The Journal, Friday, 3/31

Hey Folks, Wow. One day left in March. Just today. It went by so fast! By the time you read this, my buddy, my grandson and I will be doing little or nothing in one of the more beautiful spots on Earth, about 500 feet above the Gila River about 20 miles north/northeast of Lordsburg NM. Back on Monday, April 3. Topic: Indy Publishing Company/Imprint For this topic, just in case anyone needs it, I’m basically … Read more

The Journal, Thursday, 3/30

Hey Folks, Well, planning, right? I have today left to finish the novel if I’m gonna finish it this month. I was even thinking if I felt like the end was really close, I could take my computer with me. That way I’d have whatever’s left of tomorrow too after we travel to the campsite. You know, Justin Case. But planning is important. And priorities. Priorities are important. Today I have to head to the grocery … Read more

The Journal, Wednesday, 3/29

Hey Folks, Well, yesterday the doc appointment took only all morning vs. all day. It went well. We got home around 2. I did get back to the novel around 3. I cycled back through what I wrote a couple days ago then started a new scene. I added only around 200 words. Just wasn’t into it. * * * Something fun for you. Know why I write fiction? ‘Cause reality is entirely too weird. See … Read more

Spending Time in the Chair

Hi Folks, There is a pervasive myth that writing “fast” is writing bad. The myth is based on the notion that if you write a novel in a period of days instead of at least several months, it must be badly written. That’s just not true. Productivity in writing boils down to two things: discipline (which is to say, a work ethic) and Heinlein’s Rules, especially Rule 3 in this case. Not too long ago one … Read more

The Journal, Tuesday, 3/28

Hey Folks, Well, this probably is going to be a nonwriting day. I’m going to treat it that way, just in case. Ever notice how much that guy Justin Case has to do with life in general? (grin) I have a doc appointment (routine) on the far side of Tucson at 8:45 this morning. Justin Case of traffice, etc. we’ll leave here around 7. I would think we should be back by 1 or so, but … Read more

The Journal, Monday, 3/27

Hey Folks, Dean has begun a series of posts on copyright. I’m not personally wild about the analogy he uses, but there should be a ton of good information there over the next several days. * * * I said I would update you regarding my experience with Cover to Upload. Kathy did an excellent job, put up with my requirements and changes, was very quick to respond, and even uploaded the thing to CreateSpace for … Read more

The Journal, Sunday, 3/26

Hey Folks, Good ol’ Verizon woke me up at 1:03 a.m. with a text message. When the tone went off, naturally I thought there was some sort of family emergency. Uh, no. Verizon wanted to inform me that I had “only” 25% of my data left with 2 days remaining in a 30-day cycle. Seriously. How do they not know 25% data should last 7.5 days in a 30 day cycle? Yeah, I know it was … Read more

The Journal, Saturday, 3/25

Hey Folks, Not a lot in this post today, so you get a brief reprieve. (grin) Today, and Writing Rolled out at 3:30 after waking at 1, 2, 2:30 and 3. I mostly did nothing for the first hour, then kind of put myself on hold, hovering, waiting for DWS’ new post. Finally to the Hovel around 6:40. Around 7:15 I started reading over the story again. It’s only around 8000 words, and I like it. … Read more

The Journal, Friday, 3/24

Hey Folks, Dean’s post today is excellent and again timely for me since I’m currently endeavoring to write a novel in 9 days (8 left, counting today). Actually it’ll be 10 days if it goes to the 31st. I did write the opening several days ago. Anyway, a great post about the old pulp writers. In today’s post, Dean even talks about one guy who wrote 7,000 words per day, every day, for ten years. Do … Read more

The Journal, Thursday, 3/23

Hey Folks, Gonna take a day off as far as writing a topic today. You deserve a rest from these huge posts. (grin) But down in the “Of Interest” section is a link to an article about the American public and reading. Good article. Of course, I’d be happy to answer any questions or entertain any comments you might have regarding any of the recent topics or the article. Put them in a comment on the … Read more