This is the first full year I’ve spent constantly reading a book in close to 20 years, and it was great. Truly awesome. If nothing else came from this whole “I’m gonna be a writer!” thing other than I started reading books again, it’d be worth it. I’ve loved getting to know these authors, and diving into all these new stories I never would have explored otherwise. [Read more…] about The Best Books I Read in 2016
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Suspense vs. Development
One aspect of writing that’s been more of a challenge for me with the next novel, as opposed to “Killing the Immortals,” has been striking a balance between keeping the suspense taut for the reader, while also giving the reader the details they need. [Read more…] about Suspense vs. Development
The Interview with Ellen
I want to quickly introduce you to Ellen Smith, author of a terrific and well-received book from earlier this year called Reluctant Cassandra — she describes it as Southern Fiction, which could interest a number of you — and the curator of a cool little blog at ellensmithwrites.com, where she does much of what I do here … talk about what motivates us to write, our challenges, share a little something from behind the scenes with those of you watching this whole crazy process from the outside. [Read more…] about The Interview with Ellen
Why Momentum is Important in Writing
One of the biggest challenges I’ve had to overcome with this second novel I’m working on now has been maintaining the momentum I had with the first one, along with the three shorter stories I wrote earlier this year. [Read more…] about Why Momentum is Important in Writing
Is Using Dialogue a Writing Crutch?
In a recent critique I received of “Killing the Immortals,” a couple of people mentioned that they thought there was too much dialogue, particularly in the early going. It’s an interesting criticism that I hadn’t heard before. The first 2-1/2 chapters are pretty dialogue heavy, while the second half of the third chapter is completely devoid of dialogue at all. [Read more…] about Is Using Dialogue a Writing Crutch?
Tomorrow’s News Today … is Out Today
Yes, the rumors are true. I’ve got a second book out on the Amazon stage. It’s been a different journey on this one than with the first. I knew a bit more about the publishing game this time around. I knew a bit more about my own writing, and how to get this whole thing to work. I’m still trying different things, and I’m a long way from having any secret formula, but I’m hoping I’ll keep learning as I go.
This one’s called “Tomorrow’s News Today,” and it’s hugely influenced by the hours upon hours of Hitchcock and Twilight Zone I’ve spent watching over the past 30+ years. [Read more…] about Tomorrow’s News Today … is Out Today