Backstage at Attack of the Kraken

When Peter heard that the inspiration for my latest Caffrey Conversation story was an ancient map of Scandinavia, he was excited at the prospect of Vikings being included. Alas, no. Although I do have a couple of stories in mind which feature Vikings, at this point they're just a random assortment of shy plot bunnies. If Peter had seen the map in question, his thoughts would have immediately spun to Rolf Mansfeld instead.

Arkham Vault: Queen's Gambit

Queen's Gambit is the 10th story in the Arkham Files series, a collection of meta tales written by Diana Berrigan and Mozzie in the Caffrey Conversation series. This story was conceptualized shortly after Henry Winslow joined the Arkham Files Round Table writing group, and his influence is evident in the plot. To name just one example, he uses his Arkham Files character Henry Chaseman to justify his solo work in Argentina in The Dreamer and Nocturne in Black and Gold.

Disorientation: writing a story is like moving into a new home

A couple of weeks ago I moved, leaving behind the first home I'd ever bought and settling into something different. Downsizing and simplifying had been a goal for several years, and telecommuting the last few months finally gave me the time, energy, and motivation to make it happen. After living in my prior place for so long, it's still a little disorienting to be someplace so different. And that reminds me of what it feels like to write a story.