The end of a book is, in many ways, quite like the end of a relationship. In this case, an amicable end. One with a sense of, “While I still love you, there’s nothing left for us to do here. No place for us to go. It’s time to move on.” My current project, Shadow … More Nearing the End
Are you a planner or a pants-er? This is a question writers often get asked, but there is no ‘right’ answer. So in general, I am a pants-er – mostly. I don’t have a full outline, chapter by chapter, of my novels. But, I write fantasy, so I tend to know a lot about my … More The Unexpected
“Read what you write.” I’ve heard this from so many sources it’s almost gospel. Okay, maybe that’s an exaggeration, but I do hear variations of “read what you write,” a lot. The intention behind it is great – learn about the genre you’re writing in, from rules, rhythms, word count, tropes, and audience. All of … More A Writer’s Voice
I hate them. Straight out, just hate queries and submissions. It has nothing to do with the almost inevitable rejection – I’ve never really taken the rejections too personally. No, it has more to do with the work and the effort involved. For one thing, there are often hours and hours involved in searching for … More Queries & Submissions
One year ago today I was standing on the fields of Culloden in Scotland. It was coming to the end of my trip in Europe, and I was brimming with promise. Beyond this blog and the record of my adventures, I didn’t write much in Ireland or Scotland. Not beyond a verse or a scribbled … More Stories Waiting
Less than an hour ago I deleted approximately 130 pages from a work in progress. It felt really good. It doesn’t always. Sometimes words need to die to make the whole stronger. I essentially deleted the last half of my novel because it had become dead weight. The beginning had evolved beyond what the ending … More Delete = Death
Get a group of writers together and at one point someone is going to talk about writer’s block. It’s one of the most frustrating aspects of the job and one of the least understood by the outside world. For most people, they’re jobs are full of routine, with predictable problems and logical solutions. I haven’t heard … More Writer’s Block
Many writers often describe the act of writing as a sort of compulsion. Often I’ve felt that way myself. Even when I’m sitting on the couch, watching a movie, reading a book, or just talking with someone, my mind will be half on what I’m doing, and half in another world. Sparked by an image, … More Resistance isn’t futile?
On any trip beyond one’s own country and culture observations are always made, so here are a few of my own. In Ireland they do say “grand,” and their accents are softer. Scotland has “aye” and a lot of rolling r’s. It’s stronger, and at times harder to understand, but personally I prefer it. Both … More Observations
When I first walked onto the Culloden battlefield it was morning and the mists hung heavy over the long grass. You couldn’t see far over the landscape, and the air was damp yet, as was the ground. Everything was still. Beyond human noise, there was no sound. In a country where the birds are constantly … More Culloden
Sheena Lyn 