I just finished a great 2 hour writing session — 1000 words based on introducing two of sub-characters in my book “Bully of Burke.” I am fascinated by history, and when they state “a picture says a thousands words” it is so true. I have been scouring the photographic records of TN Barnard and Nellie Stockbridge from the Coeur d’Alenes, and with each photo – a new character comes to life. Over 10 years ago I outlined my mining story…
When you hit that writing wall or are trying to come up with that best-selling story, you COULD try picture prompts or…. get out the FISHWRAP. FISH•WRAP: Slang for any printed journalistic medium (newspaper, magazine, etc.) with such low credibility and standards in acceptable journalism, that its only useful function is to wrap fresh fish in. Well, this definition isn’t exactly true. Old newspapers were used for a variety of things, from wrapping fish (or other items) from the market,…
Reviews can help you be a better writer, if you listen. Authors can become obsessed by reviews, but there is more there than good or bad. Reviews give you a lot of insight into what the reader expects in a book. This morning, Amazon sent their latest book reads offer for $1.99. One book caught my attention, not to read, but I liked the cover, so I went to the product page to take a screen shot for my “cover…
BACKSTORY: Shoestring Wilson “I am always going to live in Spokane. It’s the best city I was ever in.” Purpose: Developing Characters (from real life) for Nellie Stockbridge MysteryLocation: Spokane, Washington 1900 Accessed Nostalgia Magazine article (February 2021) Born in Illinois in 1861, Alvin L. Wilson worked as an electrician in the cutting edge world of electricity. Electricity and the new technological advances were exciting and new, and Alvin excelled at his profession. When, at the Chicago 1893 fair, he watched President…
There is a lot of preparation required before planting: tilling the soil, pulling weeds, fertilizing. Once the groundwork is done (outline, research), then comes the planting of seeds — a lot of seeds — more than are needed for a healthy garden. I know that not all seeds I plant will take root. Some will be healthy, others weak and thin. And I can’t just stare at it every day, waiting and watching for the plants to grow. Instead, I walk…