Though it might sound a little odd to say at only the end of April, this week marked the arrival of summer for me. The weather even cooperated and finally started acting at least springlike, with a string of 60 and 70 degree days uninterrupted by the threat of random snow showers. But more than … Continue reading Odds & Ends 4/23-4/29
Odds & Ends 4/09-4/15
I got a little more editing done this week, but we had some exceptionally excellent weather for a few days, so I had to take advantage of that and do some reading in the sunshine while I could (there was actual snow in the air today). I would say sitting/laying out in the sun is … Continue reading Odds & Ends 4/09-4/15
Odds & Ends 3/26-4/1
This week once again proves how useful checklists are in my life. In a perfect world, all my time would be writing time. Or at least two-thirds of it. Alas, I do not live in a perfect world, so I have to make sure I'm making the most of my time and getting as much … Continue reading Odds & Ends 3/26-4/1
Odds & Ends 3/19-3/25
It was back to the basics this week while editing. I had a scene that just didn't seem right, no matter how I changed it up, and I could not put my finger on what was wrong with it. And structurally, it wasn't a scene I could cut. So I hit the books—or more accurately, … Continue reading Odds & Ends 3/19-3/25
Odds & Ends 2/19-2/25
Editing felt productive this week. I'm getting through it more slowly than I'd like, but I can already see the effectiveness of the changes I've made, which is encouraging. I also had the chance to see Black Panther this week, which I enjoyed. Marvel movies sometimes struggle in the villain department, but Killmonger (played by Michael … Continue reading Odds & Ends 2/19-2/25
Odds & Ends 1/29-2/4
I am over winter. I don't care what the groundhog said this week, I'm calling it. Winter can go home now. As far as I'm aware, there was no snow in the forecast today, and yet, snow it did. And not just the light, little flakes blowing in the wind that you usually see with … Continue reading Odds & Ends 1/29-2/4
Odds & Ends 1/15-1/21
This week was productive. I got the revision process well underway, taking a good look at my antagonist's arc first. I feel like it's important to start with the antagonist, because if you don't have a good antagonist to challenge them, how can your hero shine? If you look at a lot of stories' structures, … Continue reading Odds & Ends 1/15-1/21
Starting the Year Right
AKA: Restarting the Routine
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!
This time of year can be especially busy with travel and family gatherings, which is why I've missed posting the last two weeks. But I couldn't let the year end on that note! Since my last post, I've seen a lot of family and met up with old friends, and I've got to say, that's … Continue reading Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!
Odds & Ends 12/04-12/10
Well, I did it. I finally wrote the words "The End." It's a milestone that brings a mix of emotions: relief over finishing, excitement over the next step forward, and a little bit of sadness as my characters' journeys come to an end. But not to worry, I'm far from finished with them. Now comes … Continue reading Odds & Ends 12/04-12/10
Odds & Ends 11/6-11/12
Writing went well this week, save for one day spent mapmaking after realizing how poor my spatial reasoning skills are. If like me, spatial reasoning is not your strong suit, I might suggest basing your characters' navigation descriptions off existing blueprints and adjusting as necessary, rather than struggling to describe where you think they're going … Continue reading Odds & Ends 11/6-11/12
Odds & Ends 10/30-11/05
It's that not so lovely time of year when we turn the clocks back one hour as Daylight Savings Time ends. Sure, we get an extra hour of sleep, but it also signals that the daylight hours are, in fact, getting shorter, which I find terribly depressing. I tried to look on the bright side … Continue reading Odds & Ends 10/30-11/05
Christian Douglass Writes 