In Stephen King’s no-nonsense guide, On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft, he includes a chapter titled, “What Writing Is.” Good question. Probably many good answers. King’s answer? It’s “Telepathy, of course.” He elucidates: when we write, we’re simply sending, by way of words, our thoughts into readers’ minds. That’s our aim—to transfer in an interesting, provocative, entertaining, informative, well-structured, and compelling way what is alive in our minds without confusing our readers. Clear telepathy We want no static to … Read More »

Writing prompts can generate unusual, original material for our stories. Remember the one our English teachers often used in September, “What I Did on My Summer Vacation,” or the holiday-themed essays for February’s Valentine’s Day, October’s Halloween, May’s Mother’s Day, and December’s array of religious holidays? This month, November, presents us with the popular theme of Thanksgiving. Background from the History Channel’s website says:  “Thanksgiving Day is a national holiday in the United States, and Thanksgiving 2020 occurs on Thursday, … Read More »

Writing a book is like jumping off a cliff. But fear not. As Ray Bradbury says, grow wings on the way down. For authors, a safe landing transforms a manuscript into a printed book. If you’re adventurous, I’m here to tell you that you can land your book by self-publishing. If you have the time, instead of paying an online “full-service book publisher,” hire several freelancers. Through networking with other authors, you can find an experienced editor, a book designer, … Read More »

In my experience, having a good list is the best reminder of what I’m aiming to do. I especially like lists that help my writing life. Remember back in school the letter “D” on a test returned from your teacher signified far less than stellar work? For fun, let’s turn that on its head and say “D” can stand for good things, too. Good D words For instance, ideas symbolized by words that start with “D” can drive your writing … Read More »

Do you write by hand in a journal or notebook? Do you compose first drafts on yellow legal pads? Does your desk hold pens and pencils crammed into coffee cups, into spinning organizers, or jumbled in drawers? If you answered yes to any of the above, it’s a sure bet you like to create the old-fashioned way: using a pen or pencil to lay down, in your unique penmanship, one word after another. You let words flow from your mind … Read More »

Whether you’ve traveled to Key West or the Far East, your travels matter. Your travel stories can matter to readers near and far, too. Lots of folks want to experience travel-free travel — to travel vicariously with someone who can communicate the experience in an ordered and interesting way. Would you like to give those readers that chance? Traveler or tourist? “The traveler sees what he sees. The tourist sees what he has come to see.” ― G.K. Chesterton Travel … Read More »