Describe thyself, mortal!
One of the issues that I struggle with in writing is physically describing my point of view character. So very many readers come back with “I wish I knew what the protagonist looked like.” This is a...
View ArticleDo you groan about a story title’s inclusion in the text?
How often do you read a story and come across the title of the story in the text, and groan to yourself, thinking “Oh god, that was a horrible way to shove the title in?” Apparently, this happens quite...
View ArticleThe most important question
This election is not about the economy. There is something so much more important here. There is something essential to the nature of who we are as Americans that is on the line right now. What we are...
View ArticleClik here to view.
My first technical book has been published.
In addition to my fiction I also work on technical publications. My first technical book was published by Packt Publishing this last week. Details about the book can be found on my technical website...
View ArticleThe essential key of a good critique
After more than four years participating in critique groups, both in person and online, I have come to the firm conviction that there is only one essential key to a good critique. This key is so...
View ArticleA different kind of loss in Night Shade’s collapse.
This post is not going to deal with how or why Night Shade collapsed, nor is it going to deal with the choices that authors have to make dealing with the purchasers. I really don’t know anything about...
View ArticleBe Something Better: Change the conversation
Today we saw a conversation we see far too often, about some nasty men who harass women on the Internet. They aren’t speaking their opinion, they are attacking women. It’s reprehensible behavior, and...
View ArticleSharing context: are we The Borg or Babylon 5?
Recently we have seen renewed fervor in what is clearly a multi-generational discussion: “Have you read the classics?” I’ve seen some very odd conclusions about what this request is. A request that...
View ArticleAnd the problem is… writing thrills me.
I have a problem common to all working authors–finding time to write. Almost every established author will tell you to write every day. No matter how you feel, make time to write every day. I try to...
View ArticleMassively parallel personal connections
A friend of mine, the award-winning author Jay Lake died yesterday. I spent most of yesterday mourning, and watching as people all over the world came together to share their experiences with Jay. It...
View ArticleHow to send eBooks as gifts for Christmas
As Christmas is close, Winter Solstice is closer, and Hanukkah is already upon us, I can imagine some of you may be looking for ways to gift people that don’t involve shopping malls or overnight...
View ArticleHow to give eBooks as Gifts (updated for 2015)
As Christmas is close, Winter Solstice is closer, and Hanukkah is already upon us, some of you may be looking for ways to give books to people that don’t involve shopping malls or overnight shipping....
View ArticleeBook Reader selection guide
Would you like to upgrade your ereader, or give an ebook reader to a friend? This post you’ll find suggestions and advice on ebook format, digital rights management, and improved night reading. Book...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Learning Puppet 4 is complete, now for some fiction!
As I’m sure you saw through my other sites, Learning Puppet 4 has gone to final production. The online version is already available, and the dead tree version will start shipping next week. After...
View ArticleMembership versus a ticket at Worldcon
One of the prevailing arguments in favor of fan-run Science Fiction conventions is that you are a member, a participant in the convention. This is in contrast to the ticket to attend principle of media...
View ArticleMen have to be afraid?
So the news media is thrashing itself over the concept that men are at danger now. Men have to be afraid, now. (Naturally they’re only talking about white men in this context.) Afraid of the...
View ArticleDeleted my Facebook writer page
I created a writer page on Facebook because I wanted to be omnipresent on all services, but the value of this hasn’t been clear… while it meanwhile enabled Facebook to abuse the power of being the...
View Article