Global Events Can Spark Your Imagination

If you feel like the world has been spinning out of control during these past few months, you’re not alone.

First, we faced the coronavirus and then witnessed the massive protests for racial equality. We haven’t even begun the ruckus that’s sure to unfold as we approach the presidential election here in the U.S.

I’m a news junkie, so I tend to pay attention to events taking place in the world. I try to tune out the noise when it becomes too much by concentrating on my writing. But the evening news has a way of capturing my attention.

In some ways, science fiction and fantasy writers are lucky. We draw upon events in the world as fodder for our plots. We use them to stimulate our imagination, asking what-if questions. And often, we come up with some pretty creative results. So, in a way, I’m really doing research by clicking on that Apple News app while I work.

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The Language of a Pandemic

Words define us and explain the events of our generation. Such is the case with the current Coronavirus.

The Merriam-Webster dictionary recently added the word COVID-19. It took one month from conception to formal recognition, the fastest in the company’s nearly 200-year history. This wasn’t the only new word included in the dictionary because of the virus.

Usually, new words are added only after years of generally accepted use. But now, practically overnight, an entirely new vocabulary has developed.

Life may never be the same because of the virus, and that goes for our language. Here are some of the newest additions to our lexicon.

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The Fear of COVID-19

I considered writing something else in this blog post — anything except what’s on everyone’s mind these days. It can be overwhelming listening to the barrage of news, statistics, and commentary about the virus that has spread across the globe.

Right now, however, any other subject feels trivial. We’ve been upended by a small bit of chemistry too tiny to be seen. We are fighting a faceless, unseen enemy intent on destroying us. I’ve read too many science fiction novels where this story doesn’t end well for humanity.

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The Storyteller in Each of Us

At a recent Writers’ Club meeting, a member complimented me on my skill at storytelling.

I had to think about it. Me? I might call myself a writer, author, indie publisher, or editor. But storyteller?

Best-selling authors receive accolades all the time that are something like, “A brilliant book by a skillful writer.” That’s the praise most authors would be delighted to see or hear. Most of the people who write books probably prefer the title of writer or author.

But the comment about being a storyteller stuck with me.

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My Daily Writing Routine

Here’s a photo of Missy, my loyal dog, and a writing companion. Her breed is a Havanese, and we brought her home nearly a year ago.

My life hasn’t been the same since.

I initially hoped that Missy would help me write faster by planting herself on my lap while I was at my desk, forcing me to keep at my task. But alas, the opposite has typically been the case.

She’d much rather play. She will often coax me into chasing her around the house or in the backyard as she tries to keep one of her toys away from me. And if that fails, she’ll find some trouble to get into, like chewing on a slipper or sneaker I’ve left on the floor.

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A Thankful Post

With the holidays upon us, my message for this journal post is a simple one.  I offer you my appreciation and gratitude. You make it possible for me to continue my dream of writing.

I’ve discovered that a writer’s life is not always an easy path to follow. It can be a daunting profession, putting words onto a blank page, knowing others will eventually judge the quality and worthiness of the books I write.

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Great Books by Super Authors

I will often decide to read a new book based on someone’s recommendation. If you’re the same, read this post.

Because of my writing experience, I’ve become friends with a group of remarkable authors. You might not be familiar with their books, but be prepared for great reading in a variety of genres, both in fiction and non-fiction.

I highly recommend these authors and their books because of the flair they have for telling a story, or in the case of non-fiction, explaining a place and activity.

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Great Information About My Upcoming Novel

Here are nine facts about the latest novel I’m currently writing.

1.) I expect to publish the book later this year, hopefully by this fall.

I wish it could be sooner. I’m thrilled to share the story with you because I believe it’s really, really good. But it takes time for me to craft a tale, especially a good one. I had decided long ago that the books I produce will be the best I can make them.

2.) The title of the next book will be Elthea’s Paradox.

At least that’s the title I’m working with now. Without revealing too much, the book contains a dilemma about how to use the powers of Elthea. The main character, Philip Matherson, must overcome this paradox to survive.

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How to Write a Novel

During my life, I’ve read a ton of books about writing a novel. From books about character development, world building, dialog, plot development… you name it, I’ve read about it. I have an entire bookcase full of books about how to write.

Many of those books did help me understand the essential techniques needed to develop a well-written story. But for me, the most crucial part of my road to becoming a published author was to sit down and do it.

Of course, my first attempts were horrible. But I kept trying. I put those early manuscripts in the bottom drawer of a file cabinet and began again. And when those results weren’t good enough, I started the process over from the beginning.

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My Next Book

I hope you enjoyed reading my first two books, Elthea’s Realm and Elthea’s Gambit. Here’s an update on my third book in the series. Spoiler alert: I still have a lot of writing and editing to complete before it’s released.

That doesn’t mean I can’t begin talking about my next novel. After all, the publishing cycle is so much more than when the book is released. Right now, I’m doing the hard work of writing and editing the first draft of the next story, making sure it’s as exciting and captivating as I can make it.

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