by Joe Mynhardt | Apr 16, 2025 | blog
Crystal Lake has two titles in this year’s Books of Horror Indie Brawl: MEAN SPIRITED by Nick Roberts and SOUL MIRROR by Edmund Stone. Have you read them yet? Here’s the first one:SOUL MIRROR: The World is What you make of it Until You Turn It Upside Down....
by Joe Mynhardt | Apr 2, 2025 | blog
One of the most important moments in any story is the introduction of your protagonist. Whether it’s the first page of your novel or the first page of a new chapter, how you introduce your character can set the tone for everything that follows. A strong introduction...
by Joe Mynhardt | Mar 5, 2025 | blog, For the Authors
I’ve spent years studying, editing, publishing, and even writing horror, and after my recent Shadows & Ink books, it didn’t take too long for me to realize what to write about next: The Psychology of Horror Fiction. The first draft is done, so it won’t be long...
by Joe Mynhardt | Feb 19, 2025 | blog, For the Authors, Updates
If you’ve ever dreamed of taking your writing to the next level, of writing a novella that grips readers from the first page to the last, now is the time to make it happen. The 2025 Author’s Journey workshop is officially open for signups, and we want YOU to be a part...
by Joe Mynhardt | Jan 27, 2025 | blog
Hello, Writers! When we talk about storytelling, The Book Thief by Markus Zusak is one of those novels that stands out as a masterclass in narrative technique and character development. For any author looking to hone their craft, especially in creating memorable...
by Joe Mynhardt | Dec 4, 2024 | blog
As the year draws to a close, it’s the perfect time to reflect on all that you’ve accomplishedand take a much-needed break. Whether you’ve published a new book, written a collection ofshort stories, or simply learned and grown as a writer, this is a moment to pause,...