What I’m Reading
As a writer and librarian I read a lot. Here’s a look at what I’m reading right now: “Salt to the Sea” by Ruta Sepetys A World War 2 story about a group of refugees fleeing to escape ships on the German coast as the Read More …
The 10 Commandments of Writing Fantasy
If you endeavor to write a fantasy story of your own, heed these words. 10. Thou Shalt Not Have the Same Elves as The Other Guy Yes, you can have elves, dwarves, and other classic fantasy races, creatures or other things in your story, but Read More …
Talking Swords of History: The Good, The Bad, and The Bored
“We do not want any stories that feature a talking sword”. These are the words that inspired my friend Lindsay Schopfer to write the short story Sharp Sword, Dull Sword, which appears in his anthology Magic, Mystery and Mirth. In the book Lindsay describes looking Read More …
My Next Project
With Chronicles of the Roc Rider nearing the end of its beta read, wherein I’ll have to examine the feedback and decide its future, I’ve taken a bit of time to mull over my options for post Roc Rider work so I’ll know what to Read More …
Aaron vs The 3-Day Novel Contest: The Reflection
The time has come at last to reflect on the grand adventure that was the three day novel contest. I’m going to do only minimal editing on this post to give an unfiltered reaction. For those of you not following on Facebook I’m sure you’re Read More …
Aaron vs. The 3-Day Novel Contest: The Countdown
I have just put the finishing touches on the story treatment for my 3-Day novel book. Well, possibly. I am still going to look it over tomorrow with fresh eyes but I don’t expect to find much more to change. I can’t say its perfect Read More …
Books That Should Be Games: The Golden Door
If you’re both a reader and a gamer, as I am, you’ve undoubtedly had the experience of finishing a novel, setting it down and thinking to yourself, “Dang. Someone should really make a video game out of that.” I think we can all agree that Read More …
Aaron vs The 3-Day Novel Contest: The Preparation
Time for an update on my preparation for the infamous 3-Day Novel Contest coming up in a couple of weeks. The rules have nothing against preparation, only that you can’t actually start the draft until the contest officially begins. As I pointed out in my Read More …
The Fear of Lightning
A month or two back we had a huge storm here in Sweetwater County, complete with an orchestra of lightning and torrential rain. I spent the day at work feeling energized by the majesty of it, as I always do when a big storm comes Read More …
Too True? The Give and Take of Adaptations
By now it should come as no surprise to anyone that Terry Brook’s The Elfstones of Shannara was adapted into a television show, The Shannara Chronicles, by MTV, to much acclaim. Yet in spite of the praise its received, the show has also carved an all Read More …
