FREELANCE WRITER, EDITOR, RESEARCHER
Okay, I did it. I Tweeted (I think that's it) at an author who really had a big impact on me as a writer. Now he’ll probably think I’m some crazed fan. But it made me feel better to acknowledge him. The last trilogy he wrote gave me back the feeling of wonder and fun---like … Continue reading Tweeting and Twittering
I think I’m in love. Head over heels, even. Why? I’ve been looking at writing workshops. Specifically, those for speculative fiction writers, since that’s all I want to write....I first became aware of the bias against much genre fiction while earning my writing degree—my professor wouldn’t let me tell the stories I really wanted to. … Continue reading Head Over Heels
Before finding an awesomely evil villain, my original villain just wouldn't play along. If anything, he seemed to become the victim rather than the villain. When I attended a writing workshop, I was amazed with how much people identified with him. Inadvertently, I had given him high stakes if he failed, and people felt his … Continue reading From Villain to Victim to?
I tried an experiment last night, and was surprised at the results. Usually I try to find a quiet place to work, or put some banal TV show on in the background while I either edit or frame a new scene for the novel. I suppose I should thank my spouse for playing the Xbox … Continue reading From Playlist to Productivity
I seriously keep thinking of a vampire that faints at the sight of blood. How long would they live? Days? Years? Just some silly thoughts. And yet....isn't this how all books start out? An idea or an image that flashes in the eye of our minds? And then we start to put pen to paper, … Continue reading Starting and Finishing
Okay, so I got a bit off track the other day. Today, let’s talk about the elements of a good fantasy novel. What makes it work? Believability, for starters---is this world one with history? Does it have some unknown depths? Are there specific dangers or benefits to being in that world?What about the characters? What … Continue reading Believable Fantasy
WRITING I’m passionate about writing. I love to write and I love to read. I figure you must, too, if you’re reading my blog. Epic fantasy is a particular favorite. Steampunk is fun. I read anything I can get my hands on from other fiction genres to non-fiction, and even academic journals. The problem I … Continue reading What Every Novelist Needs To Know
