In this episode, we discuss the strange trope of killing a villain off midway through a novel. What are the consequences of such a daring act as a writer and what might our readers think if we do such a thing? Do we really need a “villain” anyway? Roger talks about Natasha Wittman’s new bookContinue reading “New Podcast Up: Killin’ Like…A Villain”
Tag Archives: Wolves and Men
Why Is It So Difficult To Write Well?
I’m nearly halfway through the backstory material for my current WIP. I’m writing a series of books tentatively titled The Five Rims Series and try as I might, I’m going to create a Tolkienesque place, a (most likely) vain attempt to give my setting a richness that will hopefully translate to a sweeping epic. I’m justContinue reading “Why Is It So Difficult To Write Well?”
A Review of a Former Student’s Novel: Wolves and Men
As a teacher, one of the joys I experience is when a former student of mine makes good and does something amazing that has a positive impact on many. This happens quite often, in fact, and recently I found out that one of my former students (from when I was a new teacher) published herContinue reading “A Review of a Former Student’s Novel: Wolves and Men”
When Designing a Setting, Use the Kitchen Sink
Last night I wrote over 1500 words on my latest WIP, and that was just backstory. I have only crafted three characters, one fully crafted and the other two somewhat realized. Mostly I’ve been working on the setting since it is realized completely from my own imagination. As I follow in the footsteps of J.R.R.Continue reading “When Designing a Setting, Use the Kitchen Sink”
Writing Is Hard Work 