Look for Benjamin's new book - Everybody But Us on the BRP website as well as his new short story in the BRP Anthology - It's The Holidays.

Why do we write? It isn’t a question many authors ask themselves or choose to write about. While a select few do delve into their inner psyche and reflect on their addiction to writing, most avoid the question, too busy with their noses in books or fingers running across keyboards, telling their truths.

​For myself, I do sometimes stop and wonder. Why am I doing this? Why am I compelled to create imaginary people, the fictional worlds they inhabit and give them obstacles to overcome, (or usually be consumed by, in my case). I think that the answer is far from simple. As a fledgling amateur, I can say with certainty that I do not write for money and have no particular desire to earn any, I just want my voice to be heard in a sea of chatter.
​
I think that, primarily for myself, writing gives me a sense of power. As an autistic person, I crave control and rigidity. I find that through writing I can become godlike, I can dictate who, what, when, where, why and how. I can do anything that I can imagine, and I can imagine quite a bit. That’s not to say I religiously plan my stories, I see where my writing takes me and try to follow the natural flow of the story, but I take comfort in the fact that control ultimately lies with me. As a student of English Literature for the past six years now, I also understand the power of words and not only the people who write them. They have the ability to shape thoughts, move men to action and change the world. Words have seen nations rise and fall, words declared the birth of America, the most powerful nation on earth, words are written in the law and maintain power and oppress the weak. If in my writing I could gain only a shred of this power, one atom of it, then I would feel very powerful indeed.

​I think that also, as unoriginal as the idea is, writing is a form of escapism. As a writer I can ascend from my mortal bounds and become something else entirely, I can familiarise myself with people who I have never met before, or places that I could – literally – only dream of. After a long day at work, or during a particularly low moment, I visit my stories and greet the characters as old friends, the settings I create become second homes where I can take off my veil of respectability, reveal my soul and become my truest self; when writing, I have no rules to adhere to, no expectation to meet, nor any people to impress. I am me in my rawest form and revel in the freedom I am given. Writing is like a magic carpet to transport me to wherever I can imagine, the darkest depths or the highest Heaven, so much so that writing becomes a haven for me, a comforting blanket which I can cover myself with when real life becomes that scary monster in the closet, threatening to intrude.

To put it simply, writing is fun and multi-purposeful. It’s an exercise that stimulates the brain and the imagination, it can alleviate stress or inspire us to create. Our ability to write, to pass on words from generation to generation, culture to culture or from race to race is a gift that we will never stop using. Here, I will finish with a quote that summarises my thoughts superbly:
​
“Words are  in my not-so-humble opinion, our most inexhaustible source of magic.”
J.K.Rowling, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

​Submitting your work usually starts with a ‘synopsis,’ an introduction to your story, and you! Everything hinges on a ‘synopsis’ for it tells the editor what the story’s about in a brief presentation. If you’ve presented your story idea well enough to spark the publisher’s interest, you’ll receive an invitation to submit more…a couple of chapters, or the entire manuscript for review.
​

​Editing matters! You’ll find that editing is a huge part of creating a story that sells, and it’s important to listen to editors for they make your manuscript more worthy. They provide a critical service since they know what readers want. Also, listen to editor’s guidance about style, grammar, using active voice, and other elements about which you might neglect. As a matter of fact the procedure editors perform is ‘surgical’, as they get rid of what the manuscript can’t use, or does harm, and insert what’s needed. In the end they’ve made your manuscript more appealing to an audience of readers.  

Getting with other writers and with writing organizations can offer writers clarity and support. The interchange has benefits.

Rejection plays a heavy role in a writer’s life. Every submission has a high possibility to be turned down. Publishers, editors, producers and others have to decide whether a writer will produce a ‘seller’ or nor, a decision that carries a lot of weight. Personally, my ‘rejections’ could fill a dresser drawer, but I continue to submit!

​Lastly, but very importantly, once you’re published, it’s vital that you become heavily involved promoting and marketing. Your work is an isolated project when you’re ‘creating’ and becomes a ‘public’ endeavor after. Be prepared to seek out interviews, venues for readings and signings, public appearances of all sorts, libraries, universities, churches, magazines, social media, organizations…any possible means of access. Also, websites that advertise writers’ work can be a good source for broadening sales. I’d suggest you look for the ‘free’ ones. I discovered several ‘free’ sites online. You have to consider every opportunity if you’re going to have any success as a writer. They’re many outlets available for your work. It’s up to you to go after them.
​
Keep Writing, and Good Luck!!!

I think that one of the greatest things a person or company can do is to try to refocus or reinvent themselves. That is what needs to happen here at Breaking Rules Publishing.
The pandemic – COVID – has put a crack in many lives and businesses. So like most, we’re looking at how we can help to market out authors in this more than normal social media and online world. Clearly having events and book signings isn’t going to be a component of our near future – so – we have to come up with new ways to get the word out.

To help with that we have increased our postings on all of our social media sites as well as looked for additional platforms. Not just for author sales but for knowledge and encouragement as well. We are working to find ways to promote the authors and services that we have at Breaking Rules Publishing.

This last summer we started to host an Author Salon for the authors to share experiences, their WIP, challenges and ideas to help those in attendance to work smarter. We are also bringing in guest speakers in once a month to help guide them through the process of marketing themselves and the group.

We are also reaching out to like authors to help promote themselves in a group setting. Hoping to build a stronger community and share the word on the fantastic authors we have under the Breaking Rules Publishing umbrella.
​
Things are changing all over – we have to keep up and move into the new publishing and marketing arenas.
 
Thanks for stopping by. 

​
Have you taken a moment to check out the most recent issue of  The Scribe or Horror magazines.

The Scribe Magazine - October 2020 Issue$15.00The Scribe Magazine from Breaking Rules Publishing is full of short stories - poetry and helpful hints in regard to marketing your book - starting a journal and a blog. The lineup is below.

The Scribe Magazine Writer List
Brian Wagstaff – Wag – Chitra Gopalakrishnan – C. L. Sidell – Barrie Darke – E. E. King – Floris van Zyl – Frederick Pangborne – Harris Coverley – John D. Ashton – Kevin M. Folliard – Pedro Iniguez – Terry Groves – Timothy Wilkie – Elaine Rush

Authors from – the USA – United Kingdom – South Africa – Saba Island – Canada – India.

Horror Magazine - October 2020 Issue$15.00The Horror Magazine from Breaking Rules Publishing is full of short stories - poetry and helpful hints in regard to marketing your book - starting a journal and a blog. The lineup is below.

Horror Magazine Writer List
Harris Coverley – Pedro Iniguez – Andrew Punzo – Chisto Healy – Dan Woessner – E. E. King – Ian Delacroix – Mike Radar – Joshua Campbell – Judith Baron – Nick Fletcher – Matthew Pendell – Peter Glazebrook – Robert Lupton – Timothy Wilkie – T. M. Brown – Katherine Widick - -Matthew Wilson – John Grey – Justin Zipprich

Authors from – the USA – United Kingdom – Saba Island – Italy – Australia – Canada - 


​Interested in being a contributing writer? Read below.

The Scribe, Someday and Horror - are 60 - 100 plus page magazines that feature articles and tools to assist in the success of the writers and readers that subscribe. It also offers writers, published authors and young writers the opportunity to share their work, promote their novels, short stories or poetry. To submit your short story or poems  please email us at pattymccarthy@breakingrulespublishing.com.

The submission deadline for ALL Magazines will always be the 1st of the prior month before release.
Send all of your submissions to pattymccarthy@breakingrulespublishing.com.

Submission Guidelines can be found under the "Guidelines" tab.

*If your short story is accepted for publication in any issue of any of our magazines, you may be asked for an Author Byline and a piece of artwork such as a picture that compliments your story.

Authors Submitting Articles - 
Articles submitted by writers for our magazines will  be paid .01 per word up to 500 words. As the magazines grow this policy will change and the amount will increase. If you are interested in advertising in the magazines please see the packages below. 

Purchasing An Ad within all magazines - 

Please email us at  info@breakingrulespublishing.com if you're interested in purchasing an ad.

The Scribe, Someday and Horror are available online as well in hard copy. They are sent out to all of our subscribers as well as placed in various locations throughout the country. We also share The Scribe, Someday and Horror and our advertisers on our social media sites.

For information about advertising and pricing for The Scribe, Someday and Horror, please look below. If you are interested in placing an ad please email us at info@breakingrulespublishing.com or use the link below to make your purchase now.

To secure a package or get additional information - email  info@breakingrulespublishing.com.

​(Payments may be made in full or monthly/quarterly installments.)


Ad Size                              Monthly                      Six Months Or More             
Full Page                                  $100                                $600
3/4 Page                                   $75                                  $450 
Half Page                                  $50                                 $300      
Quarter Page                            $35                                 $210      
Business Card                          $25                                 $150

​
Attention Authors - ​Artists - Dancers - Musicians Promo

​Authors - Artists - Dancers - Musicians Promo  Normally $50 but now $25 Per piece - From now until Dec 31, 2020 - we are offering this price for all magazines per issue.                                           
(Includes Book cover art - blurb about the book, author’s website and authors photo if desired)

If you are interested in writing 400 to 500 words to accompany your promo we will discount your ad purchase to $20. These 400-500 words could be anything from telling us about your artistic journey to additional information about your work. 

Promote your art opening - your CD release - dancer performances, your new book or book signing etc. 
​

​Short Story Submissions - will be paid $.01 per word - per accepted submission
(Includes - up to 5,500 words, artwork for the story and an author photo if desired)

​To submit your short story to The Scribe - Horror please email us at pattymccarthy@breakingrulespublishing.com.


Poetry Submissions - will be paid $10 - per accepted submission or more than 10 lines.
(Includes - up to 300 words, artwork for the poem and author photo if desired) 

​All of the artwork on the front covers of The Scribe, Someday and Triangle Writers Magazine will be created by artist David Rule - created.rule

Sponsors will be placed throughout The Scribe, Someday and Horror Magazines individually, as well as placed on our website - promoted on our social media sites and at all events. To submit your poetry to The Scribe - Horror - please email us at pattymccarthy@breakingrulespublishing.com.

Hi, I’m Adam and I’m a writer. That makes me sound like an alcoholic. I’m not. In fact, I hardly drink at all. Don’t like the taste of most booze. Unlike Sunita Kumar, who is partial to a cherry vodka or three.
Anyway, I thought that I would share a little bit about my writing process that helped in the creation of my new novella Murder Planet, now on sale through Breaking Rules Publishing. Please buy it. You’ll enjoy it.
Having to juggle a full-time job and a social life alaong with my writing has resulted in me doing “little and often” writing. I try to do at least 10-15 minutes a day (except Sunday) of ‘writing’, which covers everything from plot development to research to the actual typing.
I use both a desktop PC and a tablet for my writing, with Microsoft’s OneDrive allowing me to access my writing from wherever I am in the world, along as I have a Wi-Fi connection.

Planning

However, for planning, as someone born in the relatively early days of home computing, I still use paper nearly exclusively for jotting down notes and making various rough drawings of things – I carry a notebook in my workbag so I can write down ideas when they occur to me, although I admittedly don’t always do so immediately.  It’s hard to do that when standing in a crowded commuter train.
In fact, I am currently in the process of scanning my extensive collection of paper notes that go back over 20 years.

Notes for a character that ultimately did not make it into Murder Planet

Influences

One of the fundamentals of any fictional work is memorable characters. Sunita Kumar, my main protagonist, has evolved considerably over the years – she was originally a captain in her 40s and her daughter a stroppy teenager. Her general disregard for social conventions is based on some of my own favourite female characters in recent fiction; for example, I can spot elements of Sameen Shaw in Person of Interest, although Sunita lacks her combat skills.
Indeed, television shows have proved a major influence in my character creation. The whole concept of ‘Spacees’, basically Romani (albeit from all ethnicities – Sunita is of Tamil heritage) in space, originated from an episode of Call the Midwife featuring their waterborne cousins. In creating a new culture based on an existing one, I am trying to be culturally true to a group and avoid using negative stereotypes; Sunita’s wedding had a tacky carriage, but she was pleased when it got set on fire in a mass brawl.
In particular, the cult classic Blake’s 7, which I watched in re-runs when I was growing up, has had a major influence. Fans of it may be able to spot a reference or two in Murder Planet.
Another major influence was Alien – a classic space horror that has stood the test of time. The aesthetic of that movie has strongly influenced the story; the crew of Tulyar are basically truckers and wear jumpsuits like that worn by Sigourney Weaver in that movie. That whole aesthetic has a name – cassette futurism – something I learned the other day.
Any space drama needs a ‘hero’ ship, that looks cool even if it is a complete pile of junk. Tulyar is intended to be an ageing but still highly capable merchant ship. The vessel, down to its name, is inspired by the British Rail Class 55 locomotive, known universally to railway enthusiasts (like me) as the “Deltic” and much loved by them. 100 mile an hour capable in an era where that was uncommon, they accelerated services in Britain’s East Coast Main Line and remained in service until 1981. The blue and yellow paint job that they sported from the mid-1960s onwards is shared by Tulyar, one of the six survivors of the 22 built.
​

I was recently asked to say a bit about my writing style and how it seems to be Totally Different from the main stream of Story Tellers who are pumping out book after book.  This conundrum, “to be quite honest,” is something that I’ve never actually thought about. 
     Well, let me rephrase that.
   For those that are in the know, Alaska Angelini is a Very Famous Author and Dear Family Member of mine who is to blame for my decision to finally become the writer that I’ve professed that I was always going to be.
    That’s because The Darkened Maiden of Erotica beat me to it first.
    And, she unknowingly stoked my jealousy button after I learned of her success.
    Before I got started, I asked my Cousin what her best advice would be when writing a book and this is what she said.
    Write your book Exactly how the characters speak to you, Bad Words And All.  Don’t obsess on what they are, “or not,” doing or saying and allow the story line to breathe and grow.  If a publisher has an issue with it, they will tell you. 
    That was the exact same advice she was given.
    I believe that’s the difference between Traditional and Non-Traditional writing. 
    I see the Traditionalist always worrying about what is being said and done within the pages of their book.  Personally, it feels as if They are trying to please the masses instead of growing and expanding the depths of their inner Author.
    “To Me,” this stifles and damages the free flow thinking of the Story Teller.
    DON’T DO THAT!
    If the characters are pulling you towards letting their freak flags fly, allow them that honor.  The reasons and actions of why they do what they are doing will end up making a Great and Insightful Tale.
    By following that advice, my first book, (YEAR OF THE CICADA,) NOT ONLY turned out to be One Hell Of A Story, but I also expect it to be one of the Most CONTROVERSIALLY ENJOYED Books to be written in this day and age.
    At some point, If the world ever decides, “once again,” that certain books must be banned and burned for their content, I’m Absolutely Certain that It’s Boundary Breaking Pages will place it high on the list of OH MY GOD, HOW DARE HE GO THERE!
    I believe that willingness of letting it flow formatting is what will end up making me a Great and Sought-After Author.
    That, and the fact my books are designed to keep My Fans on their toes and always Second-guessing what kind of outcomes might just happen to be laying around that next corner of Intrigue, Shock and Suspense.
    Still To This Day, I’m one of those readers who will put a book down, “and probably never pick it up again,” if I’m not engaged within the first Five to Ten pages.  And if by some chance it hasn’t enthralled me by the end of that first chapter, our time together is officially done.
    That is the Main Foundation when it comes to my writing. 
    I expect my readers to be Fully Mesmerized and Addicted to my stories by the time they turn that next page.
    The other reason I consider myself a Non-Traditional Author is do to the fact that I Refuse to write my stories just to please everyone out there.  Because of how different people can be, I know for a fact that the miracle of making the masses happy ISN’T going to happen.
    Besides that, I would be doing myself a Horrible Injustice.
    To me, a Traditional Writer goes with the grain and is afraid to make waves. 
    LOLOL, That’s So Not Me.
    I Love Making Waves.
    I’ve made So Many Waves with YEAR OF THE CICADA, “Do To Its Graphic Language, Sexual Subject Matter, Adult Situations and Taboo Characters,” that only a few of my friends and family members who are free thinkers have been able to finish it. 
    And Those that did, Loved Every Delectable Page.
    To This Day, I blame my dad Denise Lancaster for that wicked sense of writing and humor that I Purposely place in All of my books.
    In 1974, “at the age of 5,” we went to the drive-inn to see The Texas Chainsaw Massacre.  In 1979, “when I was 10,” he let us watch Dawn Of The Dead.  At 13, “2 weeks before going to Boy Scout Camp for the 1st time,” he took us to see Friday the 13th.
    Needless to say, the SECLUDED camp was on a lake in the deep, dark woods of Conroe Texas. 
    “And by the way,” our campsite was the VERY LAST ONE at the Far End of the Pitch-Black Woods.
    Right Where A Serial Killer ALWAYS Starts!
    So, I guess someone could Honestly Say that there has Never been anything Traditional about me or my upbringing.  That darkened foundation was also do to the fact that I was a geek growing up and could always be found hanging, “and performing,” with the Drama club and those that were deemed outcast.
    Being an Ex Carnie with a quirkiness for Evil Clowns is another Cherished Gem as to my weirdness too. 
    They are physically making me input that acknowledgement concerning their influences about my writings because they want their involvement literarily acknowledged amongst the public and academic world also.
    HAPPY NOW?
    Anyways, back to the main reason of why I’m writing this piece about the difference between Traditional and Non-Traditional writers.
    If I was to ask you to name off a handful of Traditional writers, most people couldn’t do it.  But when it comes to Non-Traditional Story Tellers, we can All spout off Author’s like King, Rowling’s, H.P. Lovecraft and Edgar Allen Poe.
    They have all gone against the grain at some point in their writing careers and have the success and cult like followings to show for it.
    That is the path I hope to not only be on, but that is the plan I will continue staying with.
    I hope to Never have my literary accomplishments tossed into the everyday pile of, “Whatever”.  My goal is to Stand Out, Cause Waves and to be Unique in Every Aspect of my  writing. 
    And that’s the choice Every Writer has to make when entering the Gladiator Arena of becoming an accomplished author.
    Once You enter the battlefield, are You just going to go along with the flow or stand your ground and fight for what is yours.  I can Honestly say that if you are one who tends to blend in with all the others, your success as a Remembrall Author will More Than Likely Not Happen.
    But, if you are willing to Fight, Bleed and Stand Up for what You Believe In; the Starving Reader of Non-Traditional writing will come knocking on Your Door for that next Block Buster of a Novel that could end up changing the world.
    So, Never Back Down or Succumb to those who might mean well or act like they have your best interest at heart.  For if you do; that one story only you can tell the way it Demands To Be Told, will fade away into nothing and people like me will never get the pleasure of reading a tale that could have been your magic carpet ride to Literary Acknowledgement, Phenomenal Success and quite possibly Fame and Fortune.
    No Matter The Cost, Your breakout moment will eventually come when You are Finally Willing to be Your Actual Self and allow Your Soul and Spirit to write the way it is meant to be written. 
    Never let other’s enslave that which was meant to be free.
    You and Your Free-Thinking Words.
    To All my Brothers and Sisters who are walking the same path that I am currently on, I say this.
    Write My Friends.
    Write.
    Allow the Idea to lift you up. 
    Enjoy its refreshing wordage upon the page.
    And, “once you’re done,” soak in the accomplishments warm embrace.
    The words, ideas and memorable characters that are crying out to speak, will all be heard once you find your peace and that sweet, sweet spot of contentment which only comes once you are willing to surrender to that which is demanding to be written.
    Now, its your turn to make a decision.
    What kind of Author are You planning on becoming.
    Traditional OR Non-Traditional?
    “AND FOR GOD’S SAKES!” Don’t Let Or Allow Others To Make What Could Be An Enslaving Choice For You.
    This is Your Walk to walk and No One Else’s.
    So, Stop Procrastinating and Start Writing.
    Your success will only materialize after you begin placing one word after the next.
    Hopefully I Will See You at the finish line, but Only You can choose and make that Life Changing Option.
    I wish All Of You the Best and Happy writing.
    Sincerely E.A. Green / The Greenman.
 
    If you are interested in reading any of my Non-Traditional writings, “Year of The Cicada, Father May I, Flesheaters, Just Jellies, My kids series Don’t Let The Bedbugs Bite, and some of my short stories,” they can ALL be found at Breakingrulespublishing.com or that other place called Amazon.
    Look for the release of my next Non-Traditional Novel, REAL SKIN, here in the near future.

-E.A. Green