Tag: writing

2011.6.20 Writing: An Obsession

Join me while I reblog another post from the past with reflections about writing and my life as a writer. I love to write stories—it’s a fulfilling process of creating life from the imagination. Currently, writing stories is an obsession. I live it, breathe it, consume it—I’m absolutely possessed by the “thing’s” very essence. Ideas … Continue reading 2011.6.20 Writing: An Obsession

2011.5.16 Writing: Short Stories

When I write a story, I sometimes try to tell too much of it at the start. I know who my main characters are, and I know I must introduce them right away. That’s the number one rule of storytelling. But in my haste to get all the major players on stage, I tend to … Continue reading 2011.5.16 Writing: Short Stories

2011.3.8 Writing: Round and Flat Characters

I write fiction and create people, places, and things to populate my fictional worlds. Among the people I and all fiction writers create are the major characters and the minor ones. Major characters lead the story events. The best major characters are complex, emotional, and have many layers of different feelings. Their complexities and emotions … Continue reading 2011.3.8 Writing: Round and Flat Characters

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

Criticism

Over the years I’ve learned that there are some commonalities between being an artist who paints landscapes and wildlife, and an author who self-publishes his books. First, obviously, is that I “self”-publish my art as well as my books. But more importantly, both my art and my books go into the world and are judged. … Continue reading Criticism