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…”
Tag Archives: challenges
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”
Finding the end and going back to the beginning.
Well, the first 1 ½ pass is finished for last November’s NaNoWriMo project. And, as always, I’ve learned a lot! Starting with the1 ½ pass method has had a distinct benefit. By reading and noting on the whole thing before I started making edits I could make better decisions than I have on the first passContinue reading “Finding the end and going back to the beginning.”
“Pure science” the biggest lie in science fiction
On the one hand, there’s an upswing in reported health issues associated with vaping, and news reporters feigning shock. On the other hand, my wife asked me to read and discuss a book: Science Fiction Prototyping: Designing the Future with Science Fiction by David Johnson. Somewhere between the two I hit upon a realization: “pureContinue reading ““Pure science” the biggest lie in science fiction”
The 1 ½ pass pass rides again!
Well dear reader, this week I started on a dangerous task. I’m applying new techniques to old work. Recently I submitted my novel Unintended Consequences to a larger publisher. Part of my pitch was that Johnson Farm, my first novel, would be pulled, re-tuned, and updated. The idea is the entire double series will comeContinue reading “The 1 ½ pass pass rides again!”
The short (and the long) of it…
Years ago a writer I really respect told me I should start with short stories before I go to long fiction, that there was nothing I could learn in long fiction that couldn’t be learned in a short story. Well, over the years I’ve found that there are a few things about long fiction thatContinue reading “The short (and the long) of it…”
The words will come
Shortly before I wrote this: I hadn’t had a decent writing session all week My schedule had been thrown off all week (first week of school, doctors’ appointments, my wife needed my help…) My blood sugar was about 50 points high I had a headache The music in the restaurant didn’t work for me ThereContinue reading “The words will come”
Bounce back!
As writers we’re often working on one or more big projects: a first draft of a book, editing a manuscript into a book, launching a book, working on another first draft for a book… One thing we don’t seem to talk about is what to do in the time between those big projects. Myself, IContinue reading “Bounce back!”
First drafts, and the mountains to follow…
Well dear reader, Unintended Consequences has been submitted. It’s in the hands of editors other than me… In the beginning, writing a whole book, a whole 50-60 thousand word or more novel or even a shorter “how to” book, feels daunting. But, once you get the first draft done you realize (at least if you’reContinue reading “First drafts, and the mountains to follow…”
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