Close upon the heels of Valentines Day it feels appropriate to talk about writing intimacy, or intimate scene writing, or…well, you know what I mean. I am not talking about erotic writing; that is a whole other skill set. I refer to those intimate scenes that we write within almost any form of fiction; scenes … Continue reading Writing Intimacy
Thoughts on Writing
The Five Layers of Great Writing
I have learned to see writing in layers; that is, layers of growth. Starting out, all writers must believe we have better than average abilities to express ourselves on paper - otherwise we might not begin to write at all. I see this as the first layer of writing. I should note here that one … Continue reading The Five Layers of Great Writing
Back To Basics
Like many people, I found the game of golf to be irksome. Actually, it doesn’t take so long for the beginner to reach a level of proficiency that is encouraging. The game is exciting at that point, the challenge clearly defined, and progress positive. But that is the hook. At some point, be it … Continue reading Back To Basics
DEVIL TOWN
My research of late has taken me to Alta California and the restless pioneering souls who first settled it. I am pursuing links to certain colonial families but as often happens while hunting treasure I stumbled across an entirely unexpected gem. I call this one Devil Town. Here's the story. Along with the Missions … Continue reading DEVIL TOWN
Just For You
It is New Year's Day and as my mind wanders back over the year just past I think of opportunities not seized and words not spoken. With each passing year these omissions grow in importance for me and I resolve to improve. So often it is not the will to seize these opportunities that fails me … Continue reading Just For You
The Demise of Books
Growing up in the late fifties and early sixties, television was not the time consuming activity it is today. Even in New Jersey (western Jersey, y'all!) any household was fortunate to receive one channel clearly, let alone the hundreds of choices available today. As a preschooler, I had just settled into watching Howdy Doody and Roy … Continue reading The Demise of Books
It’s Time to Thank My Reviewers
With the Holiday Season there comes an urge to give thanks. In the Rolodex of my brain I can flip through many names of those who reach out regularly to help make my life and those of others better. As an author, I am particularly beholden to my reviewers. For readers, this is a brave … Continue reading It’s Time to Thank My Reviewers
History is an Artichoke
I am immersed in research. The project began over five years ago out of curiosity and has grown sufficiently to become the infrastructure for a historical novel, or maybe even a biography. History, I've found, is like an artichoke; a cultivated thistle with a flower of tough outer layers that protects a tender heart. My … Continue reading History is an Artichoke
Write Through The Holidays
The Holidays not only creep up on you, they devour you. Really, there are multiple holidays tightly woven into a short span of time. I am declaring Hallowe'en part of the Holiday Season. Admittedly there is no day off from work on that day and yes, we tend to think of it as more of … Continue reading Write Through The Holidays
Six Ways to Start Your Creative Juices Flowing
I share with you some of the my ways to overcome the curse of Creativity Deprivation. 1. Exercise. I run. Not every day, but frequently. And I find that plots and scenarios pop into my head unbidden as I jog along (I don't use an iPod). But I don't believe that creative resurgence is limited … Continue reading Six Ways to Start Your Creative Juices Flowing
R Lawson Gamble 