Switching Genres

It's somewhat strange... I normally write fantasy, and I want to write science fiction as well. I'm not crazy about paranormal romance, but lately I've had an idea for a paranormal romance story. The idea has been simmering in my head for the past few days, and I started doing some historical research for the background of the story this morning. I'm hoping to have the story written in a week or two, and published by the beginning of 2013.

It's strange how a story idea from a genre that I don't like is sticking with me like this one. But I'm certainly not one to argue with inspiration. When a good story idea comes along, I'll develop the idea, and get writing.

Rethinking Goals

Wow, where has 2012 gone? Here it is already the end of August. Summer is almost over, and in just a few months, we'll be saying goodbye to 2012, and greeting 2013.

So, at the beginning of the year, I had a lot of goals for my writing, I was going to write a certain number of short stories, novellas, and novels during this year. So far this year I've written... nothing. That's right, nothing. Well, close to nothing, I've written a flash fiction story, that now needs to be edited, and I've written about 4000 words of another short story, which needs to be finished.

So, what happened? I can make all kinds of excuses. There were too many distractions, my wife having health issues, being without a job for a while, and getting laid off from a temp job. We had the phone ringing off the hook, and creditors hounding us for money. When it comes down to it, though... those are all just excuses. I had time to write. I had time in the mornings and the evenings. I've had time on weekends. I just haven't sat down, and done the writing that I know I can do.

So, what to do about it. Obviously, in the four months left in the year, I can't finish the goals that I set at the start of 2012. Now, it's time to reset goals, to make goals for the rest of the year. So for the next couple of days, I'll be taking a good, hard look at my schedule, and planning out my goals for the rest of the year. My focus will probably be on shorter fiction, maybe starting on editing my novels.

So, does this happen to you? Do you set goals, and then find yourself easily sidetracked, and not reaching the goals?

Need Some Feedback On My Cover

So, as of right now, this will be the cover for my short story, "Arrow Of Vengeance".  I could really use some feedback on the cover, what works, what doesn't. Please feel free to let me know what you think.

A Pat On The Back, Or A Kick In The Ass?

Some people need a pat on the back now and then. They are motivated by positive reinforcement. When they accomplish something, some encouraging words are all they need to keep on accomplishing things.

Other people, however, need a kick in the ass to get something done. I don't mean that they should be torn a new one, or chewed out. But what they need to get something accomplished, and to keep on accomplishing, is someone who will hold them accountable. Someone to prod them, sometimes firmly to get off their butts, and do what they need to do.

Depending on the situation, I could use either one. Sometimes, I can get a lot done, and a simple word of encouragement will keep me going.

This year, with my writing, I am needing a kick in the ass. I should have had at least 2 or 3 short stories or novellas written, and so far, I haven't been able to motivate myself. I certainly need a kick in the ass to get going.

What motivates you, a pat on the back, or a kick in the ass?

Two Drops Of Red

All you'll ever see is my shadow.

All you'll feel of me is a cold breeze.

All you'll hear of me is a whisper in the night.

The barest scent of death is in the air.

By the time you know I'm there- I'm gone.

The only signs that I was ever there...

A growing darkness,

A spreading chill,

And two drops of red.

To Outline, or Not To Outline?

Some writers fully outline their entire book before they start writing, others just start with an idea, and start writing from there. There are certainly advantages and disadvantages to both.

Personally, when I write, I just start with an idea of the story that I want to tell, but I don't sit down and write out an outline first. I usually just sit down and write. Without the rigid structure of an outline, I feel that the story flows more freely and naturally. I let the characters and the situations determine what happens next.

One disadvantage to not having an outline, however, is that the story can get too far off track. Sometimes that can be a good thing, and sometimes it is bad. It can be fun trying to decide how to get the story back in the direction that you want it to go. Or you can just go with the new direction and see what happens. But there are times when the story goes off track, and you just can't get it going in the direction that you want it to.

So, I tend to write without an outline, or if I use an outline, a very loose one which allows more freedom in my writing. What about the rest of you authors out there. Do you use an outline or not?

My First Piece Of Fiction

Last night, for some reason, my mind wandered back, a long time ago, to the first piece of fiction I wrote. It was way back in Kindergarten, when our teacher gave us an assignment to write a short piece involving eggs. Everyone's work was compiled into a book, and everyone got a copy of it. I have no idea if my mom still has it, sitting up in the attic or something.

Anyhow, I can still remember what I wrote.

"The four eggs lived together."

That's it. Just the one sentence. That was my first piece of fiction. I know it isn't much, but hey, I was only 5 years old.