Writing Mercenary

2020 has been a really mixed bag for everyone. The one thing I've noticed it that it's given me new awareness of how important creativity is. Imagination and stories are helping us to explore options, see what the future could be (good and bad), and helping us to grapple with the big questions. I've been … Continue reading Visions →

It's dawned on me as I work on various projects of my own (short stories, novel in progress), that writing is a journey. I was speaking with two writer friends about this the other day. First you write to entertain yourself. There's all these ideas, and you have to get them out on paper. And … Continue reading Writing as a Journey →

Recently, a number of events have convinced me that speculative fiction writers must embrace change, no matter how painful. Change is inevitable, and it's foolish to act as if everything is set in stone. Indeed, if we are to be true to ourselves as speculative fiction (SF/fantasy) writers, we NEED to ask the perennial question … Continue reading The Future IS Change…Or, Not More Of The Same →

This time of the year is always hectic. The new semester has started, so I'm simultaneously teaching and taking classes. My new plan is to go back for a Ph.D. or E.D. in Instructional Design, so my current focus is bulking up my tech skills. I'm already good with technology and software, but know things … Continue reading Time Management →

For most people, New Year's doesn't start until January. As an educator, September feels like a new year. Somehow, though, I've got a third beginning: July. Let me explain. July 2013, faced with great difficulties, after a very long hiatus, I returned to writing. July 2015, my hard work paid off and I traveled to … Continue reading Happy New…July? →

I attended my first BookCon this year. It gave me food for thought, in ways I’d not anticipated. It also dovetailed with some things I’d been mulling over for the last few months about writers and readers and how they connect. I had a good time, too, and even managed to gain my “sea legs” … Continue reading Readers and Writers →

Things continue to progress on a number of fronts. I find myself more interested in undertaking business projects and nonfiction ones. I enjoy fiction very much, but as it's said, one cannot live by bread alone. I think having a variety of material and styles help keep one flexible and more in tune with the … Continue reading And yet more changes…. →

Welcome to the new site! My trade name, Writing Mercenary, is now registered, the tax forms are submitted, and the goal is to open for business February 1! My services will include editing for individuals and companies. That will include fiction and non-fiction. I'm gathering testimonials now, so if you'd like to be part of … Continue reading More Changes →

January is off to a fast start! Five new courses to design, and two proposals out for more. The novel edits continue, and notes are being worked out for two other projects. My writing has always been a serious hobby, but now it will be a business. I'm filing sole proprietorship paperwork to be a … Continue reading Changes →

So, another year ending, and time to review. My plans for 2018 were (achieved goals struck through): Complete the MFA thesis novel (military fantasy) by February 1. (August 15, but still done!) Complete my craft essay by February 12. (Done.) Develop a paper into an academic article and send it out to the appropriate journals. … Continue reading Year In Review →