PRESUMPTUOUS?

As I touted the Southeastern Writers Association annual workshop (June 16-20 on St. Simons Island, Georgia) to a fellow writer recently, he interrupted me by saying he thought it “presumptuous” to assume that a professional author could “teach” writing to someone. That took me aback, but in way, I suppose he was correct.  I’ve listened…

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ME AND STEVE BERRY

Steve Berry is an international, mega-best selling thriller novelist.  According to his website, he’s sold 19 million books in 51 countries. Me? Another 18.9 million copies and I’ll be right there with him. I’ve met Steve several times, but let me make it clear, we aren’t necessarily BFF.  If we were to meet again, he…

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THE BIGGEST MISTAKE BEGINNING WRITERS MAKE

There is an abundance of guidance available–books, blogs, hand-outs–that illuminate the steps or “rules” to becoming a successful writer.  Be warned, however, as NYT Best-Selling Author Steve Berry says, “The first rule is, there are no rules.” Similarly, there’s a plethora of material out there for novice writers, whether wannabe novelists or nonfiction authors, that…

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WRITERS CONFERENCES … WHY?

Some of my friends, non-writers, knowing I’d just returned from the Southeastern Writers Association Workshop, asked me what goes on at such conferences. First, I must explain, there are different types of conferences. Some, such as the one sponsored by the Southeastern Writers, focus on teaching the craftsmanship of writing. Many, like those held by…

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EYEWALL, THE MOVIE… WELL, NOT QUITE YET

As I’ve mentioned before, a lot of readers have told me they thought Eyewall would make a great movie. Yes, it’s a dramatic story. But the novel may also exude “film appeal” because I tend to think cinematically as I write. I don’t do that with any ulterior motive, like hoping the book will get…

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