The twining path… Like a double helix, a writer’s journey can follow a twisty trail. One strand—the rational, professional one—involves studying the works of others, honing your own craft, unlocking a door to publishing, and… Read More »A Writer’s Thanksgiving
I killed somebody today. Not the victim I originally targeted, but things seem to be working out better this way. Before you call the cops, I should confess: I’m working on Book #3 of my… Read More »The Improver
“I couldn’t put your book down! It kept me up all night reading!” Those words are candy to a novelist. To know that we’ve kept our readers engaged and entertained is career-affirming, and a great… Read More »How to Keep ‘Em in Suspense, Part 2
A conscientious writer’s goal is to produce work that sustains a reader’s interest. Whether it’s poetry or prose, flash fiction or a full-length book, good writing is more than simply stringing words or scenes together.… Read More »How to Keep ‘Em in Suspense, Part 1
It’s not exactly writer’s block that has me stymied. More like a traffic jam, and it’s a devil to untangle. Since The Body Next Door debuted last November, I’ve been overwhelmed by the positive response.… Read More »Focus Pocus
With a reading list I’ll never finish, I didn’t make much headway in 2016. Most of my energy went to editing, rewriting, editing, rewriting and finishing my own book. But among the best I took time for were:Read More »Off the shelf: The Year in Books
Dickie George was his name, my first imaginary friend. As the only four-year-old among an extended family of grown-ups, I suppose it was the easiest way to have a same-age playmate anytime I wanted an adventure. At the dinner table, I would relate the exploits of Dickie George to my Mom and Dad, Grandma and Grandpa, and teen-age aunt, and enjoy their seemingly complete suspension of disbelief. To me, there was no doubt that he was a real person, a boy who did amazing things.Read More »Imaginary Friends
