Monthly Archives: August 2011

Tattered Cover Book Store Celebrates 40 Years!

Posted on August 30, 2011 by

In this climate, where indie bookstores are falling like the DOW, this is truly a milestone.  Visit one of Tattered Cover’s three locations and let yourself be treated to the smell of new books, the feel of actual people to … Continue reading →

Posted in Commentary | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

Conference Tips for RMFW’s Colorado Gold

Posted on August 26, 2011 by

Here are some thoughts from a veteran of the Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers Colorado Gold Conference (September 9–10–11, 2011 here in Denver). First-timers: Arrive early to scope the lay-out of the Renaissance Hotel so you know how best to get … Continue reading →

Posted in Commentary, Conferences, Self-Promotion, Writing Craft | Tagged , , , , , | 15 Comments

My Origin Story Part 6: McCracken’s Barn

Posted on August 22, 2011 by

Previously, on My Origin Story: I wrote, or rather overwrote, my first novel. Through 7th and 8th grade, I played around with what I called realist writing. I wanted to, in the words of Hemingway, “Write hard and clear about … Continue reading →

Posted in Characterization, Commentary, Description, My Origin Story, Writing Craft | Tagged , , , , , , | 8 Comments

The Abs of Summer or: Gratuitous Manflesh

Posted on August 18, 2011 by

Hard to believe but it’s almost fall, the time when hot guys have to put their shirts back on.  Here’s a salute to some of the abdominals that dominate: (Caution: Some of the links make noise when you click them.) … Continue reading →

Posted in Movies, Pop Culture, TV | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

My Origin Story Part 5: First Novel

Posted on August 16, 2011 by

Previously on My Origin Story: I had written dozens of fits and starts and part of an installment of a mystery series. There were a few other longer pieces. One was a mystery set in a 6th grade classroom that … Continue reading →

Posted in Characterization, Commentary, My Origin Story, Plot, Pop Culture, Viewpoint, Writing Craft | Tagged , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Why Stephen King’s The Stand Was Better the First Time

Posted on August 13, 2011 by

If you were lucky enough to be able to open a copy of the original 800+ page edition of The Stand, released in 1978, here’s what you would have read: Hapscomb’s Texaco sat on US 93 just north of Arnette, … Continue reading →

Posted in Commentary, E-Publishing, Marketing, Revision, Writing Craft | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

My Origin Story Part 4: The Three Investigators and the Case of the Mary Sue

Posted on August 7, 2011 by

Previously on My Origin Story: I started a lot of stories in grade school and gradually wrote longer and longer stories. The Three Investigators were teenage boys who ran around solving mysteries. Their HQ was a dilapidated trailer in a … Continue reading →

Posted in Characterization, Description, My Origin Story, Plot, Pop Culture, Reviews, Writing Craft | Tagged , , , , | 9 Comments

My Guilty Pop Playlist

Posted on August 2, 2011 by

In case anyone is ever in danger of being intimidated by my sophisticated musical tastes, here’s my secret shame: I have a playlist for when I’m in the mood for sappy pop songs. Some highlights: 1. Your Love The Outfield … Continue reading →

Posted in Music, Pop Culture, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments