Scott’s Blog

  • Writing Music

    Music That Helps Me Write Below is a list of some of my favorite movie soundtrack albums that fit my definition of “writing music.” These albums, along with many others, are what I listen to when I’m in my writing zone. This music inspires me and it helps to cut out other noises that could… Read more

  • Stay In The Moment

    Introduction The writing advice I’m giving today is more of a pet peeve of mine than a hard rule. What I’m going to talk about is mentioned in most books about writing, and I believe it kind of relates to one of the main rules for writers, “show don’t tell.” But, I think it bothers… Read more

  • Tension

    Introduction As I said in my last post, I am not a writing expert but I am a book reviewer with 200 science fiction and fantasy book reviews under my belt. All that reading and reviewing has taught me a few things about what makes a great book.  Tension in a Story Today, I want… Read more

  • Character & Plot

    Introduction Not only do I write books but I also review books. Since 2017, I have read and reviewed 144 books for a book review website called Readers Favorite. Separately, I’ve read and reviewed 50 or 60 books that were not connected to Readers Favorite. These were books I read for fun and then reviewed,… Read more

  • Find Me on Substack

    I’m now putting out weekly newsletters through Substack. I’ll be focusing most of my writing energy there rather than on this blog. I would be honored if you, my blog readers, would follow me to Substack and subscribe. All it requires from you is to go to scottcahan.substack.com and put in your email. That’s all… Read more

  • Inspired by a Movie, Again!

    It happened again. I watched a movie a few nights ago that inspired me in my fiction writing. One scene in particular brought tears to my eyes and made me feel all warm inside. By the time the closing credits rolled across my TV screen my mind was already churning about how I could add… Read more