So, while I do my writing on the train, I tend to do most of my thinking in the shower. No, I don’t know why. But I’ve always done this. Every time I take a shower, my mind wanders to the worlds I’ve created, or the worlds that I’ve experienced through other books or movies. My … More My Thinking Place: My Shower
It occurred to me that I don’t actually have any fiction writing posted on this blog. I think it’s time to change that. Here’s something short I typed in fifteen minutes. It’s unedited. Take a look and let me know what you think. If anyone can recommend a good writing prompt web site, let me … More Fifteen-Minute Story
I realized something Friday as I rode the train home. I realized what my young adult fantasy novel (of which I’m almost done with the latest draft! :-) ) was missing. All along, I knew it was missing something. Something that other fantasy books had, but mine didn’t. Something I couldn’t quite place my finger … More Legends and Myths are needed
I was sick over the weekend, and while that meant that I posted an old, quick blog about my lack of singing skills, it also gave me time for some good ol’ self-analysis. While I lay in bed, staring at the walls and wondering how I can feel so tired yet be unable to fall … More Why I write
I have a thing about doing things in order. But it’s true. If someone hands me a book that is the second in a series, I won’t read it until I seek out the first. If someone recommends a TV show, I will start at the first season and go through everything to get caught … More I must do things in order
Over the weekend, I got the chance to be in the same room as Eoin Colfer, Jonathan Stroud, Rick Riordan, and Ridley Pearson—four critically acclaimed young adult authors. I’ve had the fortune of reading at least one book by each of these authors, and after the panel, I hope to expand that to many more. … More Mega-Awesome Author Adventures
Yesterday, I was told by a friend of mine on the train that I am a hyper-critical person. She was referring to a number of things, namely the fact that my edits to her novel were very in depth and questioning, prodding for character details and asking about portrayals. In that sense, I agree with … More Do you analyze everything?
Back when I thought I knew everything (see Arrogance blog), getting criticism from others was a dreadful experience. Heat would rise up in my chest, I would get defensive, I would use my best fast-talking techniques to get myself out of it. Normally, it would work, possibly because I could make a good case but … More On Criticism
Derek Pietras 