Monday, February 4, 2013

Trumpet Of Dixie Cover, Take 2.

I've created a new version of the cover, I brightened up the cover a bit, and enlarged the font. I'd appreciate any feedback.


Saturday, February 2, 2013

Feedback for Trumpet Of Dixie Cover

I'm making progress on my paranormal romance story, "Trumpet Of Dixie", and I'm hoping to have it published next month. I just finished designing a cover, and I would like some feedback.


If you have any feedback on the cover, I would certainly appreciate it.

Sunday, January 6, 2013

The Dangers Of Research

Research is definitely necessary for some writing. We need to check historical and factual details to make our stories realistic or at least plausible.

Where research becomes dangerous, though, is when we get so involved in it, that we sacrifice writing time.

Lately, I've been doing some research on the Battle Of Vicksburg for my story "Trumpet Of Dixie". I needed to know which regiments were present at the battle, and which ones were recruited from that area. Once I found out the information, though, I was sucked into the research, reading accounts of the battle, and other information that I didn't need. Before I knew, it was time to go to work, and I had wasted all of my writing time.

It isn't just novels with historical elements that need to be researched, though. Sci-Fi and Fantasy stories require a certain amount of research.

At least I got my research done. My characters served in the 46th Miss. Inf., the Jeff Davis Rebels. Maybe now I can get the story written without getting caught up in the research.

Friday, January 4, 2013

2013: Looking Back To Look Forward

It's the beginning of a new year, and time to set goals and resolutions, and to look forward. But... looking back at 2012, I realize I have not accomplished any of my goals for that year. I had set goals to write a certain number of short stories, novelettes, and novels. How far did I get? I got a few thousand words written, and a few story ideas.

So, this year, before I start setting my goals, I find myself looking at past goals, and trying to find out why they weren't accomplished.

My goals were certainly achievable, 10-12 short stories, 3-4 novellas, and editing 2 of my novels. But I didn't get any of them done. Why?

To some degree things did happen to distract me, or to keep me from writing, but not enough that I couldn't accomplish anything. Those goals are certainly easy to break down into smaller goals and achievable steps.

I feel the problem is in two parts. When I set long term goals, for a year, two years, five years, or whatever... my focus is on the long term, and not on accomplishing the short term goals that are necessary for reaching the long term.

The other problem is simply not sitting down and getting any writing done. Part of this goes back to the first problem of focusing only on the long term and not the short term.

So, looking back at unachieved past goals, I can see the problems that kept me from reaching them. So, what is the solution? This year, I'll keep the long term goals in mind, but focus on the short term projects that I need to finish. I'll be making time to sit down and write, even if I have to do my writing on my tablet at lunch time at work.

Right now, my focus is on getting two short stories written, edited, and published by the middle of February. I'll finish "Arrow Of Vengeance", and "Trumpet Of Dixie". That's my focus for now. When I'm done with them, I'll focus on the next project.

When 2014 comes along, I'll be able to look back at 2013, knowing I've accomplished something.

What are your goals for 2013, and how will looking back help you to look forward?