9
03, 2021
A bounty of books to behold
Even when I’m up to my elbows in editing or pounding out new plots, I try to make time to see what else is out there—because there’s some damn fine books being written.
8
02, 2021
Which short stories will make the cut for my collection?
I plan to demonstrate the breath of my writing styles and embrace the many different spec-fic subgenres I enjoy—which only makes winnowing down the contenders for my short story collection that much more difficult.
3
06, 2016
Pantsers vs. Plotters
Back in the early days of my Quest for Publication, I was equipped with naught but a trusty Pilot pen, a five-subject Mead notebook, and a plethora of ideas. Eventually, I upgraded to a keyboard and computer.
30
12, 2014
Should you care if readers care about your characters?
The more I think about it, the more a term like “character-oriented” seems superfluous. Characters are but one element of a story. Like setting and plot, they are essential ingredients of a story. But are they any more important than the rest?
22
07, 2014
What to do when writing tips contradict
Since no two minds work precisely the same way, no two writers are going to approach planning, plot structure, character development, research, writing, and editing exactly the same way. A method that works for one author might result in utter failure for another.
8
08, 2013
The two sides to every story
On a very basic level, the creation of a story can be divided into two parts: concept and composition. Without a command of both sides, a writer is bound to fall short of greatness.
20
06, 2013
Watch out for these five overused words
When a fledgling writer first takes a stab at the craft, he or she is apt to make a few fundamental mistakes. One such error is assuming that the more words one uses, the better.
9
05, 2013
When it comes to dialogue, don’t trust the word on the street
One of my earliest college writing assignments involved a little espionage.
22
11, 2012
I should be thankful, but…
The traditional publishing model, if not dying, is being forced to evolve. And while The Way Things Are shift closer to The Way Things Were, many people are celebrating the fact that electronic formats make self-publishing an option for anyone with a tale to tell.
7
11, 2012
What every writer needs
Someone once said, “A writer is not a writer without an audience.” I don’t necessarily agree, but I will say this: a serious writer will not be satisfied until he or she finds one.