When it comes to writing a book, there are essentially two types of authors.
The first is the plotter—the person who starts with a bullet list or a story treatment or story beats, and follows that plan from beginning to end. These authors can be meticulous and exacting, or they can use a more "loosely outlined" approach.
The second type, and the category I most often fall into, is the pantser. Yeah ... irony.
Read MoreI attended the 2015 Sterling & Stone Colony Summit this weekend and came away with more than I had expected. I rediscovered my true passion, and I know exactly how to pursue without leaving anyone behind.
Read MoreIn early November I had a dream that led to an idea, which eventually led to me starting a new book. This was something completely outside of either Citadel or Sawyer Jackson—a new, independent story that could stand on its own or become a series in its own right. I titled the story “Evergreen.”
Read MoreUpdates galore!
Read MoreThis morning I received an email from Amazon, with details about the dispute with Hachette. It was a call to action, asking readers and authors to write to Hachette CEO, Michael Pietsch (Michael.Pietsch@hbgusa.com) and to CC Amazon (readers-united@amazon.com), asking that Hachette accept one of Amazon's offers to remove authors from the middle of the debate. It also made the case for lowering ebook prices and increasing the royalty paid to authors. I support both of these ideas, for multiple reasons.
You can find the Amazon letter at www.readersunited.com.
I would encourage all readers and authors to read the letter and write emails of their own. This is a watershed moment in publishing. We can create something new and amazing here. So please, take action.
My email to Michael Pietsch appears below.
Read MoreI've written a lot of my best work at Starbucks and Barnes & Noble. I get inspired by rows of books and gallons of coffee. When I'm winding down and feeling the drag of pushing through for another thousand words or so, I can get up and wander and pick things up and get all jazzed, and then get back to work. Assuming my seat wasn't taken while I was gone.
I love it. But I have to confess — I think I love my home office more.
Read MoreI promised my friend and fellow, Tammy McDonald, that I would create a reading list of books I thought every indie author should read. This isn't that list, but it's a fair start.
Read MoreI had a chance to chat and exchange interviews with author, artist, and poet Violette Meier.
I love doing interviews like this (ever seen my "five questions" interviews? I'll dig those out and dust them off soon). The indie author community is already strong and growing stronger, and I feel honored and privileged to be a part of it! But enough about me, let's talk about Violette Meier —
Read MoreJust wanted to drop a quick note. I know I've slacked off on blog posts this week, but it's all in the name of a worthy cause! Today I am spending the entire day working on Citadel: Children of Light!
You can track my progress on the Home page. Throughout the day I'll update with the latest word count, and you can watch that little meter fill up to your heart's content!
I'm incredibly grateful to you for being patient and supportive. And I hope this will be enough to get you excited about the book. It's a hell of a story, and I really cannot wait for your to read it!
Soon, my pretties. Soon.
Read MoreI've considered putting together a podcast, and my first instinct was to run it the way I produced Tom King's CompuTalk back in the late 90s. Not bad, format-wise. But as things have changed quite a bit since those wee early hours of the Internet, I'm doing some research to find tips, tricks, and tools for pulling this together. Enter Cliff J. Ravenscraft, the "Podcast Answer Man.
Read More
