Cut to the chase: I loved it. I liked the book a lot when I read it a couple of years ago, after a recommendation from my sister. Initially, I was taken aback to discover the book featured an octopus … Continue reading →
My previous post considered the role of ideas in writing, especially fiction. The bottom line: ideas are important but not the most important factor in creating a story. Ideas are a starting point, but the real work is turning them … Continue reading →
It’s almost a cliché that when people hear you write fiction, someone will inevitably suggest, “I have this great idea for a novel. I’ll tell it to you, your write the book, and we’ll split the money.” I’ve never had … Continue reading →
Spring? Maybe. Probably not. We’ve all seen the meme about the twelve seasons, which can be applied to most states, but often does seem to describe North Carolina’s crazy weather shifts. In fact, someone at the NC State Climate Office … Continue reading →
Another small publisher is folding. Down and Out Books, which published two Carolina Crimes anthologies that included stories of mine, has announced they are going out of the publishing business. This is the fifth small-press publisher of some of my … Continue reading →
I try to keep as many of my short stories as I can out on submission. I have a fair backlog of unpublished tales now, so any time I hear of an interesting call for anthology submissions, I consider if … Continue reading →
It’s that time of year when we’re reminded o be grateful for all the gifts we’ve been given. It seems to me a great idea to stop and take time to bring to mind all the good things we have. … Continue reading →
All of the seasons have their good points—even winter, though admittedly it’s my least favorite. Of them all, Fall has my heart. In North Carolina, spring is great but lasts about three weeks before diving into summer. Summer heat and … Continue reading →
I’ve spent weeks getting ready for visits and visiting with family. Those were weeks where my only writing consisted of working on blog posts and doing a few critiques. And it’s true that I did fit in writing one short … Continue reading →
While on a walk the other day, I saw this little flower growing up through a crack between the sidewalk and curb. I find it inspiring.
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