IT is a whole new year, and in the first few days of 2019 we have already embraced new ideas. We have never before published a novella. Most of the novels in our Zack Tolliver, FBI series run to 250 or 300 pages. THE DARK ROAD; The Beginning checks in at less than 120 pages. … Continue reading A SURPRISE IN THE BACK!
Writing
The Importance of Research in Fiction
I am an advocate of research for any book genre. Fiction is no exception. I can not think of a form of fiction where research is not desirable, even for works in which the entire content is a figment of the author’s imagination. Any story must be plausible. Most readers desire to connect the dots … Continue reading The Importance of Research in Fiction
Coincidence, or a Pattern?
If you spend a good deal of time engaged in historical research, as I do, it is possible to come to believe everything on earth is connected in some way. This connectivity often appears to be chance or coincidence, but upon close inspection I often suspect patterns. It can be difficult to ascertain the difference … Continue reading Coincidence, or a Pattern?
About Relating To Reviewers
Perhaps I should begin by emphasizing that I appreciate all my reviewers immensely (even, or possibly especially the critics). I know the time it takes to assess, formulate, and write one's feelings about a book. A book is a complicated blending of thoughts, actions, and emotions, many of which often conflict. Reviews are not judgments; … Continue reading About Relating To Reviewers
Writing “SAND”
It is true the sand of the Mojave Desert hides treasures. There are storied treasure hoards, such as a ship laden with pearls, an underground river bed of black sand laced with gold, a shaft of gold ore behind an iron door, lost and never relocated. Then there are the real underground treasures … Continue reading Writing “SAND”
Four Things I Learned In 2014
The holiday Season is upon us. Little is left of 2014 but the memories. I will build my New Year resolutions for 2015 upon the backs of my mischances and lost opportunities of the prior year, and shape them by my successes. My learning curve was influenced by several experiences over the past year. Allow me to share … Continue reading Four Things I Learned In 2014
The Value of Writers Conferences
Having just returned from my second writers conference in six months, I find it natural to contemplate the value received versus the fiscal drain. Most conference attendees , at least those to whom I speak after their conference is done, tend to evaluate the experience in terms of useful gain. That is to say, what did … Continue reading The Value of Writers Conferences
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
Do You Know Your Market?
For those of us who got into this business because we want to write, marketing is a huge unwelcome distraction. It presents conflict, and not just because of the time it consumes. There are other, more disconcerting conflicts as well. For instance, market expectations. I was recently told by an agent/publisher that my new novel is … Continue reading Do You Know Your Market?
Patience and Positive thinking
Can there be any doubt that the most difficult aspect of writing for publication is patience? Even in our virtual world where our thoughts, queries, and questions are whisked away to the desktop of the recipient in an instant, waiting is a large part of the process. Although I have had one agent response in … Continue reading Patience and Positive thinking
R Lawson Gamble 