Creator of Worlds

The fiction writer is a creator of worlds and a purveyor of dreams. In his mind he sees things that no one has ever seen before, experiences events never before witnessed, for until he has dreamed them, they have not yet begun to exist. With her words she brings her visions into our world, into … Continue reading Creator of Worlds

I Suck as an Author

Yes, after much introspection, soul-searching, and a brief argument with a Magic 8-ball, I have come to a painfully obvious conclusion: I suck as an author. Oh, not as a writer. As a writer, I consider myself to be fairly decent, if a bit slow. I’m no Hemingway or Tolkien, of course, but my Jaben’s … Continue reading I Suck as an Author

Too Late to the Party?

You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream. - C.S. Lewis I didn’t start writing my first book until I was 40 years old, working two jobs, with a wife and two kids. I finally published it seven years later. Now in my 50s (down to one job), … Continue reading Too Late to the Party?

He Interjected, She Exclaimed

Or He Said, She Said Let's take a look at dialogue. In particular, the use of the word “said” vs. other alternatives. Deciding which way to go can be confusing. Basically, there are two ends of the spectrum on this issue: School A says: Avoid overuse of the word “said.” Vary the text up using … Continue reading He Interjected, She Exclaimed

Oh Words, Where Art Thou?

Back in the late 80s, I played keyboards and sang in a rock band in Las Vegas. We called ourselves “First Affair.” At our highest point, we were being billed as “The Hottest New Rock Band in Vegas!” Well, the fact that I am now a programmer working on a writing career should tell you … Continue reading Oh Words, Where Art Thou?

They Said WHAT About My Book?

I once came across an author/reviewer “disagreement” over the reviewer’s assessment of the author’s book. It appeared the author did not agree with the reviewer’s comments about the book, and decided to post on the reviewer’s website her opinion of his review. What followed was an epic thread that quickly went viral (in reading and … Continue reading They Said WHAT About My Book?

What’s a Razor?

Once, I was working on a scene in Soul of Power, and I was thinking of how to describe a certain creature’s claws. Although a bit clichéd, I briefly considered using the phrase “razor sharp.” Then it occurred to me: the Jaben’s Rift trilogy is set in a completely different world. Although certain words and … Continue reading What’s a Razor?

It’s Not a Competition. Is It?

One of the things I do throughout my day is try to figure out what I’m going to write about next. Not necessarily in my books, but in this blog. I don’t want this to just become another “how-to” blog on writing (especially when there are so many excellent blogs on writing already out there), … Continue reading It’s Not a Competition. Is It?