Valentine’s Day has come and gone, its annual rites pointing us to the coming Spring, that glorious season when birds sing and bees hum, amorous glances are exchanged, and love and romance lilt delicately in the air. Wait a second. Let’s think about the word “romance.” As analytical writers consumed with the meanings of words, why do we call things about love romantic? Like most good stories, it’s an unusual, twisty tale. The secret is in the root of the … Read More »

I am an introvert. Yes, I love people, love social gatherings, and we entertain frequently. But being an introvert means that in order to recharge my energy, I seek out solitude and quiet; unlike extroverts, who recharge their energy reserves by being surrounded by people and activity. I am also a lone-wolf sort. I would rather work alone than with a group. I was that kid in school who hated group projects. I preferred do it all myself, so I … Read More »

“Great ideas fly through the universe all the time. Stand still long enough and one of them will hit you.” That was Isaac Asimov’s answer to the question of where he got his fantastic story ideas. At least that is what fellow science fiction writer Ben Bova said of Asimov, scientist and famed author of nearly 500 books, many in the genre of science fiction. Of course, the universe is rife with great ideas! But to catch a great idea, … Read More »

Books on writing often tell the author to find inspiration for stories in the world around her, in the everyday events of her own life. Read a juicy story on the net about a crime? There’s your next mystery! Got a friend who, widowed, rediscovers her high school sweetheart on Facebook and marries him before she goes in for cancer surgery? (I actually do.) The seed for a romance! But all the events of our lives take place today. What … Read More »

We don’t have to share our work in order to be a writer, through and through, but at some point in our writing journey, we’ll at least think about it. Sharing has its pitfalls, sure, but it also has many rewards, not the least of which is letting your family in on just what it is you’re doing when you set your timer and disappear for a couple of hours. Sharing should be a considered act. It’s as much of … Read More »

I’m in the zone. I know just what needs to happen in this particular scene, and it’s practically writing itself. As I type away with a satisfied grin on my face, the Plot Police burst through the door and stop me dead in my celebratory tracks. “Halt! Hold it right there!” the tall, handsome one orders. “We’re the Plot Police, here on behalf of your readers. Take your hands away from the keyboard—slowly.” “What’s the problem, officer?” I smile at … Read More »