Hey Folks, A few days ago I mentioned that I had an idea for an 11th novel in the Wes Crowley saga. A few of you cheered. Thanks for that. Part of my reasoning was that the last novel (and the saga) didn’t end the way I wanted it to. Several other readers also noted it didn’t end the way it would have if they were the protagonist. So I was all set to pull a … Read more
Hi Folks, A writer and friend once asked in a comment over on my Daily Journal whether I would “address the issue of setting the bar of productivity so high that [some] of us … can’t possibly keep up with you? As much as I want to, I can’t keep up. I’m guessing that eliminates me from the ‘professional writer’ category.” I did respond in a comment (on the Journal), but I know a lot of … Read more
Hey Folks, Some folks’ need for boundaries is amazing to me. To see what I mean, read the comment by “Patrick R” on Dean’s http://www.deanwesleysmith.com/story-twenty-one/ and then Dean’s response. With appropriate respect to Patrick R, I found the exchange hilarious. *** I did a spell check of The Platinum Blond Perturbance yesterday after I finished it. Ugh. Even writing the promo doc for this one was like pulling teeth. And there are people who spend months … Read more
Hey Folks, Well, I woke up Sunday mornin’ with no way to hold my head that didn’t hurt… For some reason, I woke up with that in my mind. I love that song, “Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down” by Kris Kristofferson, one of America’s foremost poets in my estimation. My own head isn’t hurting except with the hope that my novella will wrap today or tomorrow. Though I do love my whiskey and have several bottles on … Read more
Hey Folks, I spent much of the early morning watching and listening to DWS’ “Lester Dent Master Plot Formula.” Wow. It was as informative as I hoped (and more so) and chock full of gems. I hope you’ll take this opportunity to get it through the StoryBundle offer I mentioned yesterday. If you didn’t, and in case you’re interested, here’s the link again: https://storybundle.com/writing. Again, you get nine books on the craft or business of writing … Read more
Hey Folks, Well, in the midst of writing the topic below, I came up with a new challenge for myself. I’ll announce it in the next couple of days. There’s an exciting new writing bundle out from StoryBundle. I bought it first thing this morning. To check it out, visit https://storybundle.com/writing. I strongly recommend you drop $15 and buy this bundle. Even if only so you can get DWS’ lecture on Lester Dent’s Master Plot Formula … Read more
Hey Folks, Well, kind of a dismal showing today, but a showing none the less. (grin) Listen, if any of these posts key your Share mode, please feel free to comment on your own “process” or techniques or day, etc. You never know what another reader might find of interest or even a gem. Epiphanies are everywhere, and they depend on the reader’s perception, not the writer’s intention. *** Interesting morning. After I wrote the topic … Read more
Hey Folks, Laundry day and a novel to write. Except for the “laundry day” part, could anything get better than that? (grin) I’m gonna try to work on the novel up at the house today (since it’s laundry day). We’ll see how that works out. Same old routine for the first few hours this morning. Not sure where it all went except for chatting on FB for a little while with my new friend Scott Gordon. … Read more
Hey Folks, Well, yesterday I reported finishing a short story titled “Beats All.” Yesterday early evening I read it aloud to my wife. At the end, I frowned. “This sounds like the beginning of a novel, doesn’t it?” (I’ve long known and preached the value of reading aloud. Yet I’m still amazed at how valuable it really is.) She said, “Yes. It ended, but it isn’t finished.” Okay. Ugh. Now I have two novels going concurrently. … Read more
Hey Folks, All right. Fourteen days left in the month, inclusive. If I’m gonna meet my monthly goal of writing at least one novel per month and my annual goal of writing at least 15 on the year, I have to get hot. (grin) By the way, that “get hot” thing isn’t pressure. For me, it’s a realizaton and good news. And writing a short story or two along the way wouldn’t kill me either. (Donors, … Read more