You can’t just be the thing without doing the thing – be it writer, artist, entrepreneur, etc. The line between would-be writer and writer is clear. Have you written anything? Okay, maybe the line isn’t quite that clear. Writing a plan is partial credit for the process of writing. I have, for the majority of…
You always get to choose to sink or swim. Probably the biggest certainty in life is the uncertainty of life. Take it from me – today you might be chilling out, planning for tomorrow, and in that light take a walk to the post office a quarter-mile away. Then, unexpectedly, a week of your life…
When returning to unfinished works, recognize there’s been change. I began writing what would become my fantasy series, The Source Chronicles, in 1998. A lot of work went into it, and before long I had completed the first three books. That, of course, led to the series becoming 5 books (instead of the original planned…
The question of “selling out” can get convoluted. There is an impression that someone who writes for money – or does anything else for money – is a sellout. This notion, unfortunately, has created the idea of the starving artist. There is this concept of nobility that comes of art for art’s sake without remuneration….
Why do reissues and renovations of your work? I am a product of the 70s and 80s. I saw Star Wars (sorry, to me it’s not Episode IV – A New Hope, it’s just Star Wars) in 1977 when I was almost 5. That made a lasting impression on me – and inspired me to…
Sometimes an idea doesn’t fully form, or change alters your project. Thus, it’s okay to step away. One of the primary pieces of advice I give to any writer (or practitioner of a creative art of any sort) is to keep at it. Don’t stop, don’t let fear prevent you from making something in your…
When it comes to fiction, names and titles can be challenging When I began my fantasy series in 1998, I initially referred to it simply as my fantasy story (and given the restrictions in naming .doc files in Word, then, it was an awkward name). Then, as I realized I had a LOT of characters,…
You are not just here to survive – but to thrive. Thus, your voice should be heard. For creatives, this presents unique challenges. Artists tend to face different challenges than hobbyists. The difference is that when you practice art as a hobby – writing, painting, sculpting, and so forth – there’s no pressure to share…
Sometimes life goes off the rails. Getting back on track takes work. Over the past 2 weeks, for no discernable reason, I’ve been less diligent about certain aspects of my work. When it comes to nonfiction and writing articles daily – I’m there. And I feel much of my work has been particularly strong lately….
With any creative endeavor, there’s a sweet spot to be found. I have been writing fiction for almost 40 years now. Because I bought into multiple false narratives – you can’t make money in the arts, the concept of the starving artist, only a select few make it – I didn’t pursue this vocation for…
