Verdict: 5/5 Stars. Go read it, it's awesome. What I loved: Characters - The book starts out introducing each primary character in turn, and McClellan does a very good job of establishing each character outside of and while setting up the impending conflict. I thought each character had unique and interesting flaws, believable motivations, and … Continue reading Sins of Empire – A Five Star Review
Food Hour: Hickory Planked Salmon
I've recently decided to start writing blog entries about a bunch of things I enjoy besides writing. I think this will be good for all of us - you aren't bombarded with post after post about writing techniques that are probably only situationally interesting to most, and I get to share more of my interests. … Continue reading Food Hour: Hickory Planked Salmon
Elements of a Query Letter
Hey people - I'm part of a query workshop at LTUE on Friday at 10 AM. I'm putting this post together primarily as reference material for that event, but it should be useful for anyone putting a query letter together.
Editing Is Writing
I am willing to bet that editing is what stands between most writers and their dreams. The act of writing is romanticized at length in writerly circles, while talk of editing is typically met with derision, or at best, patience. Editing is where the magic happens, people. Not all great writers follow this rule, but most … Continue reading Editing Is Writing
Red Rising, Golden Son, Morning Star
Stop whatever you are doing and go read Red Rising by Pierce Brown. Seriously, it's that good. My rating + review for each of the 3 books: Red Rising - 5 Stars The first 5-10% of the book is a little bit slow, and the "worldbuilding" elements (new words, terms, new races of humans) were a … Continue reading Red Rising, Golden Son, Morning Star
Writing Journal – One Big Thing
A discussion with my writing group led to a conscious solidification of a writing principle I've believed in for a long time but only now fully wrapped my mind around. It's not new to the writing world, but it is new to me, so here is my take on it: One KMAlexander suggested "One Big Thing" as … Continue reading Writing Journal – One Big Thing
Plotting for Suspense
I've done soul-searching regarding suspense in my own novel, and here are some rules on plotting for suspense I've come up with for myself:
Interview with Alan Bahr – Tiny Frontiers
Interview with Alan Bahr, talking about his debut RPG Tiny Frontiers!
Short Story Piece From IRE
I wrote this piece recently for a writing group exercise, and because I've had this short story in my head for a few years. I intended for it to be part of Book 2, but since I'm still polishing Book 1, I think I might use it there as an "interlude", to steal Brandon Sanderson's … Continue reading Short Story Piece From IRE
The Second Book
I've heard people say that the "sophomore novel", particularly the second in a series, can be the most difficult book an author will ever write. Until I started writing mine, I thought that those claims were exaggerated. To some extent, I still do, but the second book does present some unique challenges. The writing itself isn't … Continue reading The Second Book
Scott Drakeford 