I recently read a review of the new TV series based on Terry Brooks’ classic epic fantasy Elfstones of Shannara when I read the following precis that made me laugh: “The elves’ magical protective tree, the Ellcrys, is dying. Lethal demons are slipping back into the world. To banish them again, someone must take the…
Tag: Kevin Paul Tracy
A SURPRISING SOURCE OF INSPIRATION YOU MAY NOT HAVE THOUGHT OF
When I define myself, I don’t call myself a writer. I call myself a storyteller (in point of fact I like the term raconteur.) The distinction, to me, is an important one. As a writer, my entire world is the written word, fiction or non-fiction, novel-length or short subject. As a storyteller, I embrace all…
GET YOUR HEAD RIGHT
I struggle most with writing when my head isn’t in the right place. What is the right place? For each person it’s different. For me, it’s when I feel good physically and when I feel good about myself, emotionally. Physically, it’s just hard to write when you’re not feeling well, when you’re coughing or blowing…
KEEP IT TO YOURSELF, SOMETIMES
I remember one of my first writers conferences. I pitched a project to one of the visiting agents or editors, and I remember being so thrilled when he asked to see the first three chapters. Later, one of the more seasoned conference attendees asked me how my pitch went and in my excitement I told…
THE POWER OF RMFW
A fellow member of Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers did not see any immediate impact on the careers of those she witnessed working so hard on our all-volunteer staff, either at the annual Colorado Gold Writers Conference, nor throughout the year on our board and support positions. She asked me if I found participation in RMFW…