Book news, movie reviews, hot takes, etc.

  • June 2021 Writing Update

    June 2021 Writing Update

    Awakened has been kicking my butt. But less so lately. I really struggled with where to begin on the third book in the Wevlian Chronicles. I kind of knew where I wanted to take things and had some ideas on what characters should endure along the way, but I didn’t have a clear idea of…

  • 5 life lessons I’ve learned from writing books

    5 life lessons I’ve learned from writing books

    It’s not uncommon to take life lessons from a hobby that you greatly enjoy. Writing is no different. I’m currently working on my fourth book, and along the way, I’ve learned a lot of great things that have translated into the rest of my life. Some of it might surprise you. Don’t be afraid to…

  • Why I chose indie publishing over traditional

    Why I chose indie publishing over traditional

    This is a question that every writer eventually deals with if they’re considering publishing their work: indie or traditional. There are a lot of pros and cons to each, and every writer needs to look into both options and decide for themselves before they make a decision. As for me, I went with independent publishing.…

  • My free speech was attacked in second grade

    My free speech was attacked in second grade

    I was censored for the first time when I was eight years old. It was the first time my writing broke boundaries. Pushed limits. Made someone uncomfortable. And for it, I was scolded and disciplined. Has my soul ever recovered? Well, if it had, I wouldn’t really be writing about it at age twenty-nine, would…

  • My Writing Process

    My Writing Process

    When people discover I’m an author, a common question I get asked is, “What is your process?” Purged, my third book, just got published this week. So in honor of this milestone, why not share my writing process? If you’re thinking about writing a book yourself, maybe this will be beneficial. The beautiful thing about…

  • Your boy’s TOP 5 FAVORITE BOOKS of ALL TIME (Fiction)

    Your boy’s TOP 5 FAVORITE BOOKS of ALL TIME (Fiction)

    I am a writer. Writers write. It’s a writer’s right to write. Writers rightfully write and I am right to write to delight… right? Writers also read. Stephen King’s Golden Rule, as mentioned in his seminal volume On Writing, admonishes writers to read as much as they write–which should be a lot. Admittedly, I’m not…

  • Star Wars vs. Lord of the Rings

    Star Wars vs. Lord of the Rings

    Purged progress: First revision, 92% I’m right in the middle of the final battle. Seriously, this first revision has been a great chance to tighten up a lot of aspects of Purged, and it’s shaping into something really special. When this book is done, I’m confident that this will be my best work yet–a more…

  • Writer’s Log #11 – First revision and current reads

    Writer’s Log #11 – First revision and current reads

    Purged progress: First revision, 31% Purged is coming right along! It’s getting tightened up! The characters are becoming more fleshed out! The pacing is getting smoother! The description is more vivid and direct! Huzzah! Rejoice! Have a pint! Or a glass of milk or whatever. I don’t know what you like. I’ve been taking at…

  • Writer’s Log #10 – IT HAS BEGUN

    Writer’s Log #10 – IT HAS BEGUN

    Revisions for Purged are under way. Finally. Yikes. I’ve got a lot to catch up on here. I’ve always strived to write on my blog every week, and for the last few weeks I’ve failed miserably. I hope all my readers (all three of you) will forgive me for my absence. First off, I’m almost…

  • Writer’s Log #9 – Stories that make us uncomfortable

    Writer’s Log #9 – Stories that make us uncomfortable

    Everyone loves a happy story, right? Sure, but that’s not always what’s necessary. I didn’t work much at all on Foreordained this week. I know. I slacked again. This has been my first week at my new job, so there’s been some adjusting going on. I made it a goal to wake up early so…