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It’s here! My definitive approach to writing dynamite novels. (Includes some nifty stuff for writers of shorter fiction, too.) Available now at Amazon, or do a writer friend of yours a HUGE favor, order a signed copy from me!
Now Available!
Greeley is now available for Kindle e-readers and in paperback. Don’t miss this fantastic collection of linked tales of the old and new West. Autographed copies make great gifts, by the way. Contact me if you’d like one.
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Tag Archives: novel writing
From Short Story to Novel–Part Two
The story of Scott and Daphne, plus assorted lizards, faires, and other odd creatures continues. If you missed part one, you probably ought to go back and read it now. Here’s your handy-dandy link: Click Here! In case you forgot … Continue reading
Posted in editing, novel writing, Writing
Tagged cable TV, creative writing, elves, fairy, fantasy, flash fiction, humor, novel writing, novelette, novella, short fiction, short novel, short story, suspense, TV, TV show, unicorn, Writing
11 Comments
Huge debate: Prolog or Prologue?
Actually, I’ve known writers crazy enough to get into arguments over nonsense like this. Toe-may-toe or Toe-mah-toe? Prologue or Prolog? Seriously? The awful truth is they’re completely missing the point. Either spelling is okay, but using either is not. At least, … Continue reading
Posted in editing, Memoir, novel writing, Writing
Tagged advice, bullshit, bullshite, Cenntenial, don't, Galler-Smith, Michener, novel writing, Owain, prolog, prologue, Saint
4 Comments
Where Should A Story Start?
A story starts at the beginning, right? <cue uproarious laughter> Well, yeah, it should. The problem is, most neophyte novelists think they have to supply a dump truck load of information about their character and his or her situation before … Continue reading
Posted in novel writing, Writing
Tagged background, background information, backstory, character, details, new novel, novel, novel writing, planning, plotting, problem, sympathy
2 Comments
You’re all ready to get started…
…there’s just one problem. The moment has come–no more waiting, no more foolin’ around, no more putting it off. You’re going to write a novel. It’s something you’ve wanted to do for as long as you can remember. And now, … Continue reading
Posted in novel writing, Writing
Tagged bad guys, chart, endings, Fiction, genre, Getting started, good guys, novel writing, openings, person, place, plot, problem, story, story line
9 Comments
Passion isn’t enough
When it comes to writing creatively, passion certainly helps, but I think it’s over-rated. In addition to passion, there are several other P-words which apply. The one most critical to your success probably won’t be the same for me, but every word … Continue reading
Posted in Writing
Tagged advice for novelists, Fiction, new writers, novel writing, P-words, pacing, perfection, persevere, premise
5 Comments
My writing partner’s view on our collaboration
Uh, Josh. About that…. I asked my former writing partner, Barbara Galler-Smith, to read and comment on my recent tirade about collaborations. I couldn’t think of anyone more uniquely qualified to add her two cents worth. She was not only kind enough … Continue reading
Posted in Writing
Tagged arguing, collaboration, Druids, editing, ego, experience, novel writing, outline, painting, partner, patience, talent, Writing
4 Comments
Writing for the nose. How to write a novel–part 15
Seriously? Write for the nose? Yep. It may not be the fastest route to the brain, but it’s pretty damned quick. Smells are triggers that can set off a variety of responses. Don’t believe me? Try giving two seconds worth of … Continue reading
