What does layering emotion into characters mean? Isn’t writing: “No!” he screamed angrily telling instead of showing? Yes, it is. So how do you add emotion without telling the reader what the emotion is? Here’s how…
While researching the solar eclipse happening in 2017, I discovered some fun facts. Here they are, in no particular order. The last total solar eclipse in the continental United States was 38 years ago on…
One way writers allow readers to connect with a hero is to give him serious character flaws. In Bringer of Chaos: the Origin of Pietas, Pietas begins as an arrogant narcissist with a superiority complex.…
You might not be aware, but writing can be hazardous to your health. For example, carpal tunnel syndrome affects millions and is a serious threat to many writers. I had surgery (called a carpal tunnel…
Why write about romantic spring date ideas? Because I believe in romance. The motto in my logo and on my website is Romance Lives Forever. I’ve been married 43 years to the same guy and we…
Or, Why Elaine is a Bisexual Character in Changing Faces by Guest Author Barb Caffrey — When Kayelle Allen and I talked about a guest blog in support of my new LGBT-friendly novel, Changing Faces,…
The question, “Is it right to quit?” seems to require a “No!” in response. But does it? Not if you are quitting for the right reasons. Here are ten times it’s okay (and perhaps advisable)…
Does it matter if readers leave a review? Yes. A book with even one review moves up in the sales ranking on Amazon. With enough reviews, an author can join programs that offer the book…
“Photon torpedoes! Fire!” If you thought that was a line right out of Star Trek, congratulations. You were right. The show has been on television, in movies, books, and other media for fifty years now.…
I named the Nizamrak Building after my friend and mentor, the late author Barbara Karmazin. Nizamrak is Karmazin backward. BK, as she was affectionately known, loved the idea of having a site named after her.…