Johnathan Maberry’s Workshop

Yesterday I had the distinct privilege of meeting horror and thriller writer Jonathan Maberry. Two of my writing friends and I took a trip to Baltimore to attend a workshop he did at the Baltimore Science Fiction Society. The topic up for discussion was the full process of the story. For four hours a room full of writers were able to listen to his experience and pick his brain for information. 

Book Spotlight: Dark Faith Invocations

I am currently reading an anthology that I'm just loving and thought I'd share. Dark Faith: Invocations an anthology of 26 stories with authors like Tim Waggoner, Max Allen Collins, Jennifer Pelland, and Tom Piccirilli. These stories test the faith and expose the soul as they delve into the world of giant Buddas, human machine robotnicks, a man renting an apartment in God's head, the cost of expelling one's soul, and so much more. Reading each story is like opening a brand new shiny treasure of deep characters, strong emotion, and beautifully crafted worlds.

Ways to Get the Mind Thinking

In my recent post Writing is More Thinking Than Actual Writing I talked about how important it is to do a lot of thinking before putting any idea on paper. I don't know about you, but there are sometimes where thinking can be hard to do. So here are some ways I use to get my brain in the thinking mood....

• Walking
• Driving
• Take a soaking bath
• Play inspirational music
• Take a nap
• Meditation
• Exercising

Writing is More Thinking Than Actual Writing

What is the most frustrating part about being a writer? I don't know about other writers, but for me its discovering a fabulous idea that I start writing on, and then part way into the story the idea fizzles, or I lose interest- So much for that fabulous idea. It gets tossed on that dusty shelf where all stories usually never get a second glance. After awhile, looking at the cluttered shelf can get more than a little depressing and I wonder, "Why can't I finish anything? Why can't I find a story I really want to write?"

Answer... Because I haven't spent enough time developing any idea to the point where I can really know it to feel it inside and out, up and down, and all the way through to the deepest core of the idea.

Book Spotlight: Between the Lines

Between the Lines by Jessica Page Morrell was highly recommeded to me by other fellow writers, but I only recently purchased and read it. I wished I'd done it sooner. It's a wonderful book that really dives into the more subtle elements of fiction writing. It's already in my favorite book category, and I've only read up to chapter 8 so far.

This book is all about honing the blending and balance of words and structure to create a superior piece of work. Some of my favorite chapters consist of topics such as; what to do about backstory, epiphanies and revelations, foreshadowing, and imagery. These chapters has already changed the way I approach my writing, and I'm especially looking forward to reading the other topics, which includes (but not limited to); pacing, sensory surround, and subplots.

My 2013 Writing Goals

Oh man, I have to come up with more goals? Don't I already do that almost everyday of the week? And didn't I just kick butt with my 2012 goals? Okay, so maybe coming up with some new things to strive for may not be a bad idea. Here are some things I would like to accomplish in 2013.

Read
This is a goal I still need to keep on doing. I did better in 2012, but I can do even better. My goal to read at least a chapter or short story every single day.

Write
This I have been doing pretty good in, but I'm putting it down as a goal to remind myself not to become a slacker. I must write everyday!!!!