I know the title seems dramatic, but I’m feeling demonstrative today so stick with me. It was ten years ago this summer that I stepped outside of my comfort zone and published my first novel. This led to a marketing baptism-by-fire. I did all the things new authors were supposed to do. I started a blog, which led to the … Read More
Just Write the D*mn Story!
Writing is a process, one that is multi-faceted and complex. Some writers love the beginning stages of creating a story. They have a million ideas that never make it to the page. Others love getting that first draft down, writing like they’ll be shot at dawn if they don’t get the thing on paper. Others love to revise, layer, create … Read More
Tone and Mood, the Powerhouses of Writing
Most authors will say the best way to write a strong story is to show, don’t tell. But if the tone or mood of all that showing doesn’t match the intensity of the plot, the story still seems weak. Having all three is the trifecta of great storytelling. The difference between Tone and Mood Tone defines the character’s attitude. Is … Read More
Love The Skin You’re In
I write first thing in the morning. The upside is that it’s easier to get into that creative flow state because my brain is rested and ready to go. The downside is I often find myself distracted through the day by the issues the characters are facing. I’m finishing up the Scythian Legacy, the second book in the Scythian series … Read More
Show, Don’t Tell
Ah, the blessed mantra of the writer–show, don’t tell. It’s chanted in fifth-grade classrooms all across the nation, and yet, even seasoned writers struggle with the concept. The difference between telling and showing Most young writers think of “telling” like a police report. It’s a monotonous sequence of events with no language that would sway the reader emotionally one way … Read More
Outside My Comfort Zone
I was raised in an era where photos were taken with an honest-to-God camera, film and all. Filters were for furnaces, family videos were only for rich people, a brand was for putting on cows, and selfies sounded like something that should be done in the privacy of your own room. It’s not that I’m reaching the octogenarian stage of … Read More
Fighting Imposter Syndrome
According to dictionary.com, imposter syndrome is defined as “anxiety or self-doubt that results from persistently undervaluing one’s competence and active role in achieving success, while falsely attributing one’s accomplishments to luck or other external forces.” I define it as one giant mind fuck. I’ve struggled with it for years. First in music, then teaching, and now as a writer. My … Read More
The Little Things
Last Saturday, I stood at the Cincinnati International Airport, confounded as to how I missed a flight that hadn’t even taken off yet. I mean, I got up a 3:45 a.m., was out the door by 4:10, and I made it to Cincy two hours before like a good little rule-follower. The first hurdle was the fact that CVG, the … Read More
Five Things Successful Authors Do
This past decade has seen a ton of changes in the bookish world. Technology assured indie authors had a voice at the table, and Amazon turned the publishing industry on its ear. We saw the end of great brick-and-mortar stores while digital books rose at unprecedented rates. Gone were the gatekeepers of old, and in their place a new paradigm. … Read More
Five Top Places to Review Books
Reviews have become a staple in our lives. Want to try out the new restaurant down the street? Hop on Yelp and see how many stars they have. Looking for a plumber, or electrician? Check Angieslist or homeadvisor and see what others have said. Today, more than ever, reviews play a critical role in the lives of small business owners … Read More