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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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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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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The Ups and Downs of Writing

I always appreciate you taking the time to read my Journal posts. I try not to post too often, only when I feel I have something meaningful to discuss. Plus, as I’ve often said, I would rather be writing my next book than talking about it.

But the fantastic thing about this Journal is that the more you know about the person writing the book, the better your experience as a reader. You’re able to learn something about me and the reasons why I want to share my stories with you.

In this post, I’ll discuss a few of my thoughts about how I write and the motivation I use to keep writing.

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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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Wishing you the Very Best for 2019

Happy New Year!

This is the time of year that marks a transition in our lives from what has happened to what will be. We face a blank page where everything is possible for the good things we have yet to accomplish.

For myself as a writer, it’s an occasion to reflect on how I’ve evolved in this craft. I believe I’ve come a long way, but I’m always trying to improve my skills before I’m satisfied. The feeling is simultaneously one of the banes and one of the joys of being an author.

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