My thoughts and ideas on various topics, including advice about writing and getting published.
What is this story about? To write it, you have to know the answer to that question. It’s a simple question—deceptively so. But yeah, if you’re going to have any idea of what to write next, and if you’re going to write a semi-coherent story summary blurb, you have to know what the story is […]
I’ve been rich and I’ve been poor, and I rather live free. Apparently, there’s such a thing as “financial freedom.” I keep hearing about it. Maybe we’re not experiencing it because we haven’t paid enough for it? What if someone’s selling us a non-existent bridge to our dreams? Here’s a thought-provoking question: who worries more […]
Do they exist? Flawless, likeable characters? I suppose we could reply, “Yes, in the page of some do-nothing books.” But that would be too glib an answer. The more nuanced and balanced response should acknowledge that in most cases, this discussion hinges on degree. As in, how flawed and how likeable? For someone trying to […]
Has someone asked you to offer an opinion on their work? Be honest, they told you. Yet, you hesitate. How will they receive the critique you give them? How can you structure your comments in a way that won’t hurt their feelings? In short, how can you make sure you help more than destroy? You […]
You might read with some surprise of a writer who is at a loss for words. It happens more often than you might think. In some cases, certain things are inexpressible. Words don’t always seem to get the job done. That’s how I have felt over the past couple of days, having learned of the […]
When I say I write suspense-thrillers, that comes with certain expectations, some of which weigh too much like rock-filled baggage. What expectations? That the story should move at break-neck speed. That it should have loads of action and that it should wow us with unexpected twists. None of that is bad. In fact, as a […]
While streaming season 2 of The Fall, some thoughts recurred from when I watched the 1st season. First, the premise and concept (another serial killer) offer little if any innovation. Ditto for the details of the murders or investigation. The show may also feel slow. At times, things happen and the camera focuses on things […]
If you’ve been following me for a while, you know I have authored and continue to work on two series. I started Our Cyber World over a year ago. Four titles into it, an idea for a very different series emerged, and Tracking Jane was born. As I watch my two series develop and elicit […]
How do you feel about a story with yet another snarling, darker than evil villains? Or what about stories with villains showing a little good, just enough for us to feel sorry for them for about five seconds, going against protagonists whose flaws make us cringe for another five seconds before we go back to […]
Why do I write? Or more pressing, perhaps, why must I write. A recent blog post by Jeff Goins caused me to revisit this question. If you read Jeff’s post, you’ll see how he answered this question. While I like what he said, I had to mull it over and put it in my own […]
