It’s once again time for our Insecure Writer’s Support Group post! November Question: What’s harder to do—coming up with your book title or writing the blurb? I actually have a harder time writing the blurb, believe it or not. Its hard for me to condense my synopsis down to a logline that will attract a…
People always want to know: How do you keep everything organized when you’re writing a book? Well, here’s the low-down on that process, at least from my perspective. Writing a book can get hairy. You’ve got to remember whether you gave Aunt Betsy blue eyes or brown way back in Chapter 3. You’ve got to…
I’ve been working on several projects this month. They range from writing short stories for anthologies to continuing to edit the sci-fi novel to writing articles for pay on Upwork. I’ve finished editing the Sisters in Crime story for the anthology “Rock & Roll & Ruin” and included a new plot twist on the advice…
I have gotten into an anthology. This is one of my crime/mystery tales of the velyr, and will be in the Sisters of Crime Triangle Chapter’s anthology entitled “Rock & Roll & Ruin.” It features Tel and Tano solving a mystery from the 1930s, using an old letter they found inside of a musical instrument.…
I’ve been “attending” a few virtual conferences this summer. No sci-fi unfortunately, but writing tips & tricks translate across the genres. Summer is one of the best times for conferences… many people have time off to attend and they’re looking for interesting things to do. Right now, I’m listening to a session from the Historic…
I’m co-chairing our local critique group meeting Monday evening, since our regular chairwoman is on vacation this week. My duties will be keeping track of who’s reading and in which order the critique-ers will speak. This is good, because I don’t think I could handle running the chat room all by myself. SCWA meets every…
My alter ego and I are submitting various stories to various contests and anthologies. I’m working on two anthologies: Inclusive Future Magazine’s “What Will Gender Be Like in 50 Years?” and Writing The Future You Need’s “Navigating the Ruins.” I may also submit something later in the summer for “Prohibition.” My alter ego is sending…
How is a writer supposed to find inspiration in today’s world? With the pandemic raging and the political upheaval and climate change … how can you keep your muse healthy? One thing that inspires me is reading. I’ll admit it’s getting harder to find good science fiction or fantasy that inspires me rather than bringing…
We attended a virtual writing conference this weekend: The South Carolina Writer’s Association. Didn’t pitch anything because none of the agents or editors was looking for science fiction, but the sessions were fun. The keynote speaker was Patti Callahan Henry, NY Times bestselling author, who spoke on “The Soul of Story.” She says we’re hardwired…
Many writers struggle with “writer’s block.” They say they just don’t feel inspired to write, that the muse just isn’t there any longer. I call bullshit on that idea. Writing –professional writing, that is, where you expect a paycheck — isn’t something you only do when you feel the hand of God reaching down from…