When “What If” Works Against You

When What If Works Against You

The subject of fears is one we see often enough on blogs. There are probably as many fears as there are articles and books written about them. Fears, whether real or imagined, present us with many obstacles when trying to reach our goals. For authors, these fears are often strong enough to keep us from ever starting that novel we've dreamed about writing. I've come to the conclusion over the years that writers, and artists in general, are an insecure lot. Deep down inside, we all want approval, we all want to be liked, even if the most cavalier of us say we don't care what other people … [Read More>>]

What My Cats Taught Me About Nurturing My Inner Writer

What My Cats Taught Me About My Inner Writer

A while back David Farland wrote a post about Keeping Writers As Pets. The post was written not for the writers, but for everyone else around them, reminding them of the things writers need from family and friends to keep going. That's when I took a look at my cats. Actually, it was kind of unavoidable, since one of them had planted himself between me and the keyboard and was trying to commandeer the mouse with his paw. Farland's "pet" theme made me think some writers are a lot like felines. The stereotypical writers (and artists in general) sleep all day, work all night, and are … [Read More>>]

Stuck in the Mud? Time to Back Up and Find Firmer Ground

Stuck in the Mud

When you're in your zone doing your real genius work, time flies by and there's very little thinking involved. All the pieces fall right into place and you're done before you know it. That's how the writing of Loyalties went. Every Friday we'd immerse ourselves in the story, hours would fly by and we'd be astounded at day's end how much was done. One day we looked up and realized we were on the last chapter. Talk about a rush. It was like we were nearing the end of a huge marathon, the crowds were cheering, the confetti was falling like snow and that finish line just gleamed in the … [Read More>>]

Everyone Makes Mistakes

Everyone Makes Mistakes

When we pick up a novel from our favorite author, or go see a blockbuster movie we expect perfection. And why not? These people are professionals. They have big budgets, they have the best editors money can buy. We don't anticipate catching a mistake. But, the pros are only human. And so are their editors. Every once in a while a typo or inconsistency in a scene slips through. We either laugh or cringe—and if it's your project, chances are your reaction is the latter. Wendi and I have had our share of gaffs in our writing, right along with the great novelists like Charles Dickens and … [Read More>>]

Improvisation and the Art of Writing

Improvisation and the Art of Writing

When it comes to writing the Bonds of Blood & Spirit series, the collaboration Wendi and I share is one part planning and one part improvisation. This isn't saying we totally "pants" every book we write. Our improv occurs inside the actual writing. Wendi and I don't work like most collaborators … [Read More>>]

Abandoned Back Covers

Abandoned Back Covers

Your manuscript is finished, you're ready to roll forward with formatting and cover design. But wait, are you forgetting something? What about that back cover book blurb? For a lot of people, the back cover blurb ends up being an afterthought. You (or your designer) is laying out the cover and … [Read More>>]

Risky Business and the Art of Writing

Risky Business and the Art of Writing

Writing is risky business. Maybe not the kind of risk the pioneers took when moving west (can you tell I've been watching epic westerns all weekend?), or the kinds of risks a test pilot or soldier would face. Our risks are the risks no one sees. These are risks of the heart, they're laying our … [Read More>>]