On novels, short stories, & poems.

The Novel: I can write a novel. There's a beginning, a middle, a climax, and the end. Have a good premise and believable characters and you might pull off a novel.

The Short story: Read some of Ray Bradbury's books of short stories (Martian Chronicles or Dandelion Wine) or try THE NEW YORKER short fiction. If you're lucky you'll 'get' the concept of a short story. I used to think of a short story as a mini-novel. It isn't though. I've never been able to write a decent short story, and probably never will. Some people have the knack, maybe it's you.

Poetry: I've pulled off a couple of pretty decent Haikus, but never was able to tap into whatever poets tap into. I think some poets get the germ of an idea and slave over it until they have a fine poem, but I've heard others say they just 'download' their poems as if a muse was whispering into their ears.

My hat is off to all short story writers and poets. They perform the impossible.

Book-3 of Blending Time triology

Got myself in a bind. I had written about half of Book-3 of THE BLENDING TIME series, but Book-2 (FIRES OF NEW SUN) needed some major revising. The revision of #2 means I've got to make a lot of changes in #3. The editor wanted me to kill off a major character who I intended to have in book-3, so getting rid of the character started to tumble the dominoes of the story and the actions of the other characters.

So... back to outlining, brainstorming, making yellow stickies, then getting to the keyboard!

Death of a Father

My father died a couple of days ago. So what do I do with my conflicting emotions about this man? He was an awesome musician and craftsman. He wasn't always there to be the kind of dad I hoped for, but maybe he did his best.

I think I shall do what writers do--write. I'm going do some journaling which often helps sort out the stuff whirring in my head and which I can't articulate in words. So, journal, look out for a large emotional dump from me.

HOW TO CONCLUDE A TRILOGY

I've sent the publisher my final manuscript of book-2 in the BLENDING TIME trilogy: THE FIRES OF NEW SUN. Now I must finish the trilogy with book-3, to be finished by year's end. Questions to self: Do I have a 'happy' ending? It's a dystopia, so the ending cannot be a joyous, doing-cartwheels ending. Do our heroes (Jaym, Reya, and D'Shay) settle down, or go off to another another struggle in their dysfunctional world? Ah, so many ways a writer can go. Any reader tips welcome! (No title yet for bk-3).

The Fires of New SUN (Feb 2012)

"The Fires of New SUN" is book 2 of the BLENDING TIME trilogy. It will be published Feb. 2012 by Flux Books. I like the cover! See above.