When writing, I begin each new novel by composing the last chapter first. Thus, I have a target toward which to steer my narrative. I often challenge myself by placing my characters as far as possible–emotionally and geographically–from the feeling and setting of my finale. Just to be clear, I’m not kidding when I declare…
Tag: writing life
How real is your fiction?
I’ve now published three novels in my Four Corners Mystery Series. Book One is The Road to Lavender and Book Two is A Lavender Wedding. Both novels take place in the mythical village of Lavender on the wild Western Slope of Colorado. And both works chronicle the adventures of my handsome detective/lavender farmer, Trinidad Sands,…
Top 10 Things a Writer Hears Around the Holiday Table
10. “Did you finish the book yet?” (Variations: How close are you? When will you finish? Are you actually going to finish this one?) 9. “When will it come out?” Don’t bother explaining that finishing the story is only the beginning. Folks outside the industry tend to romanticize the process: we authors toil with quill…
When to write?
Many serious authors establish and maintain a set schedule for writing. The timing is generally a product of their family/work schedule. Working folks may be obliged to write on weekends, or early in the morning or late at night, before and after work, respectively. Retired individuals have more flexibility—perhaps too much—because those with extra time…
Titular Tenting
When I write a first draft, I always give each chapter a title. Even something as trite as ‘How I Spent My Summer Vacation’ serves to focus and guide the writing. Think of each title as a separate tent into which you’re going to place a set of related ideas. When those tents are assembled…