Do you ever write about the places you’ve been? Or, you know, real places? It’s a common question I hear, and the simple answer is yes— and no. It can be difficult to write about the places we know and not find ourselves overwhelmed and wrapped up in the most minute of details. One of the projects I’m currently in revision mode with takes place between two made up countries, and a real one. The real country just so happens…
Once many, many years ago we lived in a rental home that was beautiful and perfect and fulfilled an answer to prayer. It was situated across the street from the ocean on the Island. And no matter what task we tended to, there sat the big blue ocean calling us. The house, grand and beautiful sitting upon the hill, was not without its problems though. The greatest of which was its severe lack of insulation which resulted in bitter cold…
“How on earth did you come up with that idea?” someone asked me, after beta reading my book length story. “What do you mean?” They can’t tell that I’m slightly panicked, because we are conversing in text. But I am. I can feel the heat in my face, the worry gnawing at the pit of my stomach. Did they hate the whole thing? I struggle with negative feedback, and it’s not because I’m too prideful to think that I got…
Brace yourselves, Dear Reader, for I’m about to share a cautionary tale with you. One of woe, misery, and regret. One that’s completely avoidable if you heed my caution. Are you prepared? This story begins, like many stories, once upon a time. Although not so long ago, if I’m honest. In fact, it began just a few weeks ago at the time I’m hunched over my writing desk typing like a madman. You see, a week or two ago the…