I know. It’s still six weeks out. But the time to prep for National Novel Writing Month is now, while it is six weeks out. Writing a novel is a serious endeavor. It takes effort. For many of us, it takes planning. Even if you’re a “pantser” who’ll start on November 1st with a blankContinue reading “NANO is coming…”
Category Archives: Uncategorized
You need both…
I’m currently reading Wired For Story by Lisa Cron. I’m also paying attention to what’s going on outside my cozy little office. And in the wacky world of life imitating art imitating life, there are some things we definitely need to understand. Because this blog is about writing and publishing, we will stick to talkingContinue reading “You need both…”
What did you do with your summer? (part 1)
I’ve been a way for a bit, mostly dealing with life stuff. Some good things have happened and projects are moving forward. Over the next couple of months, you will see changes on my sites and blogs. I’m not saying much right now, but I’m back and pushing to make things as they were alwaysContinue reading “What did you do with your summer? (part 1)”
Wow… Has it been that long???
Ok, I knew I wasn’t on the blog last week. Apparently, I wasn’t here the week before either. But have no fear, the whole crew is alive and well (a few dents and bruises but still qualifying as alive and well). At this point I’m still sharing my office with my wife (which increases trafficContinue reading “Wow… Has it been that long???”
Creating and distilling
This week I’m working on multiple projects including a novel, a nonfiction book, at least two how two projects, and helping one of my team edit a story he’s writing for school. Amid all this, I find myself thinking about two of the most important steps in any writing project. This week, in the novel,Continue reading “Creating and distilling”
Racist Orcs?
This week I ran into something weird. People proclaiming that orcs (creatures in fantasy stories and games) are racist. My initial response was “Of course orcs are racist! They’re orcs!” Being racist is a known feature of orc culture in every fantasy game and world I’ve ever encountered. But… It turns out the writers inContinue reading “Racist Orcs?”
Self-isolating before it was cool…
Over on Words Mean Stuff today I’m talking a bit about how to keep the days from blurring together while we’re under ‘lock downs’, ‘stay at home orders’, and other schedule killing effects of the Covid -19 crisis. As writers, we have a leg up on this. If we writers want to be successful, weContinue reading “Self-isolating before it was cool…”
Respect…
With all the shutdowns and kerfuffle around the Covid-19 situation, I’ve been watching the publishing and media news with interest. Some of what we’re seeing has been on the way for a while. Some things were a bit of surprise (I didn’t expect Disney execs to cut their own pay until there were no otherContinue reading “Respect…”
We interrupt our regularly scheduled…
Well dear reader, it seems even we in ‘happy valley north’ are affected by the Corona virus… As I’m writing this, I just got word that my local school district is closing until early next month. So… Instead of sitting here working on the wordy stuff, I will spend some time helping my team. ForContinue reading “We interrupt our regularly scheduled…”
Controlling the uncontrollable
“One of my characters and I have spent years trying to tell thunderstorms when and where to thunderstorm,” with that thought I realized a big piece of why it irritates me when people try to dictate (or even interfere with) when and where I write. I’ve spent years trying to control this, channel it, andContinue reading “Controlling the uncontrollable”
