The Pros and Cons of Writing Fan Fiction
By: Ginger | Posted on June 27, 2025
Fan fiction is everywhere, from the depths of online archives to the origin stories of bestselling authors. While it can be a powerful way to practice your craft and build a fanbase, it also exists in a legal and creative gray area that every writer should understand. Fair use protections only go so far, as shown by a recent case involving a James Bond tribute that attracted unwanted attention from the copyright holder. Still, many franchises embrace the passion of their fans, and some writers have even turned early fan fiction into full-fledged careers. Like most creative shortcuts, though, writing in someone else’s universe comes with both rewards and risks. This week, Ginger explores how fan fiction can sharpen your skills, grow your audience, and even serve as a stepping stone into self-publishing. But only if you navigate it wisely. It’s a been a while since I’ve written a post… Read More >
How Season 2 of 1923 Became a Masterclass in Audience Betrayal
By: Ginger | Posted on June 20, 2025
Warning: This blog contains major spoilers for season 2 of 1923 (and season 1, for that matter). The first season of the Yellowstone spinoff prequel 1923 was a hit that audiences fell in love with, building on plot points and unspoken promises that had fans eager for its return. Unfortunately, instead of delivering a sweeping reunion, a long-awaited victory, and the emotional payoff everyone was waiting for, season 2 of 1923 gave us a slow unraveling of its most beloved characters, disconnected subplots, and a final twist that felt more like betrayal than tragedy. For authors, this is more than just frustrating television. It is a cautionary tale about what happens when a story breaks faith with its audience. In this week’s blog, Ginger unpacks the show’s missteps and how they undermined the unspoken contract between storyteller and reader. Mistakes like these risk more than bad reviews. They risk losing… Read More >
Campfire Stories As a Blueprint for Unforgettable Books
By: Ginger | Posted on June 13, 2025
What makes campfire stories so captivating? Aside from the atmosphere created by crackling flames and darkness held at bay by firelight, these stories grab our attention right away, hold us spellbound, and linger long after the last log burns out. These timeless storytelling techniques have thrilled listeners for generations and continue to shape the novels readers love most. From gripping openings to unforgettable endings, campfire stories follow a structure that speaks to something deep within us. In this week’s blog, Ginger breaks down those core elements and shows how they can serve as a blueprint for crafting fiction that sticks. Whether you’re revising your first draft or starting something new, this is a reminder of how powerful your storytelling can be when you tap into what has always worked. The other weekend, my wife and I escaped the stifling grind of suburban life for the rolling beauty of Belvidere, New… Read More >
Turning Inspiration Into Original Writing
By: Ginger | Posted on June 6, 2025
Most writers walk a line between influence and invention. What we grew up on, whether books, movies, or television shows, serve as creative fuel for both our conscious and subconscious mind. Just because a new book is inspired by a story from the past doesn’t mean it is inferior, or that the new work lacks originality. In this week’s blog, Ginger shares how his son’s Dragon Ball obsession recently sparked conversations about storytelling, creative “fixes,” and why influence is not the same as imitation. As Ginger explains, many of his own novels have been shaped by the iconic favorites of his youth. From anime and space operas to sword-wielding brutes, these inspirations helped form some of his most original ideas. In fact, it’s not uncommon for a single story to inspire generations of new ones, so instead of shying away from the stories that led you to writing in the… Read More >
