Are you trying to make a change? Trying to chart a new course for your life? If so, tell me: What do you want to be? Now ask yourself one question: What are you? What are you? It may sound like an odd question, but how you answer it will play a large part in … Continue reading Four Little Words That Will Change Your Life
Tag: Writing
For Your Reading Pleasure…
Here is the opening chapter of my latest release, Redemption's Edge, entitled Brothers. I hope you enjoy it. Redemption's Edge Brothers "Come on, Tadpole, put your back into it then. Or do you need me to help you with that mighty bale of hay?" Kelwyn clenched his teeth at the sound of the familiar voice … Continue reading For Your Reading Pleasure…
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
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
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?
Once upon a time while surfing the web, I came across this as a suggested writing prompt: What author’s career are you most jealous of? Why? As I read that, my first reaction was: Why should I be jealous of another author’s success? jeal·ous adj. 1) Fearful or wary of being supplanted; apprehensive of losing … Continue reading It’s Not a Competition. Is It?
Sometimes a Pencil is Just a Pencil
I recently finished a science fiction book that made me feel like I was wading through a hip-deep swamp of adjectives and adverbs. It was really unfortunate, because the excessive (and repetitive) use of descriptive words and phrases completely overwhelmed what was actually a rather interesting premise. I forged through just to see where the … Continue reading Sometimes a Pencil is Just a Pencil