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…
I have many ongoing projects and new ideas happening in various stages. Sometimes, they just won’t shut up! Who are they? The voices in my head. Now, before you dismiss me as crazy, allow me to clarify: the characters for the fiction I write are alive in my mind. They exist in the world I…
Whatever form it takes, a book you create is awesome. While writing comes relatively easily to me – I know it is harder for others. This includes people who have a story to tell and desire to see their words in print. It may take a long time, a whole lot of effort, and tremendous…
Fear will lie to you a lot. But don’t let it stop your work. Over the last year or so, I’ve joined several groups on Facebook. They each have a different flavor of relation to writing. Some are nonfiction, some fiction, some specifically sci-fi and fantasy. One thing I see frequently is the fears of…
Persistence is the key to accomplishing everything. But how does it work? When I was younger, I jokingly referred to myself, more than once, as The King of Indecision. I spent a lot of my 20s and 30s being indecisive. I would stall, delay, and avoid choices and decisions frequently. Why? Because I didn’t want…
What does it take to get your brand noticed? While I have been writing for nearly 40 years, I didn’t get professionally published until I had the opportunity for a couple of short stories to be published in anthologies. That began in 2011 – ten years ago. I dipped my toe into the self-publishing waters…
What inspires will be variable but is always important. No matter what projects I am working on, I often look for inspiration. Even when I am striving to inspire – I need to find things to inspire me. This is especially important when you are not in a good headspace, or otherwise contending with unpleasant…
