The New Authors Fellowship

Pity is cheap. It costs little to evoke and costs little to give.  It has little lasting effect and really does not move the reader.  It does not pull the reader in.  In fact, I think that it is a defensive mechanism to keep your distance. I’ve seen a battle aftermath using omniscient where the [...]

I’ve been studying painting lately, because I’m working on a manuscript in which one of the protagonists is an artist. I’ve learned that artists often start with a rough sketch that may appear to be nothing more than blocks of color. You’ll forgive another painting metaphor, I hope, because of course this reminds me of [...]

For most writers, a conference is like a job fair. It can often make or break your writing career. Beyond the immediate benefits of learning crafting and style points, it can also lead to making the right contacts. Put your best foot forward, and maybe come away with a lead that leads to a lead [...]

In life there are only two choices…be a victim or be a victor. Some will argue that is not the choice in every situation, but I will argue it as truth until my last breath in this world. Let me tell you why. I’ve learned life is all about attitude and perspective. Where do you [...]

Chalk it up as reason 9A of why you shouldn’t read poorly written fiction, or maybe reason 5B of why you should, but I’ve somehow picked up an awful habit of giving inanimate objects the ability to act, feel, and otherwise pick up human characteristics. As I’ve mentioned before, I’m one of the lucky few [...]

In the tradition of those crazy English nobles from which one-fourth of me comes, I named my house. You guessed it: Gethsemane. From the first week I moved in, this has been my garden of blood, sweat and tears. This house has caused and witnessed more heartache than I wish to remember, yet I believe [...]

I worked in retail for several years about 20 years ago. The one common thing I was taught at all my jobs (crappy as they were) was, “The customer is always right.” Not sometimes. Not only if every letter of the return policy is followed. Not only if they err on the side of the [...]

Although you may not know it by your first passing glance I  too, know what it’s like to be with no chance. I too, have been there, done that as far as life goes, and maybe I’m young But I’ve had me some throes Just ’cause I’m smiling Doesn’t mean I don’t fear… you may [...]

On January 2nd, I watched my first episode of The Biggest Loser…ever. Yep, in all like 13 seasons, I’ve abstained from watching the show. No particular reason, just didn’t have any interest. Since that day, I’ve watched the first five seasons. I am obsessed–crazy, probably, but obsessed. I love watching the transformations, seeing all these [...]