This week brought about an excellent opportunity to break out my Happy Dance Shoes and kick up my heels in ecstatic, delirious, over-the-moon-with-elation joy because The Outline is complete. As you may remember, several weeks ago I had to break the sad news that Book Three of my fantasy series will not be published this … Continue reading All Hail the Glorious Outline!
Raiding the Suggestion Box, aka “Thanks Everyone”
As you know, last week I was in a "dilly of a pickle" (as one loyal reader commented) over what to do about this pesky third book in my fantasy fiction series. (If you don't know, just head here to catch yourself up on the latest and not-so greatest from my writing world.) After a … Continue reading Raiding the Suggestion Box, aka “Thanks Everyone”
Third Draft’s Done…Now What?
I know it's been a while since I've mentioned my writing, but I do still claim "writer" as one of the job categories captured under the big umbrella of my official (and self-appointed) title of Creative Engineer Officer. And to fulfill my writing duties, each day I pull out the old manuscript and chisel away at it. The results … Continue reading Third Draft’s Done…Now What?
Saturday Selections: Mr. Mercedes (novel)
I know, shame on me, it's been quite sometime since I've shared something that tickled my fancy. That's not to say I've been living in a locked cell with no exposure to the outside world (okay, maybe some days), I've just been too busy to blog (in fact, there's been loads of wonderful films and … Continue reading Saturday Selections: Mr. Mercedes (novel)
Saturday Selections: New York (novel)
This week's Saturday Selection may sound like I've mistaken it for Travel Pic Thursday, but it's actually New York, the historical novel by Edward Rutherfurd. About the Book New York begins in the 1600s with the Dutch merchants who set up shop in what would later become New York City. The novel follows the lives … Continue reading Saturday Selections: New York (novel)
Saturday Selections: The Tommyknockers (novel)
Like any book lover I have shelves full of books that I have every intention of reading but somehow never get to. One of these shelves is dedicated to my mostly-unread Stephen King novels. I've been reading King since I was a kid (which could explain a lot about the routes my brain takes) and … Continue reading Saturday Selections: The Tommyknockers (novel)
Draft Four: Over the Novel Hump
On Wednesday I started Draft #4 of The Voyage: Book Two of The Osteria Chronicles and I can't tell you what a relief it is to have reached this stage. Draft #4 is so many things, at least in my writing process. Some folks say you shouldn't bother with doing more than three drafts of … Continue reading Draft Four: Over the Novel Hump
Saturday Selections: Watership Down (novel)
A book about a bunch of bunnies may seem like kid stuff, but Watership Down by Richard Adams is a classic tale of adventure and heroism that you should definitely add to your reading list....even if you've read it before. About the Book Watership Down starts in what seems like an idyllic rabbit setting. Sure … Continue reading Saturday Selections: Watership Down (novel)
The Key to Writing: Take Your Time
In a couple weeks the mad frenzy known as NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) will begin. During this month, during these 30 short days, writers are encouraged to write a novel. All I have to say is please don't. Now before you start throwing tirades at me saying NaNoWriMo is the most wonderful writing event … Continue reading The Key to Writing: Take Your Time