Old Man’s War by John Scalzi. Tor Books. 318 pages. I had heard of John Scalzi for a long time, mostly for his presence online. His web journal, The Whatever (www.scalzi.com/whatever) is very, very popular. So when a writing student of mine recommended the book, which I had also heard of but not read, I … More Review: “Old Man’s War” by John Scalzi
“Two objects cannot occupy the same space at the same time.” –Pauli Exclusion Principle In this day and age, I can’t think of a single person I know who doesn’t have many things to juggle during their day. We are surrounded by tasks and people that make a variety of demands on us. That … More My Secret to Multitasking
Yup. Birthday boy here. Don’t know whether to celebrate or commiserate. But as they say, getting older sure beats the alternative. The bright side of being 61 (yes, really! 61!) is that I am one year closer to retirement, which for me means switching hats and writing full time. I am doing pretty good now, … More Today Is Your Birthday (Na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na)
It’s done! 6,000 words fueled by inspiration last night, and I have a rough draft completed. Chosen, the story of Jonathan, is a real book. I have had the idea since the 90s, but for some reason haven’t had the courage or inclination to write it until now. And now that it’s “done,” I think … More Exit Writing, Enter Editing
There have been a ton of books written about breaking into publishing, which equates to selling that first book. There’s nothing magic about it. It comes down to hard work. You have to have a great cover, great writing and great editing. Then you need to tell the entire world that you exist and that … More Selling Your Second Book
It helps to be obsessive when you’re a writer. That’s pretty much how I have written all of my books. People talk about writing a page or two every day, but I have a hard time switching gears. And so I do what I call “binge writing,” which translates to obsession. For years I had … More Down to the Wire
Just a quick word to let you know how National Novel Writing Month is progressing. After five days (yes, I know, I still have day left today. But it’s a busy day for me.) I am at 12,927 words out of 50,000. But more importantly, I am four and a half chapters away from completing … More Rolling, rolling, rolling
I don’t know where I’m going, but I’m making good time. Actually, I know where I am going. Sort of. I have my story mapped out, I am starting chapter 15 out of 19 or 20 (still debating that one). The story is coming along. The problem comes when you compare fiction with reality. This … More Taking the Good with the Bad
We all need excuses, for good or for bad. I find I always have an excuse not to write, whether it is conflicts at work, my favorite TV show, or getting honey-dos done at home. It’s when I think ahead and commit to a time period for my project that I get the most done. … More Cranking It Out
I got up at 5:30 this morning, both because I am participating in National Novel Writing Month and because I was already awake, thanks to the time change. So I felt it was a good opportunity to get a few pages written on my book. Now I am sitting in the lobby of Community Hospice … More Mobile and Friendly
The Great Adventure 