I just got to my office after spending the early morning (1) hacking out the first few words in my part of our new novel; and (2) struggling to understand how to make Scrivener work for two authors long distance. As I have mentioned here before, my next book is a co-authored project with Celeste … More From Vermont to Egypt: The Co-Authoring Adventure Continues
Well, to follow up on my blog yesterday morning, I decided that I was going to find a different writing voice. I had one in mind, copying the style of Cormac McCarthy. What I found was that it was harder to change my writing than I thought it would be. One gets used to writing … More The Value of Beta Testing
If you’re like me and have been writing for a long time, chances are you think you have a pretty good handle on how to write. Your writing has fallen into a predictable pattern, something we tend to call a writer’s “voice.” But I believe that someone who is serious about writing will never stop … More Changing My Voice
Myth: a usually traditional story of ostensibly historical events that serves to unfold part of the world view of a people or explain a practice, belief, or natural phenomenon. —Webster’s New Collegiate Dictionary. I have always been fascinated with mythology. As a boy, I read the Greek myths and became as familiar with Theseus, Hercules … More Plugging into Mythology
It’s interesting the relationship authors have with their books. I’ve heard it described this way: First a book is a lover, then a bride, then a wife, then a demanding wife, and finally a harpy that you wish would just die. A bit morbid, but that just about covers the gamut of the emotions one … More Torn Between Two Lovers
Ahem. Once again, open mouth, insert foot. I was at a low spot last week when I pronounced my latest book, Chosen, as officially tanked. It was slow in getting started, and impatient as I am, wanted more immediate response than I was getting. Just about the time I make an official announcement to that … More Rumors of My Death Have Been Greatly Exaggerated
I am pretty active on the website Quora.com, where you can ask or answer questions. A few days ago, I was asked to answer the question: “What are some qualities a book should have to keep a reader engaged for hours?” I responded by quoting writing guru Robert McKee from his famous writing book, Story. … More Why Writers Need the Wow Factor
My father was a “jack of all trades and master of none.” He was really good at fixing things with his hands, but wasn’t really fantastic at anything. I guess that’s where I inherit my short attention span. Once again, time to be transparent. My latest book, Chosen, has tanked for all intents and purposes. … More Platform vs. Inspiration
My friend and fellow author Celeste Perrino-Walker shared on her Facebook page a habit she has developed that really helps her on those down days. She has what is called a “thankful jar.” She found a big jar and every day puts a note in it recording the best thing that happened to her on … More We Who Are Blessed
Twice a year I get a blank slate. No I am not talking about New Year’s: to me that’s just a number. And no, I’m not even talking about writing another book. I often have those ideas already in mind, and so I am bound by my own arbitrary restrictions. What I am talking about … More Blank Slate
The Great Adventure 