Why are there certain stories we just can’t get enough of? Why do some stories fade away while others become staples for every generation? Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol has been made into all kinds of movies, plays, cartoons, musicals and there are countless variations of Dickens’ original story: A grumpy old miser who is transformed Read more
Read MoreMeltdowns: Chaos & the Neurodivergent Author
Meltdowns, frequently referred to as “autistic meltdowns” actually happen all along the ND (neurodivergent) spectrum, meaning ADD and ADHD people are certainly not immune. And, if you read my last post Neurodivergent Authors: Not Lazy or “Broken,” I expressed my fairly educated hypothesis/concern that many creative professionals likely fall somewhere along the ASD spectrum. What Read more
Neurodivergent Authors: Not Lazy or “Broken”
“Neurodivergent” (ND) has been a bit of a buzzword for the past decade, and even more so in the past couple of years. Seems like everyone is “neurodivergent” these days, like we are coming out of the woodwork. Yes and no (a post for another day). I’ve been hesitant to talk about this topic for Read more
Read MoreBook Reviews: Why They Matter SO Much
Book reviews. Every author simultaneously loves them and loathes them. Today’s post, I hope, not only serves as a guide for my fellow authors, but for the book lovers out there as well. Even if you are the kind of person who only reads a book now and again, my goal here is to show Read more
Read MoreRedemption: Can All Characters Be “Saved”?
Redemption is a much more prolific theme than most might realize. Whether it is a fun, romantic Helen Fielding (Bridget Jones Diary), a gritty Cormac McCarthy (The Road) or a therapy-inducing Ken Follett (Pillars of the Earth), they hold one common thread. Redemption. Will Bridget finally see the truth of herself—that she’s shallow—before she commits Read more
Read MoreCrossroads: Do the Dead Tell Tales?
Crossroads refers, literally and poetically, to the place where at least two roads (paths, destinies, or decisions) meet. For over 15 years, all of my blogs have been on writing, the craft, publishing, and the writing business. I’ve also posted a lot on basically how to handle this thing called LIFE when one is called Read more
Read MoreReading with Intent: Becoming a Better Writer
Reading should be the cornerstone activity of all those who proclaim they want to be serious writers. I know this might seem like a “No duh” statement, but sadly we live in a world where even the obvious requires unpacking. Believe it or not, I love getting comments for more reasons than my own ego Read more
Read More13 Reasons Writers are Mistaken for Serial Killers
Writers really are a strange breed and just so y’all know? The normal ship sailed without you a long time ago so relax. Your family or friends might not ‘get’ you but your fellow writers do. I love being a writer. It’s a world like no other and it’s interesting how non-writers are simultaneously fascinated Read more
Read More“Woobie” Anti-Villains & Sympathy for the Devil
“Woobie” is a funny word I recently discovered when researching for this post. Funnily enough, the concept of “woobie” is nothing new. As a Gen-Xer, we called these people “emo” back in my day *waves cane.* This character is also referred to as the “Piti Anti-Villain.” They don’t want to be evil, but life has Read more
Read MoreAnti-Villains & Why We Love GOOD Baddies
Anti-villains are a type of character we haven’t discussed before. I’d almost venture to say that—while most of you have heard the term “anti-hero”—you might be a tad stumped on the term “anti-villain.” *does mental gymnastics* *does them too close to curtains* *sets curtains ablaze* Personally, I love learning about and teaching how to write Read more
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