[Writing Post] Thanksgiving is Eating My Brain
Not literally this year… though I suppose there is an argument that I’m ham-handed, if not ham-headed. Oh, for those just joining this blog – we have ham for Thanksgiving. That way the lame joke makes some kind of sense. Maybe. This will be our first Thanksgiving with Loki – our ~13 month old Red […]
[From the Archive] Where Do You Get Your Ideas?
“Where do you get your ideas?” Every writer down through history has been asked this question – many, countless times – throughout their careers. Each time the answer is both the same and different. Everywhere. Ideas for stories come in all shapes and forms. Many writers even have “pet” names for them like: Plot Bunnies, […]
[Writer Post] Naked Snake Press, Holidays, and…SQUIRREL
This is going to be a random post. Call it Pre-Holiday ADD…SQUIRREL!!! First off, Naked Snake Press posted their “getting to know you” interview with me today. Go check it – and them – out. Also, to reiterate, Yard Dog Press is doing some Christmas/Chanukah sales. Books make great gifts. Go forth an buy. I’m […]
[Writing Post] “Do or Do Not. There is No Try.”
These are infamous words of Master Yoda in The Empire Strikes Back. And while I agree with the idea behind the sentiment – I do so conditionally. Shocked? Here’s what I mean… First Rule of Writing (yeah, I’m talking “rules” again – this time in FAVOR) is “Apply Behind to Chair”. This is the “do […]
[Writer Post] Do I Suck as a Writer?
No. Seriously. I must suck as a writer. I see all these other writers spending loads of time – and sometimes money – writing and teaching about all the things new writers need to avoid and/or pay attention to – like theme, POV, backstory, structure, and all the “common” mistakes. Now, I’m not saying writers […]
[Writer Post] Using Other Media to Enhance Writing
This isn’t a fan fiction post – this time. This is an “I truly believe in using other media for inspiration” post. Other media – like television, movies, and even music – can inspire and enhance your writing. Not only does it help provide plot bunnies for future projects, but can help with the study […]
[From the Archive] A New Star in Publishing
Originally published in 2009 – the books mentioned have been released and are available… The publishing industry felt a huge blow rock its foundations in December 2008. Many of the Big Houses felt a whole restructure which slashed staff, budgets, and acquisitions, sending many authors and other industry professionals into a tailspin. However, as the […]
[Writing Blog] Why I’m Not a Fan of Online Shared Servers or Docs Programs
I started drafting a blog post last night that’s now completely derailed. I may resurrect it at a later date, but a new topic’s come up and I wanted to talk about it. Why I’m not a fan of Google, Google Docs, or – basically – anything “Cloud” related. Now, I’ve embraced a lot of […]
[From the Archive] Successfully Networking at a Convention
Many times new – and even moderately successful – writers and artists ask the same question: “How do you network at a convention?” For many, the answer comes in forms of “Don’ts” • Don’t be a jerk. (Seriously. Nothing makes a worse impression than showing your butt.) • Don’t hover. (Stalkers rarely gain anything other […]
[Writer Blog] Stephen Cannell – A Tribute
On Friday, October 1st, the entertainment industry discovered the loss of television producer, writer and creator, Stephen Cannell. I mourn the loss of another of my professional heroes. Mr. Cannell, 69, died of complications from Melanoma. This is the second person from the Entertainment Industry that meant something to me to die from this form […]