I’ve recently found some streaming channels (contained on something called Frndly TV for $6 a month) that show classic sci-fi shows like Star Trek. Of course, I’ve seen every episode of TOS and TNG so often I can usually quote lines along with the actors, but they’re fun to listen to as I work on…
I’ve started the Thunder and Lightning series (Red Thunder, Red Lightning, Rolling Thunder, and Dark Lightning) by John Varley. So far, I’m enjoying the read. It does remind me of Robert Heinlein, as advertised, with most of the emphasis on character development and teenagers coming into maturity. In the first book, an eccentric Cajun backwoodsman…
It’s First Wednesday, so time for another Insecure Writer’s Support Group post! August 2 question: Have you ever written something that afterwards you felt conflicted about? If so, did you let it stay how it was, take it out, or rewrite it? I almost always feel conflicted about something in my writing! I worry that…
I’ve decided to step up and take on some new responsibilities with one of my writing groups. The local chapter of Sisters in Crime is looking for someone to help out with their new website, which is something I feel I can handle, so I’ve volunteered to join the board (well, after being asked, that…
One of my writing groups has decided that we want to try to produce an anthology, similar to the one I had the latest story published in. As a participant in that process, I have been roped…er…coerced into helping research what exactly might be involved in such an endeavor. We’re going to be using the…
OK I have finished reading the trilogy that I started a while ago. I don’t usually bother reviewing anything on the website but in this case, I’m going to make an exception. I have given all 3 books a 5-star rating on Goodreads & Amazon. I didn’t bother with a review because the author already…
It’s First Wednesday, which means it’s time for our monthly Insecure Writer’s Support Group blog! July 5 question – 99% of my story ideas come from dreams. Where do yours predominantly come from? I do occasionally have a dream that leads directly to a story, but most of my ideas come from paying attention to…
This is courtesy of one of author Michael Stackpole’s lectures at Dragoncon, which is a science fiction convention that happens to have a Writing Track with great advice for any author. First, remember that you are not editing as you go along. As Stackpole says, “first, dig the hole” – get the manuscript down before you play…
Since I have an AI character in my book, a friend recommended this book to me. It’s by Ann Leckie and is the only novel so far to have won the Hugo, Nebula, and Arthur C. Clarke awards – and it was her first novel! It’s the story of one “ancillary” body left from an…
I often have a tough time deciding on what to write on the old blog! I’ve copied several lists from other blog writers and decided to do my own version of a topic list. Topics About Writing: Topics About the Author: Topics About Other Authors: