I know it’s still a long way till November, but since the book I just finished and the novel I’m editing right now are NANOWRIMO wins I might as well start talking about it now… For those who aren’t familiar, NANOWRIMO means National Novel Writing Month. It is an event and an organization that canContinue reading “The good (and bad) of NANOWRIMO (Part 1)”
Category Archives: Writing Process
Understand your rules!
With the completion of Johnson Farm I’m on to edits for the second book of the series Going Home the Hard Way. I’m also engaged in several nonfiction projects including projects of my own and some where I’m providing editorial support. As you might expect this leads to some meta thinking about writing. Rules partContinue reading “Understand your rules!”
Don’t write (all) your obsessions!
One of the first, and best, pieces of advice young writers are given is: ‘write your obsessions’ (you can substitute passions for obsessions if you must). It’s good advice, but it’s a guideline with a dirty little secret. You should write things you are interested in, things you know about, care about, and are willingContinue reading “Don’t write (all) your obsessions!”
When editing turns ugly…
Well, we did it! We got Johnson Farm done. As we speak the proofs for the e-book are on my desk and the physical copies aren’t far behind. It’s a success, but it’s also a point where we have to change our thinking a little as we move to other projects… A few weeks agoContinue reading “When editing turns ugly…”
Blogging vs Books: Similar but different
As a writer and Editor in Chief I have to wear a couple of different hats in the process of getting a book out. Similarly writing a book and writing a blog post are both writing, but there are some real differences. A blog: writing in the now Blogposts tend to be things that areContinue reading “Blogging vs Books: Similar but different”
Boundary lines (part 1?)
How do we decide what is and isn’t appropriate? How do we know what to share with whom? Once when I was young and foolish (at least younger and more foolish than I am now…) I was involved in a conversation with two friends, a missionary and an art student. The missionary accused the artContinue reading “Boundary lines (part 1?)”
Not alone!
As people who regularly read this blog know I’ve been working on a novel called Johnson Farm… About the same time I started Johnson Farm I got a crazy idea. There was a talented young artist I wanted to help progress and find opportunities for her art. So, I made her an offer… When theContinue reading “Not alone!”
The secret art of stepping away
Earlier this week I found myself talking to a friend who is getting ready to go back to college. I gave her the usual advice that my wife and I give to all our college bound friends, make sure you take a fun class every semester. Contrary to what some might think, we don’t giveContinue reading “The secret art of stepping away”
Forever Mountain Publishing 