Category Archives: Joys of Writing

My ADHD: Hyper-Focusing & Writing

Posted on March 28, 2020 by Nick C. Piers

I had a wonderful, long overdue chat with an old friend of mine tonight. I’ve known Mitchell since Grade 7. Growing up, we were into all the same stuff: wrestling, comics, tabletop RPGs, video games. We used to talk more … Continue reading →

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The City of Smoke & Mirrors Writer Commentary (Part 1 of 3)

Posted on September 14, 2015 by Nick C. Piers

With the upcoming release of THE DAME WAS A TAD POLISH, I thought it might be fun to pull back the curtain on my debut novel, THE CITY OF SMOKE & MIRRORS. I don’t know if this is something writers … Continue reading →

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The Joys of Writing: Learning From My Mistakes

Posted on July 30, 2015 by Nick C. Piers

This year, my second novel – The Dame was a Tad Polish – is coming out. That I can say “second novel” still feels surreal. When Pro Se Press published The City of Smoke & Mirrors two years ago, it … Continue reading →

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The Joys of Writing: On Responding to Criticism

Posted on February 26, 2015 by Nick C. Piers

I’ve seen some authors liken their work to raising a baby. You work on it for so long, help make it the best it can be, then send it off into the world to sink or swim. Sure, you can do … Continue reading →

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The Joys of Writing: A Description of Dilbert Pinkerton

Posted on October 26, 2014 by Nick C. Piers

Recently, I contacted an artist friend to about drawing an artist profile of Dill. It’s to get the right look and details for a plushie designer my girlfriend contacted for a Christmas gift for me. Honestly, this was an interesting … Continue reading →

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The Joys of Writing: Characters Taking Over

Posted on July 13, 2014 by Nick C. Piers

While I’m blanking on any names off hand, I’ve read interviews from writers where they discussed a character taking over. That character will surprise them, throw a wrench into the works, or do something so unexpected and yet totally in … Continue reading →

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The Joys of Writing: Idea Bouncing

Posted on May 8, 2014 by Nick C. Piers

A common question asked of many writers is “Where do you get your ideas?” Inspiration, of course, comes from multiple sources. Sometimes, a dream inspires a new story. Seeing a movie or reading a book sparks an idea. Just seeing … Continue reading →

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The Joys of Writing: Toe Wart

Posted on January 9, 2014 by Nick C. Piers

If it wasn’t for a toe wart, I may not have figured out what to do with my first murder mystery.

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The Joys of Writing: Research

Posted on November 22, 2013 by Nick C. Piers

Any writer worth their salt has said in interviews that research is an important aspect of their writing process. Many acknowledgements mention countless people that have helped a writer in their research. Greg Rucka, for example, name drops several reliable … Continue reading →

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The Joys of Writing: Creating Dilbert Pinkerton (and Tony Castillo)

Posted on April 2, 2013 by Nick C. Piers

Dilbert Pinkerton was killed off in his first appearance. True story. That was the plan, anyway. He was created purely as a throwaway, nothing character. He was cannon fodder and nothing else. Until Gilbert Stack saved Dill’s life. Let me … Continue reading →

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