Monthly Archives: August 2011

Tattered Cover Book Store Celebrates 40 Years!

Posted on August 30, 2011 by chrisdevlin

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 chrisdevlin

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 chrisdevlin

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 chrisdevlin

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 chrisdevlin

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 chrisdevlin

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 chrisdevlin

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 chrisdevlin

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