A book’s genre is a clue about the balance between the main drivers of story – plot, character, or setting.
Writing Articles
Important Books
Most books are not Important Books, no matter how excellent they are – but if a book makes you think, isn’t that what’s important?
Main Characters – An Airport Perspective
Perspective is the difference between being an extra and being the star of the show, and the difference between a layover and a destination.
New Year Goals and Guesses
This year, I’m staying focused on the feeling I want instead of making up a goal based on a guess about what will lead to satisfaction.
Magic Bookshelves
Bookshelves are where we find mirrors of the mind, reflecting our thoughts and moods. The meaning we find in what we read depends on the moment we’re in.
Why Being an Indie Author is Right for Me
A year and a half after publishing my first book on Amazon KDP, I have new perspective on the benefits of self-publishing.
Gen X Edits a Novel: Real Paper, Digital Scissors
Moving from analog to digital in my writing life hasn’t been a straight line. Seems I’m looking for the best of both worlds.
On Writing What You Know
If all writers took “write what you know” literally, would there be anything but autobiographical writing in the library?
A Natural Name
Names are labels that help us keep track. In fiction, keeping identities clear when names can shift based on relationships is a challenge.
Real Life is Crowded
Keeping track of a large cast of characters in fiction can be a challenge, but there’s a really good reason why sometimes it’s worth the work.
The Story Begins at Midnight
Beginnings and endings are important inflection points in stories and in life, but the significance depends on context and perspective.
Writer or Organized Squirrel?
False starts are part of my creative process, and they sometimes generate material I wish I could use. The trick is keeping track of where I saved those unused possibilities.