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: writers
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…
ONE OF THESE THINGS JUST DOESN’T BELONG HERE…
My ruminations today are on the delicate balance between presenting our readers with something they want to read vs. challenging them to read something that is uncomfortable and even unpleasant but that might stick with them a little longer. It starts with the photo I’ve included with this post. While browsing blogs and online news…