The Journal: Indie Publishers — Exclusive or Wide?

In today’s Journal * Quote of the Day * Indie Publishers — Exclusive or Wide? * Of Interest Quote of the Day “[I]t amuses me that people sometimes accuse me of writing the YA books to ‘cash in.’ Um, no, my friends. I earn less on those. Not significantly less, but still. I write them because they are stories I want to tell.” Brandon Sanderson Indie Publishers — Exclusive or Wide? Over at KillZone blog, Garry Rodgers asked, “Indie Publishers — Exclusive or Wide?” I suggest you read the post and the comments. They are enlightening. Then go whichever way … Read more

The Journal: The DeepL Translator

In today’s Journal * The DeepL Translator * Some Great Stuff in “Of Interest” * Of Interest * The Numbers The DeepL Translator I failed to mention last time, when Norbert W in Austria emailed me, he used a translator to translate his Austrian (German language) email into English. I tried the same thing later, and I believe DeepL is a very good translation program. I’ve added it to my Writers’ Resources over on my author site. You can find the free version of the translator at https://www.deepl.com/Translator. The development of this translation program also seems to be heading in … Read more

The Journal: Amberries

In today’s Journal * Unlike Kristine Kathryn Rusch * Neil Gaiman * Of Interest * The Numbers Unlike Kristine Kathryn Rusch, Dean Wesley Smith is usually pretty good about backing away from political hot topics. Kris tends to alienate (with extreme prejudice) anyone who doesn’t agree with her. By doing so she ends up only preaching to the choir. She’s a masterful business person and should be a valuable resource in that arena, but I personally had to step back from both her free blog and my paid subscription to her Patreon account. It was actually adversely affecting my health. … Read more

The Journal: Feelin’ a Little Snarky

In today’s Journal * I can’t make this stuff up * The Perfect Society, the Perfect World * Of Interest * The Numbers Seriously, I can’t make this stuff up: “Jeff Bezos says flying in space changed his view of Earth.” from an article at Space.com Now there’s some news, eh? Sorry. Couldn’t help myself. That quote reminded me of line I heard one time in a presentation delivered by a meteorologist. He was talking about releasing weather baloons, and he actually said, “And as the balloon rises, it gets farther from the earth.” (grin) Of course, nobody’s immune to … Read more

The Journal: Gems About Writing

In today’s Journal * Quotes of the Day * Dean Wesley Smith * John Gilstrap * Confidence Matters * Of Interest * The Numbers Quotes of the Day “In this line of work, every moment we live and every person we interact with is a moment of research. More times than not, I find that the really good stuff comes less from studying books than it does from passive listening and watching. It doesn’t take work so much as it takes paying attention.” John Gilstrap “Want to write about quilting? Go where quilters go and then shut up and listen.” … Read more

The Journal: A Short Post Today

In today’s Journal * Quotes of the Day * A Short Post Today * Of Interest * The Numbers Quotes of the Day “I distrust plot for two reasons: first, because our lives are largely plotless, even when you add in all our reasonable precautions and careful planning; and second, because I believe plotting and the spontaneity of real creation aren’t compatible.” Stephen King “I started trying to write a short story for Amanda [Palmer] … about what it was like to be me when I was 7, and it just kept going. And it turned into a book called … Read more

The Journal: Just Rambling

In today’s Journal * Just Rambling * On the other hand * The Numbers Just Rambling I’m constantly amazed by other “professional” writers, and all too often in a negative way. That sense of amazement makes me feel really blessed that I have my particular attitude and personality. I’m glad I can actually achieve and not simply talk about achieving. I’m glad, as a writer, I understand that actually writing is a thousand times better and more fun than talking about writing or the dreaded “deciding to be more proactive and assertive about writing.” I know a lot of people … Read more

The Journal: Heinlein’s Rule 2

In today’s Journal * Quotes of the Day * I’ve updated the mentorships * Topic: Heinlein’s Rule 2 — You Must Finish What You Write * Of Interest * The Numbers Quotes of the Day “At some point in the next 1,000 years, nuclear war or environmental calamity will ‘cripple Earth.’ However, by then, ‘our ingenious race will have found a way to slip the surly bonds of Earth and will therefore survive the disaster.’ The Earth’s other species probably won’t make it, though.” Max de Haldevang, quoting Stephen Hawking in Quartz magazine “In fiction, emotional release is boring. Drama … Read more

The Journal: Some Things Can’t Be Taught…

In today’s Journal * Quote of the Day * Topic: Some Things Can’t Be Taught… * Of Interest * The Numbers Quote of the Day “The great fun in my life has been getting up every morning and rushing to the typewriter because some new idea has hit me. The feeling I have every day is very much the same as it was when I was 12.” Ray Bradbury Topic: Some Things Can’t Be Taught… Ironically, I’ve come to realize the most important writing-related technique I’ve ever learned—Writing Into the Dark—can’t be taught. I really wish I could teach the … Read more

The Journal: Neil Gaiman

In today’s Journal * Quote of the Day * While I wasn’t paying attention * Of Interest * The Numbers Quote of the Day “When you’re all alone out there, on the end of the typewriter, with each new story a new appraisal by the world of whether you can still get it up or not, arrogance and self-esteem and deep breathing are all you have. It often looks like egomania. I assure you it’s the bold coverup of the absolutely terrified.” Harlan Ellison When I wasn’t paying attention, Neil Gaiman decided to post a few blog posts. I encourage … Read more