Why I Write Fantasy: A Post About Possibilities, Magic, and He-Man

“Why did you pick that genre? Why fantasy?” It is almost a strange question to me, like ‘Why do you breathe air?’ Though of course, sometimes I don’t breathe air — sometimes I hold my breath and swim deep into the seas of historical fiction or Gothic romance. But I always resurface soon enough, alwaysContinue reading “Why I Write Fantasy: A Post About Possibilities, Magic, and He-Man”

The Inelegant Balance Between Being Right and Becoming Better

Now, we all want to be right — to be smart, admired, to think for ourselves and not let anything sway our convictions.  But at a certain point does certainty inhibit progress? I’ve been asking myself this question a lot this year.  Firstly, as I move forward toward becoming a professional writer, I have startedContinue reading “The Inelegant Balance Between Being Right and Becoming Better”

The SELF-PRINTED 3.0 Splash

As anyone who is interested in writing and has ever been trapped with me in a elevator, car, or coffee shop meeting room knows, I’m a HUGE fan of Catherine Ryan Howard.  When I was getting started in self publishing, I realized I was still stuck in the ‘vanity press’ mindset of old and didn’tContinue reading “The SELF-PRINTED 3.0 Splash”

What Inspires You Most?

When I saw author Rob White‘s list of books that have influenced his writing most (in no particular order), I knew I had to make my own list.  And I encourage you to do the same. Whether you’re a painter, writer, musician, etc, the way you create today probably owes a lot to something youContinue reading “What Inspires You Most?”

A History of a Writer

I’ve been making up stories for as long as I can remember and, as I’m turning 35 in a few months, it looks like the odds are good I’ll be telling them for the rest of my life (not just gonna yell ‘That’s it!  I’m done!’ as I blow out my birthday candles).  But howContinue reading “A History of a Writer”

How To Write a Book (Part 2 of 2)

Here’s the second half of my guide to book writing — How to Write — a Practical Timeline Here’s the nitty-gritty of how I get to ‘The End’: Get an idea.  You might be reading a news article, or a another novel, watching a film, or daydreaming a ‘what if’ and it gets you —Continue reading “How To Write a Book (Part 2 of 2)”

How To Write a Book (Part 1 of 2)

Somewhere in your heart you know it.  Maybe this is a recent dream, but quite likely it’s been kicking around in your subconscious for some time and every once in a while, when reading a new book, or hearing an author interview, or thinking about your lifetime goals it comes to the surface — youContinue reading “How To Write a Book (Part 1 of 2)”

Reclaiming ‘Perfection’

Perfection is a dirty word.  Look up ‘perfection’ quotes and you get everything from the funny — to the downright hostile — And I get it, really I do.  Trying to be a perfect, flawless person sets one up for heartache.  Some people spend years before realizing that it’s an impossible standard — we areContinue reading “Reclaiming ‘Perfection’”

Awesome Day #3 — Finishing a book

Yesterday was day #3 of my 8 day ‘stay-cation’.  Except for going to see X-men (it was great!), I spent the rest of the day working on my novel Fall Street.  It’s not done yet, but it’s getting closer. As a writer, there’s a special feeling as you get toward the end of a book,Continue reading “Awesome Day #3 — Finishing a book”

How to Reevaluate Your Life

When you decide to reevaluate your life, remember: you are not looking for easy answers.  At this stage you are only trying to ask the right questions. 10 QUESTIONS What’s my dream life?  If you could have anything, no holds bared, what would you be doing, day in and day out?  It’s fine to haveContinue reading “How to Reevaluate Your Life”