I was taught by author Jerry B. Jenkins to be a ferocious self-editor.  He ingrains that discipline, making you responsible for every word—for clarity, rhythm, pacing, and so on. And I'd like to think some of that instinct imprinted early, back when I first tried reading Hemingway's For Whom the Bell Tolls at the age of eleven or twelve. Being somewhat of a perfectionist, I’ve taken things to extremes I’d never wish on another writer. I obsess on a microscopic level ove

Writ & Ruin by J.W. Arthur (ba-BUM ba-BUM ba-BUM ba-BUM ba-BUM) I gave them breath, my essence sealed in ink, then loosed each in a dark 'n hellish place. I sowed the seeds of horror, made them think, and saw life bloom near death with fragile grace. The tales were traps, not triumphs—wounds, not wins, I cheered 'n watched as fate would test them all. Each fought their sins and madness spawned within, some lived—most died, 'n many missed their call. I prayed they'd break beyo

The attention to detail in my work has been demanding. Given the legacy of my cinematic and literary influences, the standard I hold myself to is understandably high. Even so, as I edit and revise, I'm increasingly satisfied with what I'm accomplishing. The manuscript is one of survival horror, and I refuse to hold back when depicting how the characters navigate their apocalyptic setting. For terror to resonate, it must feel authentic. While there are flashes of gruesom

InFlection by J.W. Arthur     Death—memories fade, her smile—like the sun—remains, foolish pride to blame.       © 2025 by J.W. Arthur. All rights reserved. Inspired by Ernest Hemingway’s discipline of brevity, clarity, and emotional weight carried through omission.       A deceptively simple haiku . I chose not to lean on the usual themes of nature or the seasons, but my thoughts on death still echo those ideas on a deeper level. To me, death is transition and renewal, the

Rime of the Mourning Dead by J.W. Arthur I received this dreadful call...late last night, from a voice of bone-chilling fright. Lo, it whispered in my ear that it feasted on my fears, ‘n my soul...would soon fill its appetite. The sheer anticipation in its tone, sent me stumbling, forsaking hearth and home. 'n as I bolted for my car, underneath a sea of stars, I felt certain...that I was now all alone. Desp’rately, I slammed shut 'n locked the door, my rattled heart shaken to

Fear Not, Dreadnaut by J.W. Arthur 'Neath dreadful night skies, I drift off to fears, tucked in by your guidance, I navigate and steer. Amidst nightmarish ruins, left to wander—I roam, Unearthing within a grit I'd not known. As horrors take shape—apprehensions come true, I draw strength from your oversight, a testament to you. Terrors they plague, ghastly frights do consume, Lord, my faith it remains—your disciple, through and through. Inspired by author Jerry B. Jenkins, who

Mister E. Plummets by J.W. Arthur     My watery grave—ceaseless respite, blessed deliv'rance from hell left behind. The eternal sleep, an escape, peace at long last for my unconscious mind. Unmov'd One, spare my soul—end this torment, under these murky depths, may my pain truly die. Born unto this world a pariah, a monstrous creation of life's prying eyes.     Inspired by the works of Edgar Allan Poe and Clive Barker. © 2024 by J.W. Arthur. All rights reserved. Though this po

Dy'rs Prey'r by J.W. Arthur   Whilst I shut mine eyes, I sense its icy stare, this unseen thing which awaits a last drawn breath. Patient. Inexorable. Lo, it doth lurk in the darkness ‘round this bedside, its movements do so unnerve mine very soul, sower of dread and fear that relisheth its undeclared presence. Begone, I pray thee—a tidal wave of fear engulfeth me. Trouble me not, I beseech ye—prey'r of mortal fright. Inspired by the works of H.P. Lovecraft and Ramsey Campbe

My growth as a writer is largely owed to the invaluable guidance of author Jerry B. Jenkins. Those are just the cold hard facts. But let's back up, shall we? It all started while having lunch one afternoon in the cab of my work truck. An epiphany, if you will. I thought: Maybe it's time to use what I'd learned during my college studies and develop a story idea. I'm particularly passionate about character development. Andrew Lincoln's portrayal