Category Archives: Writing
The Little Story that Couldn’t
I suspect every writer has a story that they really believe in, and try as they might, they can’t seem to sell it to anyone. Mine is a flash story that I wrote about eight years ago, and has had … Continue reading
Posted in Inspiration, Writing
Tagged Rejection, Short Story, Submissions, Writing Craft
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The Writing Doldrums
I write at several lengths, from flash fiction to short stories to novellas and novels. Each length presents its own challenges, but one thing that I find common to all lengths is something I call the “writing doldrums.” In almost … Continue reading
The Challenge of Putting Music into Words
One of my current works in progress is a young adult book about a group of teenagers in a band who need to use their musical prowess to stave off Armageddon. It’s sort of a Percy-Jackson-meets-King-Crimson story, where the plucky … Continue reading
Posted in Inspiration, Writing
Tagged Collaboration, Work in Progress, Writing Craft
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Rounded Characters and Compelling Arcs
The success of a story often hangs on the presence of a compelling character. When I first started writing fiction and submitting it to magazines, I was fortunate to receive feedback from editors (perhaps they recognized my newbie status) via … Continue reading
“The Memory Plague” Available for Free Reading
My story, “The Memory Plague,” published in the January 2021 issue of Lightspeed Magazine, is now available for free reading online. Please check it out if you haven’t already. Or if you prefer, the story has also been recorded for … Continue reading
Inspiration: “The Memory Plague”
Sometimes writing a story can be easy. An idea comes to you, and the words flow out like a river. Editing goes quickly, and if you’re fortunate, you sell it on your first try. I’ve had that happen a few … Continue reading
Posted in Inspiration, Science Fiction, Writing
Tagged Lightspeed Magazine, Short Story, The Memory Plague
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A Few Thoughts on Collaboration
Writing tends to be a solitary endeavor. Most stories and books are written by a single person during which they conceive, develop, plot, write, and edit in a near vacuum. While many writers may open their work to others for … Continue reading
Winter Storms and Future Considerations
I’m a marine biologist who lives in the mountains. I’m not sure how that happened, but I certainly have no regrets. This also means I’m used to water in all forms. While I’ve spent my career in liquid water, the … Continue reading
Writing Update: Collaboration on the Clock
I thought I’d provide a quick writing update to set the stage for some future posts I want to make. A few months ago, I finished revising the manuscript for Tiger Unbound, Book Five of the Calytpo Cycle. At this … Continue reading
Tough Decision, Easy to Make
I decided yesterday not to renew my membership in the Science Fiction Writers of America (SFWA). For those not familiar with the SFWA, it’s the preeminent professional organization for science fiction and fantasy writers, and it’s not easy to qualify … Continue reading
