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Monthly Archives: August 2011
Conference Tips for RMFW’s Colorado Gold
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
My Origin Story Part 6: McCracken’s Barn
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
The Abs of Summer or: Gratuitous Manflesh
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
My Origin Story Part 5: First Novel
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 Abbott and Costello, Bic pens, bodice-rippers, Depression, dustbowl, John Garfield, origin story, racism
6 Comments
Why Stephen King’s The Stand Was Better the First Time
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 e-publishing, self-publishing, Stephen King, Stu Redman, The Stand
2 Comments
My Origin Story Part 4: The Three Investigators and the Case of the Mary Sue
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 fanfic, fanfiction, Mary Sue, origin story, Three Investigators
9 Comments
Tattered Cover Book Store Celebrates 40 Years!
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 →