I recently attended a local writers meeting and I was asked if I outline.  A few years ago, my answer would have been a definite no.  When I started writing, I had no idea how to go about doing it, so I just wrote.  I definitely started out as a seat-of-the-pants writer.  The story was […]

I’m currently working on the first draft on the next book in my Kingdom of Haven series.  Unlike the previous books, this one is set in a coastal setting—lots of water and ships, and I also plan to have a canal system for transportation inland.  I’ve done my research on the sailing vessels, but hadn’t […]

I recently attended ConCarolinas in Charlotte.  On one of the panels they discussed writing habits.  There are writers who prefer to use a typewriter, some who like to write their first draft with pen and paper, and–like me–there are those who prefer to write on the computer.  I can definitely type faster than I write […]

You gotta love writing.  It is like a passionate embrace from a total stranger, one who gets you, or at least is beholding to you for their existence, which may be even better.  So that would mean that writing can be compared to the love of a child.  Your characters—your stories really—are your children. So […]

I got my proof of Stenson Blues back about a week ago.  I’m working my way through it and haven’t posted as I probably should.  The proof reminds me of just how hard it is to proofread your own writing.  It also shows me just how much a creature of habit I am.  We all […]

I always figured I could write anywhere.  When I started out, I carried a bound notebook and a pen.  I wrote when and wherever the spark hit me.  Years later, I write on the computer and have a hard time getting anything done outside of certain places.  I have a home office, and this is […]

Stenson Blues, the second book in my Kingdom of Haven series, is coming soon.  The date has moved back, mostly because I decided to get it professionally proofed.  I debated the need, but in the end decided it was best for the project.  I’m looking at May 15th as my publishing date. While I am […]

I have been agonizing over the editing of Stenson Blues.  It’s a question of quality and cost.  On the one hand, I want to put out a good quality story.  This means I need to ensure it has been adequately edited.  My writing network is not as robust as it was a few years ago, […]

I got my edits back on Stenson Blues.  Now it’s a couple of days (more like a week probably) of revision and we’re ready to go.  It seems like this is taking forever, but it really hasn’t been that long in book years.  How would book years compare to human years?  I’d say a book year feels like a […]

Is writer’s block real?  I can’t say, but I do know that this modern world has way too many distractions.  With the internet, hundreds of channels on TV, Netflix, Hulu, X-box, Playstation, and a meetup group around every corner it’s a wonder that anyone creates anything new.  With modern information overload, it takes willpower to […]