Author: Dan Alatorre AUTHOR

Occasionally we turn the reins over to a friend of the blog so they can share their experience in writing – some good, some bad – for the benefit of others. Here’s Juliet. When Dan, very kindly and unexpectedly, replied to one of the comments I’d made to the wonderful J.A Allen about guest blogging, […]

6 “The Committee for the Prevention of Drunken Behavior” I already like this chapter just from its title.  Lucy is way funnier than I thought. Is that insulting? It’s not meant to be. I knew she was funny; I didn’t know she was this funny. This is a funny chapter, as you may have surmised […]

5 “Private Eye” and more Although we’ve settled into the story, and PorterGirl has settled into Old College, she is still learning new things so are we, too.  This next observation didn’t just appear at this point in the story; it’s been going on for a while, and it is this: I’m not sure if […]

4 “Showdown At Sprocket Gate,” and more… I don’t want to name every single chapter but I do kind of need to let you know where I am on occasion. Porter girl is now headed back to the crypt, I believe. Well, and this is the first long chapter. I read the first thirty pages […]

3 I like PorterGirl’s wonderment at traditions that appear no longer of any value. After an induction ceremony, she says, “I didn’t really do anything at all. But, the few actions I did perform are of such vital importance to Old College that they have been repeated, unchanged, for centuries.” This underscores her fish out […]

I kind a lost track of the real time thing, so there will be a few of these  coming quickly. There are some unusual (to me) words and phrases in this story, so I thought I would point a few out. (Normally I would just ask Lucy but it’s inconsequential; you pretty much figure out […]

After all, JK Rowling survived my review of her Harry Potter stories, didn’t she? And there are certain similarities…

Flash Fiction Friday is going to return, with shorter challenges and fun authorey ideas you’ll wanna take part in. It probably needs a better name than Flash Fiction Friday, though, I think, but you’re gonna love the new format. BTW, send me your ideas for a better name than Friday Flash Fiction challenge! NEXT, Don’t […]

I’m interested in getting your thoughts about stuff I see and hear, quotes I read, stuff that passes as knowledge – and starting an authorey conversation. .  Brilliant, a thousand times over.  I want this on a t-shirt. Goes along with throwing rocks at your characters. Brilliant. Brilliant! BRILLIANT! Understanding this, using this, will make […]

That’s a reference to Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, when the dad goes into his barn workshop and stays there building the magical car.     Because: Angel gets its final edits this week, plus its cover.     But don’t wander too far. I might ask for input here and there – but mostly I’ll probably be […]