This week I bounced between the distractions of setting up novel promotions and editing a middle-grade fantasy. I resolved a few sticking points for my current manuscript, but instead of talking about those I want to squee over character creation. Whether it’s rolling a character in Dungeons & Dragons, or even naming a character for … Read more
After a week of outlining, I’m not satisfied. That’s a good place to be. I started collecting fun ideas for my story, amazing adventures for the setting, and challenges the protagonist could face. This locale I’ve used before, so I’m updating rather than inventing. When I indulge in cartography I use a Map Editor tool … Read more
I love designing stories. The craft of writing a novel delights me with its challenges. This journal will chart the Odyssey of growing an idea into a book. All stories start with a concept, something that tickles your imagination. A friend on Twitter asked me, “What manner of eldritch rituals do you use to summon … Read more
Good Times to Listen to An Audiobook: On your commute While folding laundry Preparing meals Eating meals In the bathroom Exercising Less-Good Times to be Listening: Left turns During conversations Jogging across busy intersections Sleeping (though my brother debates this point; his preferred lullaby is the Lord of the Rings) While kissing I’m leap-over-pyramids happy … Read more
First, think of your favorite fantasy book or series. Now, pick a single word that describes what made you love that story. Have the word yet? If so, skip down to the comments and enter it. Do not let the words of others influence you. In Worldcon in Reno, I pounced on many an unsuspecting … Read more
“I like nonsense, it wakes up the brain cells. Fantasy is a necessary ingredient in living.” –Dr. Seuss “You need to believe in things that aren’t true. How else can they become?” –Sir Terry Pratchett “Fantasy is silver and scarlet, indigo and azure, obsidian veined with gold and lapis lazuli….” –George RR Martin “Fantasy is … Read more
The current beginning to Brood of Bones is in media res, which I prefer. That said, the original start to Hiresha’s tale is something of a short story unto itself and gives insight into a girl cursed with endless sleep. I cut the prelude in an early draft, when the novel was still titled GRAVID. … Read more
Right-click on link and Save Link As to ensnare a PDF for later, covetous reading: GRAVITY’S REVENGE, preview I’m as happy a djinn freed from his bottle to include multiple internal illustrations in this first act of my upcoming novel. I hope to garnish this section with three to four more internal illustrations, pending the … Read more
Once I was a young man drunk on hope and shinning with belief in human kindness. That was three long months ago, when I decided to promote my Kickstarter by giving away the first ten chapters of my novel on Amazon. The Kickstarter was a Herculean success, crushing its stretch goals like the delicate heads … Read more
I happen to love both reading and dancing, two activities that no sane person would seek to combine. Since this site is dedicated to the Impossible, I decided to put my feet where my mouth was in a new, creative way. What if other people could see the joy we experience when reading a good … Read more
