I’m a person who loves learning curves, the kind that engage me, that lead me on, that present the next mystery. I have a couple of learning…… Read more “Learning Curves”
Category: Readers
All Things Medieval
Medieval Trader Character My latest post may have given the feeling that I don’t love developing medieval scenes or having elements of a bygone world in my…… Read more “All Things Medieval”
Epic Fantasy Characters: What does it mean?
I had great fun this past week talking with fantasy authors about meanings of the phrase “epic fantasy characters.” I contacted 25 writers. All took part in…… Read more “Epic Fantasy Characters: What does it mean?”
What characterizes urban fantasy?
Does it just mean it takes place in a city? I don’t think so. Is it gritty? Dark fae? Typically futuristic dystopian? Urban fantasy incorporates magic—wizardry, the…… Read more “What characterizes urban fantasy?”
When you’re writing an emotional or difficult scene, how do you set the mood?
I realized today that I enter a difficult scene with excitement now, rather than getting intimidated by its logistics, because I know to find the emotional hook…… Read more “When you’re writing an emotional or difficult scene, how do you set the mood?”
What are common traps for new authors?
There are a few fallacies that writers fall into, I think, creating stumbling blocks for themselves. One of them is the fear that others will steal their…… Read more “What are common traps for new authors?”
What does success mean to you?
I guess the answer is touching people. Lately I’ve felt successful as a writer. It’s certainly not because I’m making money from it. In fact, more often…… Read more “What does success mean to you?”
What is your favorite scene in any of your books?
This 1925 painting reminds me of the winter faire in my first book, Braided Dimensions! Over time, the scene my mind goes back to with most relish…… Read more “What is your favorite scene in any of your books?”
Talking to Readers
Recently I posted about Anchor Bay campground and how Highway 1 loops around it in a horseshoe. Last night, I went to a house on a road…… Read more “Talking to Readers”
Do you find it more challenging to write the first book in a series or the subsequent novels?
The first part of the first book in my series was the hardest for me. Two-thirds of the way into it, the settings, characters, and conflicts had…… Read more “Do you find it more challenging to write the first book in a series or the subsequent novels?”