There is a rather irksome fact of life when you’re a fiction writer: sometimes, you will have to write scenes that make you uncomfortable. Let me be clear: I’m NOT saying writers need to be willing to craft scenes they find morally or ethically objectionable, Read More …
Ideas are a dime a dozen. It’s what you do with them that counts. Writers and business people have touted some variation of the above for, well, probably as long as there have been writers and business people, if we’re being perfectly honest. But what Read More …
If there is one universal truth about writers attending their first conference, it’s that they tend to be intimidated beyond the capacity for rational thought. Heck, the first few tend to be that way, particularly if you’re a young writer. And how could they not, Read More …
There will be pain… and that pain will be worth it. The above is advice that I think every writer needs to hear because so often we find ourselves buying into the myth that “real art” should flow easily. That it should come through us Read More …
If you’ve listened to any of the interviews where I talk about coming up with “For the Love of Gold,” you’ll notice that I’ve mentioned how large a role a late-night pool game with my dad played in coming up with that story. I don’t think I’ve talked about Read More …
You read the words on the page, and immediately feel awful. Every writer knows what words I’m talking about. The words of someone you asked to critique your story. Words you’ve been looking forward to in the secret hope that they will reveal everything about Read More …
Do you find epic robot battles and the flight of enormous dragons relaxing? What if they’re depicted in billowy cotton softness? If you haven’t guessed by now, yes, I’m talking about cloud watching, an activity I love but haven’t been doing as much lately as Read More …
For my first #writerlife101 post, I was asked to talk about best writing advice. After some careful consideration, I’ve hit upon what I think is by far the advice that has resulted in the most growth for me as an author. Think of everything you Read More …
When asked for advice, it only makes sense that those successful in a profession would giver similar suggestions to one another. In writing/publishing, however, I’ve noticed that every successful writer has three speeches that are virtually identical to a speech given by others of their Read More …
My puppy Andy does many things well, such as chewing windowsills and the legs of antique tables. One thing he doesn’t do well, though, is taking risks without coaxing. I can’t tell you how many months I had to carry him down the stairs into Read More …
