I was reading a pretty interesting book. However, for some reason, I had moments where I couldn’t fully immerse myself in the story. I couldn’t figure out why. As I kept reading, I realized the author did a lot of telling instead of showing. Made it hard for me to Read more…
Never assume you’re bad at something until you get a 2nd or 3rd opinion. I used to think I was bad a writing dialogue. But, workshops, beta readers and editors kept complimenting my dialogue. We are probably the worst at telling what’s good or bad about our writing. I read Read more…
Whether or not authors should read their own book reviews has been a topic written about a lot. Some people say yes. Most people say no. Honestly, it’s up to you. I used to read my own reviews. But, the negative ones had a bad impact on my mental health. Read more…
I started blogging in 2011 because all the experts said that’s what authors should do. The journey has not been what I’ve expected, it never is, but I’ve come to enjoy it. Here are a few things I’ve learned. Don’t Compare Yourself to Others This is easier said than done. Read more…
Do you know you can submit your stories to a podcast? I’ve been listening to fantasy and horror story podcasts for months. Submitting to them only just recently. It looks as if a few might be always open. Like magazines, having your story turned into an audio drama seems to Read more…
The definition of a good fantasy story can be pretty arbitrary. What’s interesting for one person will be boring for another. Defining a good story is interesting in itself. You’ve probably come across books that were terribly written but became bestsellers because they told a good story. What draws you Read more…
Often novel writing, especially with fantasy books, is about using a setting you can’t see. Some people are fortunate enough to plan a trip for their novels. I’ve never been that fortunate. I have traveled a lot, though. In The Sciell’s Legacy, the 4th and final book in The Merging Read more…
Happy New Year.. and new decade! You probably have some projects lined up for the new year. Or maybe you have a project in mind but that little voice of fear is keeping you from diving into it. I’ve published 13 books and written twice that number and I still Read more…
The best and worst things about being a writer are the same: having countless stories to tell. My head is full of characters, scenes, magic, new places, new conflicts, and wild ideas that may never make it into a story. I’m always working on the next idea, whether it’s the Read more…
We all have those moments while creating a novel or short story when we think our current work-in-progress is terrible. No one will want to read it and if they do, they’re going to hate it. Those thoughts should be put in the garbage where they belong. They do not Read more…
