I have watched my fair share of Bob Ross, and one thing he repeats often is 'it's your world, you can do whatever you want in your world.' Well, you can write whatever you want in your world, too. Many stories I've read--published or otherwise--feel like the author is holding back, restraining or censoring themselves. Writing …
Think about it all the time
My writing output has been increasing lately because of this. When I'm not writing, I try to think about what I'll write next. Simple right? But it's so easy to get distracted, and busy, and lose sight of what you were doing. Especially if you don't have much time to write, you've got to make …
Err on the side of confusion
A bit of advice to writers of TV, movies and books alike: I'd rather be confused than treated like an idiot. People generally aren't as slow as you seem to think, dear writers of the stuff I read and watch. You don't have to make that hint so painfully obvious, or explain this concept or piece …
Finish it, you hand-wringing sloth
Whenever I need a boost in confidence I go to the bargain section in the supermarket and pick up one of those thrillers where the cover is the silhouette of a guy running down a dark alley. Yeah, I can write better than that. You know why that guy has a novel sitting on bookshelves in …
Fossils, not waves
People often think of their words and actions as waves, rolling across the surface, visible but impermanent, ephemeral, inconsequential. But each word you say, each smile you give, each helping hand you extend can fossilize in the memory of someone, to stick with them for the rest of their lives. Think back to a fond memory you …

