When writing, I know I will always get too close to the work and be unable to see it with clear eyes. This can lead to either hating something good, or being enamored with something sub-par. Second opinions are a must, but you have to be sure that opinion is coming from someone who knows …
A good villain is a personal villain
Villains are problematic not only in that they are usually the more proactive character, while the hero is reactive, but also because they are often doing the more interesting stuff, moving the story forward. I have many times found myself sympathizing with the villain just because I want to see what happens when they complete their …
Start at the action!
I've started a new book that you get to hear about for the next few weeks, Wild Seed by Octavia E. Butler, and so far it's great. The story opens with an immortal character sensing another character with some kind of powers, seeking her out and meeting her. She leaves her village behind and follows him …
Remembering old inspiration
Reading through these stories I wrote years ago, I remember the ideas I had, the inspirations that drove me, and the satisfaction of completing the work. Even just remembering it is some motivation to do it again! No one really likes writing. Having written, though, is where it's at. So keep plowing forward, once you …
The Girl with all the Gifts by M.R. Carey
I'm sure you're tired of hearing me talk about this book in all my posts, so you should be glad to know that this is the last post about it! I finished it! And although it was creative, exciting, with well developed characters, interesting ideas and great prose--it also irritated me quite a bit. Along …
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Jonas David 