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Gold is a pain in the ass, Part 1

Gold is a pain in the ass, Part 1 So, your heroes have finally overcome all those incredible...
The Song of Bert and Harry: Sugar

Bert and Harry were walking along Main Street on a wet and miserable morning in late November. Both were...
Baking day

Today has been a baking day. Out of necessity, for work, but a baking day nevertheless. A baking...
Conflict

What is narrative conflict? Narrative conflict is a fundamental element of storytelling that involves a struggle between opposing...
Why Is This Your Character’s Story To Tell?

I watched an interesting webinar recently. Part of it focused on the title question of this post. At...
If Writing Were Choreographed

In a studio far, far away... There once was a girl. What's this? That's not a start. It's...
Narrative Tension

Do readers care about what happens to your character? Are they invested in their journey? How can we...
People Like Those: Jonathon

I first met Jonathon in the early 90s, and we became mates or buddies rather than close friends....
Faster Than A Speeding Bullet?

Faster than a speeding bullet? No. I love to take my time and savor the words on the...
A Violation Of Innocence

Four days ago, I found a dead body. I wish I could say this was a work of...
Freeing Caged Lions

Sometimes things collide in the most unexpected ways. On the one hand, I am slowly picking my way...
Lessons I’ve Learned

Some of these lessons I’ve learned the hard way; some I kind of knew subconsciously but wouldn’t have...
Days Like Those: Hat Thieves Beware

Summer 2017… schools and nurseries were closed for the holidays, and the grandkids were kicking their heels at...
Writer Beware

I think AI is inundating my email inbox with author scams. Apparently AI is somehow gathering data on...
Bad advice

I’ve been on X again. I know, I know. I need to stop, but something keeps drawing me...
Farty Towels?

I’ve always found it strange that often the first thing guests ask me, when I check them in...
Consequential Detritus

Mars 20,025 Xenoarchaeological Survey Team Epsilon for Galactic Central Command Captain Mandible? Yes? What is it? Come and...
The Writer’s House

Bristol is one of my favourite cities. I visit here a few times a year, and the second...