In the beginning, there was the goal. And the goal was to write 1,000 words per day. And the goal was good. But there came a time when the goal was too easy. NANOWRIMOs had been won. Blogs were under way. Stories and even books had been published. A goal of 1,000 words was easy.Continue reading “Pushing farther, reaching higher…”
Tag Archives: success
Beta readers
I’ve got projects approaching completion. Or at least I think they’re nearing completion. Where they really are is ready for me to show them to someone. But does that mean I’m sending them off to a publisher? Nope, not if I’m smart. Does that mean I’m showing them to an editor? Some stuff, yes. SomeContinue reading “Beta readers”
Life as a new kid (writer edition…)
I looked at the post I just wrote for Words Mean Stuff and said, “you know, this kind of applies to breaking into writing too…” So, here’s a challenge dear reader. Look at this post. Read it. And think about how it applies to us in the writing world. I can think of at leastContinue reading “Life as a new kid (writer edition…)”
Perspective: in real life and in story
How we look at things is important. As storytellers (and there’s room for storytelling even in non-fiction…) the perspective we speak/write from impacts the story we tell. It affects the information available to the narrator, the reader’s ability to associate with the characters in our story, and the nuts and bolts of how we structureContinue reading “Perspective: in real life and in story”
Not all readers are the same!
I’ve been reading a book about writing short stories; one of those books with lots of articles and contributions by different authors and publishing people who’ve ‘really been there’ and know what they’re talking about. It’s fascinating how much conflicting advice exists in the same text. Why does that happen? Shouldn’t the people who’ve ‘beenContinue reading “Not all readers are the same!”
Volunteer?
Someone asked an interesting question this month. “We’re a culture that supports volunteering, but what do we get out of it?” For some of us, the answer was obvious. For others, not so much. So, I thought we’d look at it today. It takes giving When we volunteer, we’re giving. It might be information. ItContinue reading “Volunteer?”
More than fireworks!
Next Monday is the 4th of July. Some will call it a day of shame. Some will call it the birthday of our country. No matter what side you stand on, the 4th of July marks a historic change in the world. And it’s definitely more than an excuse to set off fireworks. A revolutionContinue reading “More than fireworks!”
Conference attendance virtual vs. in person
The last few years have been exceptional (you choose the ‘good’ or ‘bad’ tags for yourself…). The world’s changed a bit. One of those changes has been an increase in the acceptance of virtual conference. And yet, there’s value in being there too. Virtual advantages Virtual conferences are cheaper. You may get a direct discountContinue reading “Conference attendance virtual vs. in person”
A world of your own (Part 1)
As writers, we’re told “Write what you know.” That can be interpreted several ways. Does it mean write based on your experience? Yes. Does it mean you can only write characters exactly like you? I hope not… (Talk about a ‘send in the clones’ situation…) Does it mean we have to write things in theContinue reading “A world of your own (Part 1)”
Why the thinky stuff matters…
This week over on Words Mean Stuff I have a post on taking time to ponder. Over here at Forever Mountain, I’m presenting an example of why you should stop to ponder. Back in the bad old days (Ok, last week…), I had the idea to put a role-playing encounter up for this week’s post.Continue reading “Why the thinky stuff matters…”
Forever Mountain Publishing 