Tag: novel writing

• A Look Back, A Look Ahead

  Here’s what I was able to accomplish as a writer in 2017: January Staged reading of “The Last Bastion” @ Penang Performing Arts Centre Started a historical musical on a unique person in US history with a musician colleague of mine. This is a long-term project. Finished editing and production aspects of the first book…

  sassevn

  January 3, 2018

  Indie Author

  novel writing, writing accomplishments, writing goals

• Writers: You Can Only Control the Process, Not the Results

  

  Every writer wants to sell more books. Every writer wants to find more readers. But if you are writing for the purpose of results, you’ll be frequently disappointed in this cut-throat, highly-competitive business.  The faster you realize that, as a writer, the only thing you control is the process, the faster you’ll be at peace…

  sassevn

  December 6, 2017

  Indie Author, Writing Process

  book advertising, book publishing, novel writing, writing

• Are you feeling lucky, Photoshop?

  I know. I know. I’m an author. Leave the design work for the professionals. And don’t EVER attempt to design your own book cover. Foolish, it is. I agree with all of the above, and yet … I can’t help but tinker. When I use Photoshop, it’s 10% know-how, 30% You Tube videos, and 60%…

  sassevn

  September 30, 2017

  Indie Author, Uncategorized

  book cover design, follow your passion, novel writing, photoshop

• Adding an Element of the Supernatural to My Writing

  My writing, especially my novels, for the most part have been grounded in real life. It’s my nature to keep things focused on the tangible. I love stories of humanity, embedded in history and real-life drama. It’s what I seek in my movie-watching as well. I’ll take “The Bridge of Spies” over any Marvel movie…

  sassevn

  September 24, 2017

  Indie Author, Writing Process

  fantasy, fiction writing, magical realism, novel writing

• Crazy Ideas

  When writing, should you use your ‘crazy ideas’? Down below all the draft chapters of my new novel in my precious Scrivener writing program, I noticed a folder I entitled “Crazy Ideas.” I had stashed every outlandish plot idea that I had thought of in case I had the courage enough to actually use it.…

  sassevn

  August 11, 2017

  Indie Author, Uncategorized

  brainstorming for writing, novel writing, writing, writing tips

• In My Writing World

  Here’s an update on what’s on my writing plate. Book 1 of my new trilogy is currently with my editor. It’s weeks away from being finished. Tentative release scheduled for December 2017. This is a crazy one. More details to follow. Book 2 of my new trilogy is 80% finished. (first draft, that is) I’ve…

  sassevn

  August 3, 2017

  Indie Author

  novel writing, writing, writing projects

• A Writer on Pause No More

  I’m a writer. But it’s not what buys the bread and puts kids through college. For that, I am also a teacher. But the best part of being a teacher and writer is, of course, summer. Summer is when I can hit the resume button and become a full-time writer again. I am at that…

  sassevn

  July 14, 2017

  Indie Author, Uncategorized, Writing Process

  novel writing, writing, writing advice, writing time

• Writing Progress isn’t Always Visible

  A month ago, I boasted that the first novel in my first trilogy was complete and the second novel is half-written. Today, I can boast that the first novel in my first trilogy is almost complete and the second novel is half-written. Wait. What? Am I moving backwards? It may feel like that. Writing has…

  sassevn

  July 4, 2017

  Indie Author, Writing Process

  editing process, novel writing, revision

• You Should Tolerate Bad Writing

  I’m not a perfectionist. As a writer, this can be a disadvantage. I’m confident there have been times when I could have improved a piece with one more revision or one more re-write. But I must admit, I become bored and just want it to be over so I can get on to my next…

  sassevn

  June 18, 2017

  Writing Process

  brainstorming, novel writing, writer’s block, writing advice, writing ideas, writing tips

• Writing a Trilogy, or is it a Three Part Story

  I’ve mentioned before how I am working on my first trilogy. My first five novels were standalones and I’ve always felt that standalones are more interesting reads because, well, they have a tight arc and a thrilling finish. I’ve never been one for built-in cliffhangers (let alone the ridiculous extra scenes that Marvel Studios has…

  sassevn

  April 28, 2017

  Indie Author, Writing Process

  novel writing, writing a trilogy, writing advice, writing fiction, writing ideas, writing inspiration