Welcome to my newsletter! "What Is Our Greatest Creative Challenge?" Reader, Did you know ... The same things that fuel writers and other creatives can often be the roadblocks we can't seem to get past. The thing that trips us up. The fear that freezes us creatively like the proverbial deer in the headlights. Sometimes, our greatest challenge isn't which story to write, what character is not gelling consistently, or what conflict doesn't feel as suspenseful or tension-driven as we might need...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
Welcome to my newsletter! "This time, a little something different ... maybe." Hey, Reader, walk with me... THREE BLOCKS AND TURNING Sweatshirt salesman tour guide Hawkers. Most predominantly people of color Bridge This Way, Park that way Have you ridden the Ferry? A village of colorful caps hanging dangling, blowing in the breeze one sale, many more passing by An old student in white with Shades marching Custom house siege. Elegant History of another time and space while dealing with...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
Welcome to my newsletter! Issue #200 "Who? What? Where? When? Why? How? Take out a pen, Reader. Do you want to know how to get started? A person wakes up leaning against a thick tree. They have no memory. No identification. No money. Down a hill about a mile or two in the distance, they can see a small town. They have a decision to make. Their choices are many ... or very few. You're a writer. Let your imagination run free with this. You've entered a place where character is king. See what...
2 months ago • 1 min read
Welcome to my newsletter! "What’s So Hard About Writing Dialogue?" For that matter, Reader, what is dialogue, really? In real life, it is simply ... A conversation between two or more people. It can cover questions, challenges, arguments, exchange of information, reminiscing, etc. It is simply people talking. Cause and effect. I respond to you and vice versa. The reason motive or necessity for these conversations runs the gamut of possibilities, from mundane to life-changing. In writing...
2 months ago • 1 min read
Welcome to my newsletter! Why, Bah, humbug? Hey, Reader, It's the holiday season, and we're all caught up in various activities to get us to and from family and friends, work, and festive occasions. We're running around like crazy folks, hopefully in a fun way, this time of the year for a series of reasons. Some could call them motivations. Why do we do what we do when we do what we do, and for whom? Motivations move people, they move events, and they make history tragic or celebratory. When...
3 months ago • 2 min read
Welcome to my newsletter! "Hope I'm Funny." Hey, Reader, For the sake of good cheer and smiling faces this time of year, I want to talk about writing comedy. Many of my writing students come to me with the question, “How do you write comedy?” How do you write comedic bits and scenes into a dramatic story? They’re worried because something they wrote wasn't funny. Or they couldn't think of anything witty. They put so much pressure on themselves to get it right the moment they start writing....
4 months ago • 1 min read
Welcome to my newsletter! "Why do people do what they do?" Hey, Reader, Have you ever asked yourself that question? Writers study people. It’s part of our job. To know people is to know your characters, and vice versa. At what point does an irrational act seem rational in someone's mind? How much pressure can a person take before desperation causes them to do something that can never be undone? How frightened can we become that giving up our reputation and moral center is justifiable? How...
4 months ago • 1 min read
Welcome to my newsletter! "Is That A Curse, Or A Propositioning?" Hi, Reader, That was my response one time when someone cursed at me. They weren't amused. I've noticed many people are more on edge these days. The phrase casual Observer doesn't fit here but I'll use it for the moment. For many weeks, I've stood waiting at a bus stop and casually observing the traffic patterns of both humans and vehicles. I noticed how people push past one another, how cars double park in bus zones so that...
4 months ago • 2 min read
Welcome to my newsletter! "Pssst! Over here. I got a hot tip for ya'." Look, Reader, In writing mystery and adventure thrillers, the conflict is a major element in the story. Somebody wants something, and what they're willing to do to get it can range from an exhibition of willfulness to an excuse for murder. When people decide they can do whatever they want, someone must step in to ensure they take responsibility, even if those responsibilities ultimately lead to their demise. Rob, con,...
4 months ago • 1 min read