I used to doodle a lot, especially during class in high school and college.  I still doodle occasionally at work, but I'm not in an environment where that's appreciated.  In fact, I've been told explicitly not to draw, even when there's nothing else to do. I've got another coworker who also has artistic tendencies.  He […]

A question came to my mind out of nowhere today.  When I write my brain tries to put me into the physical space of another world.  The more senses I try to engage, the richer that world becomes and the more fun it is to write about (and hopefully read) because I'm not at home […]

I've spent almost all my writing time on this third and last book of the series, Innocence and Silence.  I know I should post more, but when I'm this deep into a book I hoard my writing time and neglect almost everything else. The protests and wars overseas have made writing the war scenes in […]

I've nearly reached the end of the three book series. I've put a lot of years into them.  Since I began writing with these characters in this world, so much has changed.  I've taken a master's class in writing.  E-publishing arrived like a magnificent dragon, rampaging through the publishing industry, forcing the traditional publishing giants […]

At the moment, I'm writing about Mark traversing not-terribly-harsh terrain (all things considered, compared to say, the far southern ocean) with a sizable group of horses.  This is man versus nature stuff.  For him, it's intense.  Someone better acquainted with the area, better equipped, and better with horses might have considered this a leisurely stroll […]

Had an intense dream last night in the Jester's universe.  I can think of only one other occasion where I've had a dream where I was in a world I'd created and written about. I loved it.  Danger, sex, intrigue ….  The world came alive and I was a part of it.  It was a […]

I went to the fair recently, supposedly to study horses for my book, but actually I went to have fun.  Hot, thick air, too many people, animals sweltering on clean straw with gigantic fans blowing constantly to keep them as cool as possible, the contrasts between huge metal barns and the open spaces with grass […]

I read an excerpt from someone's novel the other day.  They'd posted it on their blog.  Of all the bits and pieces they could have picked, they chose a quiet, intimate moment between their characters.It didn't work, at least, not for me.I'm not going to pick apart someone else's writing.  Readers' tastes vary wildly.  There […]

You'd never know it, but I'm shy.  I laugh loud, I greet strangers in passing, smile, talk (sometimes incessantly, sorry about that) and frequent public places.  Mainly, though, I like to be alone or with my family.  It takes effort to leave the house.   It's worth it. Everyone who travels talks about how wonderful […]