Talk to any writer or read any number of writing blogs and you will likely find one universal fear: the dreaded phenomenon of writer's block — that moment when your brain goes blank and a great chasm opens up between your head and your fingers. Thankfully, I can say I never have writer's block. Never. …
Tag: Writing
Sisyphus at the summit …
While lunching last week with a fellow writer, I was explaining how starting any project fills me with unspeakable fear. When asked to take on a writing assignment, I generally say "yes." Based on my 30-plus years of experience, I should be able to handle just about any writing assignment. Operative word: should. But as …
How I learned not to procrastinate …
Once as a teenager, I was on a trip with my dad in Richmond, Virginia. I don't remember the circumstance, but I do remember the weather. It was raining so hard that people were escaping the deluge in the lobby of the John Marshall Hotel. Shaking his umbrella, a smiling gentleman said to me, "It's …
How the many layers …
For every author, there comes that swallow-hard and grit-your-teeth moment when you open a review of your work. Recently, I was in touch with a reader/reviewer from Ireland who reviewed CAIRNAERIE. Looking over his list of reviewed books, I noticed something that I really liked. His reading choices, like mine, are highly eclectic — and …
To write 1004 …
I am rarely lost for words to write, but this morning I am. Almost. I've hit a milestone, and I'm pretty excited about it. I'm also wary of tooting my own horn. No one likes braggarts, but here I am about to be one because I feel like I owe it to those who've read …
Letting down my cool …
A few years ago, I was eating dinner in Charlottesville, Virginia. We were celebrating a birthday at a very hoity-toity restaurant, the kind where you have to pretend you know French and where you'd better have extra cash stashed in your pocket. You know the kind. As I was ordering, out of the corner of …
The kindness of strangers …
"Whoever you are, I have always depended on the kindness of strangers." This line, perhaps one of Broadway's most memorable and enigmatic lines, spoken by Blanche Dubois at the end of Tennessee Williams' A Streetcar Named Desire has special meaning for authors. I was thinking of that this morning when I noticed another rating on Goodreads for …
My new life …
Stephen King has a routine, as do many writers. For Mr. King, mornings are for writing. Afternoons are for walking and reading. This is a plan I am adopting in this, my new life as a full-time novelist. As a morning person, I'm embracing Mr. King's routine. Summers are especially productive. As early as 5:30 …
A little trumpet fanfare, please …
I've hit it—the 100-books-sold mark for my novel, CAIRNAERIE. I am elated and enormously grateful for all those friends and acquaintances who have read it and shared it and reviewed it on Facebook and Goodreads. For a writer, having your work appreciated—even loved—is the epitome of success. Now begins the real work of finding new readers …
98 books in 98 days …
When I checked my book stats on Friday, I had sold 98 books. That's 98 books in 98 days since releasing CAIRNAERIE. YAY! HOORAY! YIPEE! This morning came 99 and number 100 is coming. I wish I could thank the person who will put me over the top and help me hit this very significant …
