In the fall, I ‘restarted’ a book I first wrote about ten years ago. It was my second full-length novel. The first was an arcane topic I knew would interest few, so wasn’t surprised at the lackluster greeting my queries received. Undeterred and on the advise of a publisher who liked my writing but not … Continue reading
It’s been a decade since I started To Hunt a Sub. I took a break and wrote the sequel when I couldn’t find a publisher, then returned to a series I started fifteen years ago about early man (called The Evolution Files). After an aborted attempt to work with an agent, I returned to To … Continue reading
For the next few months, weekly writing tips will revolve around word choice. That includes: colorful and original descriptions pithy words and phrases picture nouns and action verbs writing that draws a reader in and addicts them to your voice I keep a collection of descriptions that have pulled me into the books. I’m fascinated … Continue reading
Martha Alderson’s Blockbuster Plots: Pure and Simple (Illusion Press 2004) presents step-by-step strategies to build your story, maximize the impact of scenes and provide depth to the plot. She focuses not on the ordinary plot, but the one that will push you to the top of the pile, make your book a must-read among all … Continue reading
New Years–a time for rest, rejuvenation and repair. A time to assess life. Do we settle into our routine, enjoy where it’s headed, or is it time to grab our purse, our iPhone, our car keys, and get out of there? Here are my resolutions this year. Lots of them! I break it down into … Continue reading
Since I started this blog five-and-a-half years ago, I’ve had almost 900,000 visitors, 3300 on my busiest day, visiting the 1,097 articles I’ve written on every facet of writing. I have several columns: writer’s tips (sign up by clicking here) book reviews (Fridays) tech tips for writers (occasional) In between, I write what’s on my … Continue reading
This post is for Alex Cavanaugh’s Insecure Writers Support Group (click the link for details on what that means and how to join. The first Wednesday of every month, we all post our thoughts, fears or words of encouragement for fellow writers. This month’s insecurity – Am I creative enough? When I was younger, I … Continue reading
I’ll be taking a week (or so) off–until after the New Year–to prepare for the holidays, edit/format my website, work on writing projects with a deadline, and generally prioritize life. I may drop in on you-all as you enjoy your holidays, but mostly I’ll be regenerating. I wish you a wonderful season, safe and filled … Continue reading
This week, I’m providing tips for end-of-year technology maintenance. These are activities that could (or should) be done once a month if you’re active on your computer, but AT LEAST do them yearly. Like today. Two critical maintenance tasks that lots of people skip are: image your computer back up your documents Image your computer … Continue reading
YA author Medeia Sharif, with a bazillion (or maybe it’s six) books to her credit, does a fun summary of her weekly writing activities on her blog. I love reading it. It’s a peek inside the daily workings of a published author. In a nutshell: she’s always working on multiple books she’s always thinking of … Continue reading
