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
“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
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
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
Just a brief note on two, maybe three, items: 1. If you haven’t signed up for the newsletter, your time is a-wastin’. It comes out tonight. Why should you subscribe? Because it gives you reviews on Christian fiction (not my own). It keeps you abreast of my projects, like Chosen, the upcoming exciting story of … More Tick…Tick…Boom!
One of the questions I traditionally give my Narrative Writing students goes like this: “How does your writing reflect who you are?” I give it to them at the beginning of the semester and tell them that it will be on their final exam. None so far have given me what I would consider a … More What Defines You?
The Great Adventure 