“The Martian” by Andy Weir. Crown Books. 369 pages. I’ve been sort of a fan of Michael Crichton for quite a while. I say “sort of” because I believe he has some great books, and others that are not-so-great. I long have wondered how you classify Crichton’s writing: it’s not really science fiction, but then … More Review: “The Martian” by Andy Weir
It’s been all of five days since I introduced my new book Chosen to the world. It’s been a long time coming, just a dream for most of that time, and now it is reality. I’m eager for you and the rest of the world to read this book, because I think it’s one of … More Letting Go
Destroyermen: Into the Storm by Taylor Anderson. Roc Books. 386 pages. I’m a big fan of alternate history stories. I am also a fan of military sci-fi. When I can find a book–better yet, a series–that combines these two, and does it well, I am in reader heaven. Years ago, I read The Lost Regiment … More Review: Destroyermen: Into the Storm by Taylor Anderson
Introducing…<ahem> for your reading pleasure…the book you’ve all been waiting for….CHOSEN. Seriously, tomorrow is the unveiling day, and many have decided to take me up on the offer of a free ebook copy simply by signing up for the monthly newsletter. It’s a great day, and it helps me two ways. It gives me permission … More Brand Spanking New
The Project, as they say, is in the can. All the editing is done, design work completed, promotion in place. Final judgment will be in the hands of readers, and more importantly, reviewers. So what does an author do when he or she finds that the project is over? Some writers say that the next … More Life Between Projects
“Demon: A Memoir” by Tosca Lee. BH Publishing Group. 328 Pages. I generally use two criteria to determine if a book is great or merely good. One of those is if the book can surprise me. The other is if I end up thinking about the book a long time after finishing it. The first … More Review: “Demon: A Memoir” by Tosca Lee
Last night I watched my favorite team play football. Sort of. The Oakland Raiders and the Kansas City Chiefs were featured on Thursday Night Football on the NFL Network. Normally I would be watching it on TV, but since we just downsized our cable and now can’t get the NFL Network, I had to resort … More Back From the Dead
I think that it’s in the nature of writers to be insecure. Before we even put words on paper, we worry if it’s the right idea to pursue. During the writing process, we argue back and forth in our heads as to whether we’re wasting our time on this project. And then we wait on … More Right or Wrong, At Least Be Consistent
No, the reference above is not directed at you personally. It is actually attributed to the United States Navy around 1960 and is a design principle. But for our purposes, the story goes like this: Every once in a while, I have a student who either has been writing for quite a while–or just starting. … More Keep It Simple, Stupid
A student in my Editorial Techniques class said the other day: “I find myself looking for story ideas everywhere I go.” That’s because I am requiring them to come up with a story a week, AND have someone else write the story. Being always focused on story ideas comes with being an editor. It is … More When Dreams Become Reality
The Great Adventure 