It's not uncommon in corporate America to be in a meeting and hear the dreaded, "Let's go around the table and see what everyone thinks." Soon, an otherwise good idea is watered down or killed by committee because everyone has a say--even those who … [Continue reading]
With the latest novel complete, I've hit that in-between stage of things where I became so used to waking up and knowing there was writing to be done. Then, after writing, I woke up knowing there were revisions to be completed. Finally, I did those … [Continue reading]
I'm not one to make many sweeping proclamations. Anything I write about here always comes with a sense of, "This is just what works for me, and if it helps others: great!" Like any kind of advice, writing advice can be a hit for some and a miss … [Continue reading]
It's a strange thing, reading a novel you've put years into making something once only imagined. In your head, you have this vision, and while every writer works differently, I think we all work until that vision becomes a solid shape we know is … [Continue reading]
And so we close the door on 2018... We've all seen more than our fair share of year-end lists, I'm sure. I won't add to that. Instead, I'll just say this: During a time when layoffs at work resulted in me taking on another writer's job, I swore … [Continue reading]
Around Christmas, 2017 -- I released an episode of my fiction podcast in which I shared a handful of very short fiction, instead of the usual single story for the episode. This year, I continued that tradition, releasing three stories last … [Continue reading]
I usually go to bed at a decent time and sleep through the night. But there comes a point near the end of a draft of a novel when my sleep pattern changes. My sleep also changes with the seasons. I think one of the many reasons I prefer autumn and … [Continue reading]
Last week was Thanksgiving in the United States. Because many companies give employees Thursday and Friday off, I usually add to the days and arrange to have the entire week off. Last week was one of the best weeks I can remember. It's not that we … [Continue reading]
I've seen many would-be writers read a favorite author's work, throw up their hands, and say, "I give up!" Comparing your own rough work to your favorite author's best work -- work rewritten many times at the guidance of friends and agents and … [Continue reading]
Today I started diving into the novel. I've obviously read much of it along the way, but there are parts I've only written that have not yet been read. This will be the first time I read the latest novel as a whole … [Continue reading]
Tomorrow I return to the noise of social media. Every time I take a break, I miss much less than I loathe, but what I miss -- I really miss: chatting with friends in other cities, states, and countries; seeing friends share big news; seeing … [Continue reading]
James Rebanks's book, The Shepherd's Life, chronicles the life of a modern Scottish shepherd. I've seen it described as a book about doing very hard work to avoid simply working hard (i.e. working the land vs. having a busy day job in an office). … [Continue reading]
I could have finished the novel yesterday, but I opted to hang out with my wife in the afternoon, instead. People who live with writers are often better than the writers they support (and I do have a strong self-image...it's just that my wife is … [Continue reading]