Writing is just putting words on paper, isn’t it? No, not really. Just like verbal communication, how you say it is often as important as what you say. And, how you say it is more than just a word choice. As writers and publishers, we have to put thought into how we represent ourselves andContinue reading “Style guides”
Category Archives: Writing Process
Queries and pitches (part 1)
“I’m thinking about just self-publishing. Finding a publisher is too hard!” I’ve heard that more than once. I’ve thought that more than once. But self-publishing isn’t always the best idea. Actually, it can be one of the worst ideas if you want to succeed as an author. Don’t get me wrong. Sometimes self-publishing is theContinue reading “Queries and pitches (part 1)”
It’s coming!
I was going to write about interviewing skills this week, but the interviewer (me) and the interviewee (also me) are having a scheduling challenge and we’re going to have to come back to that post later. One reason for the interruption… Registration for the 2023 LDSPMA writers’ conference is now open! Writers’ conferences are interestingContinue reading “It’s coming!”
Second opinions
Back in the bad old days (graduate school edition) I noticed my professors had one or more colleagues that they’d trade research papers and other written work with, to read over before submitting or publishing. It’s not only a good idea, it can be a real project and reputation saver! Later, as I dove intoContinue reading “Second opinions”
Stories of faith
Successful stories are about something. They don’t always have lots of action, but they’re about something. Good stories have good (as in well written and engaging) characters. Those characters can’t just be two-dimensional cutouts. They need thoughts and emotions. They need to believe something. When that belief comes with trust and confidence (and it should)Continue reading “Stories of faith”
All the things!!!!!
By the conventional schedule, today’s post should be a non-fiction post. And, it is, in that the things I’m talking about are very real. Last month, I put out a business post Looking Where We “Dare Not Look” discussing hiring someone to help with the backside work of a writing business. The tldr on thatContinue reading “All the things!!!!!”
Fantasy vs “Real World” stories
Occasionally someone asks what genre I write in. It’s not a simple “one word” answer. I write in several. In the non-fiction world, I’ve written scientific stuff, self-help stuff, and business stuff. In fiction, I write fantasy, real world stuff, and stuff where fantasy and the real world intersect (I like those stories). I aspireContinue reading “Fantasy vs “Real World” stories”
Fanfic and creating story
I was going to title today’s post Creating Story, Fanfic, and Other ‘Stuff’. I was tempted to rant about certain recent series or attempted series. But I’m not going there. Yes, there are people ‘borrowing’ popular IP and creating ‘new versions’ that are basically their own thing using the old IP’s name. There are alsoContinue reading “Fanfic and creating story”
And so it begins…
It’s 2023 dear reader. It’s time for new things. I’ve known the website needs work. I’ve pulled back large portions of it in order to better organize and improve it. I’ve also been thinking about the blog and ways to improve content here. So, here’s what we’re doing this year. The website will come backContinue reading “And so it begins…”
Show ‘em! (Part 2)
Last week I reposted a 2018 Words Mean Stuff post. This week I present an updated version with (hopefully) better writing and some things I’ve learned in the intervening years. So, let’s get going: As writers, we often face questions from non-writers. “Are you still writing books?” “Do you self-publish?” “What do you really doContinue reading “Show ‘em! (Part 2)”
Forever Mountain Publishing 