I am a skeptic. Admittedly. I am not the one who jumps on bandwagons or who purchases the first iterations of a product. I always stand back and wait for the reviews. Always. And so it is with AI. I'm waiting to find out whether or not it's going to be a good thing or …
Tag: mkbgraham
The perils of rabbit holes …
I'm taking a break momentarily. I have spent half of my day in a rabbit hole. Unsuccessfully so far, I might add. Rabbit holes—as anyone who has tackled deep research into history, particularly family history knows—rabbit holes are occupational hazards and can be maddeningly frustrating tasks AND amazing adventures. (When successful, they warrant a loud …
Writers of a feather …
I have always loved getting together with fellow writers and avid readers. I can almost always guarantee there will be an absence of small talk and chit chat. Authors and writers tend to think deeply, to converse engagingly, and to entertain interesting and unique perspectives. Nothing bores me more than mindless cocktail conversation (except ad-filled …
The ultimate review …
As the author of three historical novels, I’m always eager to know what readers think. I (like all writers) wait breathlessly for reviews. Now, however, I have received the ultimate review. I recently reconnected with a friend I had known when I was a teenager. Our fathers had worked together, and she and I graduated from the …
When I wanted to be famous …
Life has a marvelous way of training one to live. As the years sift through the proverbial hourglass, we sometimes forget that the pile of sand below the narrow neck grows—and the sand above diminishes. I find that interesting. Thought-provoking. What can that mean? I hope it means that each grain of sand is a …
The pause that refreshes …
I've thought a lot about the creative process and I have often likened it to an artesian well. For those non-geologists, an artesian well is a natural well that bubbles up out of the ground under its own pressure. It is usually free flowing and often overflowing. Sounds like the creative process, doesn't it? Unlike …
Finding your voice as a writer …
Any accomplished singer will tell you that a voice over time matures, blossoms, and eventually settles into a distinct and recognizable vocal signature unique to an individual. In the art world, this principle is even easier to understand when one examines the early works of a famous artist and compares that body of work to …
A chill in the air ….
It's only hours before Christmas celebrations commence. Outside the wind is howling and the air is frigid, but the sun is shining. It feels like Christmas. An occasional burst of snow blows by, and all the trees brittled by ice are bending and swaying. It is the kind of day that inspires writers. Yesterday, as …
The verdict is in …
I love using beta readers as I’m working on a book. They are so helpful, especially to counteract the very real tunnel vision that writers get when they’ve looked at a manuscript—stared at it incessantly—for months and months and months. This time around, I had several beta readers who were quite helpful. But the chief …
When reviewers get it wrong …
I love reviews of my books. The good reviews are affirming. They tell me I've done something right and that a reader has enjoyed my books. Positive feedback is the ultimate prize for a writer. I deeply appreciate every reader who takes the time to write a review. But I also appreciate the not-so-good reviews …
M.K.B. Graham 