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
Have I ever told you how much I like being an indie author? Sure, you have to do everything yourself, and often you feel that you’re not qualified to do it. And there are no guarantees you will sell even one of your books. But I am the kind of guy who is bored easily. … More My Other Hat
I’ve always considered myself somewhat of a coward. I’ve always been a big guy–or a big kid. Knowing this, my mother always instructed me to never fight back, to look for solutions other than physical fighting. When I didn’t fight back in school, some of the guys considered me a coward, and I started believing … More Redemption of a Coward
There are moments, events that stick with you. Moments that you will never forget, that you can remember as if they had just happened. I remember holding my son for the first time. I remember giving my daughter her first bath. I remember giving my wife our first kiss. I know I talk about how … More That Perfect Moment
