2011.2.28 Writing: Fictional Places

Before I begin developing my characters for a story, I either draw or paint locations, take photographs of interesting places, and make maps of where my main characters live. I want to be able to see where they are while I write, and what the areas look like if I want to use location descriptions … Continue reading 2011.2.28 Writing: Fictional Places

2011.2.20 Writing: A Day in My Life

Words awoke me the other morning, repeating in my mind loudly, obtrusively. At 4:27, I snapped on my lamp and scribbled them down. Dark cold Deep blue Frigid from the death of violet I wondered, “What does it mean, frigid from the death of violet?” I tried to remember the dream that had birthed those … Continue reading 2011.2.20 Writing: A Day in My Life

My Early Years

I recall when Nike introduced their Just Do It slogan. It caught on like wildfire with my friends and me—most of us educators. Another saying from around that time was the Latin Carpe Diem, which translates to “Seize the Day” and was a reminder for us to live each day to the fullest and appreciate … Continue reading My Early Years

Finally, Book 1 Is Final

I recently corrected some printing problems, which means the absolute last version of Night of the Hell Hounds and Other Stories from the Ridgewood Chronicles is finished and at Amazon in both ebook and paperback formats. I haven’t written much about the cover, so I’ll do that now. I kept the cover simple to make … Continue reading Finally, Book 1 Is Final

Characters Who Stay

I was fourteen when I created my first book character: David Evans. His name came from the popular daytime gothic horror TV show in the US, Dark Shadows. His first name came from the boy character, David Collins, and his surname came from the waitress, Maggie Evans. Both characters had no siblings and lived with … Continue reading Characters Who Stay

Three Days Later

It’s three days after my birthday and I’m quietly reflecting on my mom’s birthday. Her birthday is today and she would have been 85. She was 17 when I was born, after her doctor told her she couldn’t give birth to any children. We proved him wrong that day. My earliest memories of my mom … Continue reading Three Days Later

My Birthday Again

It’s my birthday today. I celebrated it early this year by taking advantage of the unseasonal springlike weather this week and getting together with my 89-year-old dad on Thursday morning, getting a birthday haircut at the barbershop that afternoon, and eating a birthday fish dinner yesterday. Some gifts from my wife came earlier in the … Continue reading My Birthday Again

So sorry for your loss. Losing a beloved pet or family member is so hard. Thoughts and prayers to you.

So sorry to hear of the passing of Tuffy. My condolences to you and your family.

Good luck at the art show. Very interesting seeing the development in the artwork.

That's the best attitude to have. We never know when the book gods may favor us. :)

Thanks for that, Joseph. I'm hoping to get some new readers with the promotion. But if I don't, it won't…

Happy Valentine's day and best of luck with your book promotion.

The main character is based on some authors I know. Some are full of self-importance; some aren't. Some just write…

Healing implies an end, but writing Hadestown was more like learning to walk with a limp. You don’t fix the damage, you…

Thanks, purplegoatee, glad you're enjoying this.

I make comments as I read. Lines I particularly like. For example, "Mark would’ve called that “too on the nose,”…