All of my writing life—38 books, 2 non fiction releases and almost 100 published short stories, plus a few never to see the light of day again projects—I have always had to know the ending before I start writing. I … Continue reading
Category Archives: creativity
The big pitfall of planless writing is that the story will go nowhere.The questing party will wander around the mines of Moria in the dark and never get out. The hobbits forget about the One Ring and become involved in … Continue reading
For years, when people described pantsing vs plotting, I listened carefully to everyone. I was trying to work out what I was doing wrong. I was doing nothing wrong. I was flying by the seat of my pants… my way. … Continue reading
Since a pantser has no plan and no outline, you have to have a clear vision. Not necessarily of where the work is going to go. But you have to feel, clearly, what the work has to be like. You … Continue reading
The first bit of advice for the aspiring pantser is the least useful of all. You have to begin it. You have to have some dim idea of what the work is going to be like, and you have to … Continue reading
We are reliably informed that there is a spectrum of writers. Over here on the far side are the dedicated plotters and planners. These are the JRR Tolkiens of the art. They begin by getting a PhD in linguistics, the … Continue reading
Writers often say that everything we do is working because inspiration and integration of ideas come at many times when we’re not sitting down at a keyboard. While this is a joke, it does contain some truth. Last week I … Continue reading
My sweetheart and I walked over to Oakland’s Morcom Rose Garden on Sunday. This gorgeous park, set into a hill, was built in the 1930s by the Works Progress Administration and includes thousands of roses along with assorted trees, a … Continue reading
Have you noticed that this project has taken a couple of hard left turns, in the journey from inspiration to completion? I am deep on the pantser side of the creative spectrum, so this always happens to me. I welcome … Continue reading
All right, almost done! Lining inserted and hem pinned up. Alas, all this hand sewing is actually the slowest part. Here is the front: … Continue reading