So I’m plugging away, writing Jeff’s three stories at Camp Nanowrimo. The first one is almost done, but I’m also still getting critiques for Monsters of Pittsburgh. And right now, I’m at the most frustrating part of the editing process: Explaining world mechanics and characters quirks to new readers, while not boring the pants off […]
It comes from the oddest places. The last two posts have been about storytelling and characters, and were directly inspired by a series of conversations I’ve been having bout whether or not stories and characters were explicitly gendered. Now, of course, someone always tries to being up pregnancy as something that is gendered. My answer […]
In just ten minutes, summer vacation starts. I’m looking forward to this more than the kids I think. I’m free of enforcing homework rules, and haranguing them into uniforms. No more making small talk with people who I don’t really know. Forever Summer! I did not get the omnibus edition yesterday, I was consumed by […]
I finished up my the roughs of my covers for Monsters of Pittsburgh last night. I posted them in a few writing groups for feedback. Damn does it feel good to be ahead. The story is done (if rough), and the covers are done (if a little rough). Little far, far less stress than making […]
It’s too nice to do anything. Which is an unusual statement from me. I love self-publishing. I love being my own boss, and I’m actually very good about keeping myself on task. I just wish I got paid. So for me to be daydreaming out the window about sunshine and taking warm, reading naps under […]
Just not the story I had intended to work on. Saturday night, more than a little buzzed, I got in a discussion with some folks about the second Monsters of Pittsburgh story. The middle is sagging, and every single critique has said so. I cut 800 words and still got the critique that there was […]
No, I didn’t get any writing done this weekend. For one things, I had a birthday party to go to with my youngest. For another, I’ve had wretched headaches all week. Finally getting past them. I’m still a little hung up on this Jeff story. I think I’ve figured out how to fix the damn […]
I’m usually a very linear writer. I like to start at the beginning and finish the story, before starting again. Which sounds like it should on the way upper level of “duh” obviousness, but you’d be surprised at how people write. But every now and then, a scene or a conversation comes to me, and […]
I woke up Saturday ready to get all my new stuff up on the critique site. This is involves me critiquing other people’s work. And to my utter delight two of my favorite fellow writers had posted new stuff. But when I fired up my email, I saw that the KDP select time on Amazon […]
Figured if I was going to go musical theater might as well go all out. I’m on the final part of the last Monsters of Pittsburgh story. At this point its all about the last fight… which, of course, KILLS ME. I hate writing fight scenes. But that’s it, the last fight, followed by the […]
Words That Burn Like Fire 