Each of us writes in our own way, in our own time, and for our own reasons. Over time we establish our own truths; our own mandates, if you will. These tend to boil down to just a few basic rules, if we scrutinize them long enough. And they are often universal. I’ll share mine … Continue reading Four Things I Never Forget
Thoughts on Writing
Who’s Got The Time?
I've just read a very interesting post by Elizabeth Spann Craig. She talks about hybrid authors, that is, those who both self-publish and publish traditionally. She has done both. Long and short, she felt her traditional publishing profile help stimulate her self-published books, which are now selling even better than her trad books. Okay, not … Continue reading Who’s Got The Time?
What A Publisher Wants
I recently received an inquiry from a publisher asking that I write a proposal for a book they’d like me to write. This publisher deals in strictly formatted, non fiction books. There is not a lot of opportunity for creativity, nor is there a pot of gold at the end of this particular rainbow. … Continue reading What A Publisher Wants
The Automobile And The Horse
I was intrigued by Penny Sansevieri’s latest bulletin post in which she suggests that The Emperor (read New York Publishers) Has No Clothes (still don’t realize that their existence is in jeopardy). And as she goes on to surmise; perhaps they won't go away altogether. To draw an analogy, when the automobile arrived, the horse … Continue reading The Automobile And The Horse
Five Ways to keep Your Joy in Writing
My first novel was the most fun I’ve had while writing. There are a number of reasons for that; most of them obvious: It was my first attempt, therefore the outcome was uncertain. I had many mental scenarios stored away over the years to draw upon. Everything was available - I could use any imagery, … Continue reading Five Ways to keep Your Joy in Writing
Writing Intimacy
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
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
