. This is something I struggle with very often.… Continue reading
