I’ve written numerous blogs on the positive aspects of writing, But writing fiction is obviously not all unbridled satisfaction and joy. At times the process can be frustratingly, agonizingly difficult. So misery-inducing as to inspire lines like Ernest Hemingway’s classic remark: “Writing is easy. All you have to do is sit down at the typewriter…
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Serial Novels: An Interview with Gaius J. Augustus
In the past decade, several serial platforms for writers have arisen, including Wattpad, Amazon Vella, Radish, and Fictionate. This article will interview one author who has garnered considerable success on Vella. You can read more about how Vella works and catch up on my last interview here. Since I also publish regularly on Amazon Vella,…
Show your grasshopper the sky
Inventing a character seems pretty basic. You give him (or her, or it) a name, you visualize a face, maybe even conjure up a voice. Not just a literary voice, but a real one, one you can actually hear. You develop mannerisms, manufacture a backstory, and–then what? Throw your character into a situation, of course….
The “What If” List
How many of us writers are perfectionists? Oh, look, all of us. Honestly, who sits down to create the most mediocre story possible? Striving to write something great isn’t the problem. The issue arises when we demand greatness immediately, in the first draft. The next time you find yourself paralyzed by lofty literary ambitions or…
Artificial What?
Okay, I’ll be honest. Until the past few years, when I heard the term, AI, I thought it meant, Artificial Insemination. Seriously. I’ve worked around cattle…and…well…. I’ve gotten over that little communication hitch. What Is Artificial Intelligence? A = Artificial = false, fake, bogus, simulated, faux, imitated, mimic, counterfeit. I = Intelligence = Intellect, aptitude,…