After working with authors from all over the world on many kinds of different story projects, I've seen a common theme. Many times, they present me with their masterpiece and I can instantly tell that the writing is good - but something is missing from the story. Something very important. Maybe there's no character development, a … Continue reading Do You Really Know Your Book’s Genre?
creative writing
The Stories that Shaped Me: Star Wars
How do you like Tuesdays? Specifically, what do you think of my Tuesday blog posts? I think it's beneficial to talk about good (and bad) stories so that we can learn from what others have done. Let me know your opinion in the comments! For now, I'm starting yet another new series about the stories … Continue reading The Stories that Shaped Me: Star Wars
Why Does It Matter to Tell Stories that Matter?
Why do we tell stories? You could probably give me at least a million different reasons. We tell stories to entertain, distract, raise awareness, help others, even just to make money. Everyone has their own reason. But really, every storyteller has something in common. Deep down—so deep down, in some cases, that the person doesn't … Continue reading Why Does It Matter to Tell Stories that Matter?
Pixar Uses a Secret to Make Their Stories Unique—Now You Can Use It Too
Have you ever noticed that most protagonists are...kinda the same? Whether it’s a children’s picture book or an adult thriller novel, the protag usually falls into one of two categories: a boy (young man, man, etc.) looking for adventure or a girl (young woman, woman, etc.) looking for independence/freedom. The secondary character and/or best friend … Continue reading Pixar Uses a Secret to Make Their Stories Unique—Now You Can Use It Too
How Do You Write a Book?
An updated version of a post from Feb. 2022 Apparently, 81% of people in the U.S. want to write a book. That's enough to say that most people want to write a book in this country, and I suspect the numbers would be pretty big in other countries, too. On the one hand, it's a … Continue reading How Do You Write a Book?
Announcing My 2023 Writing Projects: New Year Spectacular Finale!
It’s the moment you’ve all been waiting for! After giving this year a lot of thought, I decided that I’m going to go all out in 2023. My goal is to publish three books, write two major short stories, edit and pursue traditional publication for Project Pea, finish a video game script, and begin a … Continue reading Announcing My 2023 Writing Projects: New Year Spectacular Finale!
Atonement’s End: A fantasy character study
Tsarra wondered when home had become the last place she wanted to be. That same old door that had greeted her with a welcoming creak since before she could hold a javelin was now an untrustworthy friend that would proclaim her failings to the whole house as soon as she stepped inside. Hours ago, she … Continue reading Atonement’s End: A fantasy character study
Review: The Bridge of Little Jeremy by Indrajit Garai
Want to help me get a standing desk? Check out the details in the donation box below the post and read my stories on Vocal! In The Bridge of Little Jeremy by Indrajit Garai, we meet Jeremy, a twelve-year-old boy living in Paris. Though he has a heart condition that keeps him in and out of … Continue reading Review: The Bridge of Little Jeremy by Indrajit Garai
Reblog: The Best Free Online Writing Courses for Creative Writers by TCK Publishing
All of us want to improve our writing skills, hone our craft, and get ahead in our writing careers. Not all of us can go back to school and get our MFA in writing—heck, not all of us want to! Thankfully, the internet makes it possible to take great online writing courses for free (no … Continue reading Reblog: The Best Free Online Writing Courses for Creative Writers by TCK Publishing
Finding Rest
Want to help me get a new desk chair? Check out the details in the donation box below the post and read my stories on Vocal! Anyone else have a hard time resting? I’m not talking about sleep, but just rest. Not doing anything. Letting yourself recharge. Reading a book. Playing a video game. Chatting … Continue reading Finding Rest
The Story Canvas 