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Words Deferred is a blog about writing fiction, in all of its myriad forms.

What am I doing here? I’m reviewing books and giving away my story ideas! But that’s not all…

In 2024 and 2026 I’ve done what I like to call a Year of Short Stories. I spend 52 weeks writing sci-fi and fantasy stories and submitting them to publications. I write weekly updates to discuss my progress, as well as the ins and outs of writing and submitting short fiction in these markets. Read the kickoff, or see all the posts.

Previously, I spent almost two years writing Razor Mountain, a novel that I updated here twice per month. I documented the entire process, from ideas and outlining to the cover design and back-cover blurb to the chapters themselves. You can read all of it on my Razor Mountain landing page.

If you’d rather read some of my free microfiction or hundred-word drabbles, check out the Fiction section.

If you’re looking for something else, use the search, categories and tags in the sidebar, or check out my most recent posts below.

The Truth—Read Report

Book | Ebook | Audiobook (affiliate links) There aren’t many authors who put out 40 books in the same world. It requires not only an audience that maintains interest in that world, but also an author who is both prolific and continues to find that world worth writing about. Discworld…

Week 35 — Year of Short Stories 2026

2026 is another year of short stories. In this weekly series, I track my short story writing, from idea and draft to submission. This is the week of Aug 31 – Sept 6. Stats Submissions and Responses I received two form rejections this week, for Red Eye and Taco Cat.…

Publishers, Authors, and AI Detection

I follow the writing gossip across the internet, or at least on Substack, WordPress, and Bluesky. All of these platforms have the classic downsides of social media discussions: they are full of drama and heated opinions, everyone thinks a little too highly of themselves, and topics tend to blow up…

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