Writings
Welcome!
I am a writer. I dream of stories in fiction, and daylight often gives non-fiction ideas.
In fiction my current work, Salvage, is in the science fiction genre, while other works planned are in mainstream and children’s fiction.
In nonfiction, I have authored articles on a variety of subjects and blog posts related to the craft and business of writing.
“So, Kili, want a treat?” The doctor held out a jar of lollipops.
It’s “Kaylah.” She shook her head. Does he think I’m three?
A flicker of a frown crossed his face. “Suit yourself.”
They were not alone in the cramped medical bay. Beyond the doctor the medical assistant checked supplies with deft, efficient movements. The younger man had short hair that spiked up in the oddest directions. His lip curled up in an odd way on one side, yet, when he had glanced her way…
He seems friendly. More than the doctor, anyway. I wonder what—
“How are you enjoying your trip so far?” The doctor offered a false smile.
“It’s okay,” she said softly. I wish Mom had stayed with me. She shifted uneasily.
“It can be scary leaving home for some people.” He leaned forward and pressed his hands together at the fingertips.
Who does that steepling thing?
“It’s no big deal,” she said aloud.
“Do you miss Earth?”
Well, duh, it was my home, all I ever knew. She shrugged.
Behind the doctor the assistant medic looked over his shoulder at her and rolled his eyes. Her mouth twitched a little, and the burning sensation in her stomach eased.
The doctor continued, “Space is really big. Does it bother you?”
“No.” What, he can’t use big words? Wait– didn’t he even check my file? My space stuff is all over it.
“How about ship life? Others onboard?” He asked, now scrutinizing the tablet in front of him.
The lights overhead seemed really bright, almost harsh. Why is he asking about that stuff?
Should an Aspiring Writer Blog? Part 1
Should an aspiring writer blog? Like so many other questions in life… It depends.
On what?
Do you want to…
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Writing is a Business: I Have to Talk to Other People?
Come on, you know you know some introverts or shy folks. Maybe you are even one yourself, like me.
The core of writing is a solitary pursuit, but most of us want financial return. Part of treating writing as a business is networking with other writers.
How do you go about this? What are some first steps? What options will work for you?
Many options exist. Here are a few:
Summer Hiatus and GDPR
In large part, I will be taking a break from social media during June and July. Work is underway for GDPR-compliance, as well as some thought about writing directions.
Have a great summer!
Life of a Writer: More than Writing
There’s so much to the business of writing that goes far beyond putting words on paper (or into Microsoft Word).
Here’s few things writers tackle that may surprise you:
Quick Tips from the Writing Notes
Hopefully these one-liners I’ve collected on the craft of writing will help you, and perhaps not just in writing.
- DON’T TAKE YOURSELF TOO SERIOUSLY
- Be true to your I.Q.
- Embrace idiosyncrasies
- Make them laugh and/or make them cry
- “…a lot of times if you’re finding that you’re having to describe things with a lot of adverbs, find a stronger verb instead” – CJ Lyons interview
- Go beyond the five senses
- Forget about being pretty
- Don’t fall into stereotypes
- “Verbs are the foot soldiers of action-based description”
March 2018 Status
Work continues on the Salvage project, and I’m starting to spend time thinking about structure for the Blue project — occasionally even the Sifa and Peter project.
What’s in My Notes on Writing?
I keep a separate Word file that I reference often when I write, especially when revising. It contains a rather eclectic mix: scene checklists, story structure advice, lists of conjunctions, and much more that I would like to remember. I do add endnotes for the sources of most of the information.
Here’s the current Table of Contents:
The Hidden Overhead of Writing as a Business
Writers first diving in to the business of becoming a published author may trip over unexpected business overhead. I have.
One doesn’t know what one doesn’t know.
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