First of all, for those of you who read my blog, let me start by saying I'm sorry for the unexpected hiatus. My WIP and real-world concerns pre-empted my blogging time. I cannot believe the year is halfway over. That Taos Toolbox is nearly here. I need get back on track for blogging! It's good … Continue reading Halfway There
Perfect Pitch?
A friend of mine wants me to pitch. I have never done this before. March brings the day of reckoning. I've been online looking around for examples. Another friend helped me out by sending me this great article by Chuck Sambuchino on Writer's Digest. I'll be honest. This is supposed to be a great opportunity, … Continue reading Perfect Pitch?
Taos Toolbox!
I was accepted to Taos Toolbox! I am so excited right now! I know my writing will benefit greatly from the experience. Two weeks with Walter Jon Williams, Nancy Kress, and guest lecturer Carrie Vaughn will definitely be a way to stretch as a writer...and I can't wait! What a way to welcome the new … Continue reading Taos Toolbox!
Lighten Up!
Lightening the load...that's gotten to be the theme of my existence these last two years. I made more inroads in that goal today. I am getting tired of dealing with stuff, honestly. Altogether, since my spouse has gone to the out of state storage unit (long story, that), we've gotten rid of 5 bins of … Continue reading Lighten Up!
Leveling Up
I'm not much of a video game player, but I love leveling up. Especially if they come up with great graphics! But sometimes it's hard to see which way you're going, whether it's in video games or in real life. I've been writing on a regular schedule with one project. When I got a … Continue reading Leveling Up
The End Of The World…For This Caterpillar
Photo Credit: http://handsongratitude.com/ Teresa Deak (used by permission) Remember the caterpillar in Alice in Wonderland? Not much ambition, just sits on his mushroom all day, waiting. Waiting, perhaps, for the end of the world, but who knows what's on the other side? When everything comes crashing down around our ears, it seems like that's … Continue reading The End Of The World…For This Caterpillar
What Makes Today Different?
Opening scenes are tough. Let’s be honest. You only have a few paragraphs to hook the reader and draw them into your world. What happens that upsets the applecart? What makes the character go from passive to active? I felt really good about my original opening scene. However, one email changed everything. A very experienced … Continue reading What Makes Today Different?
What Every Novelist Needs To Know
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
Falling From Grace
Falling is not anyone's favorite activity. It hurts. I did it today, and banged myself up good. But over the last year, metaphorically, I've been falling. Long-held dreams fell through. Ideas of success have also fallen on their collective face. So, now I've done the actual act, too. Ouch. So, what does falling have to … Continue reading Falling From Grace
What Planet Are You From?
I wrote in the comments of my last post (go on, I'll wait here until you read it), that a character has been with me since my freshman year of high school. He simply appeared in my mind's eye one day, fully formed. He was young (but older than me at that time!), and armed … Continue reading What Planet Are You From?
Writing Mercenary 