Writers love playing the “what-if?” game. It’s how we get our best ideas. Many years ago, I read a series of articles in The Oregonian about the growing problem of eco-terrorism in the western states. One line in particular grabbed me: the reporter wrote, “It’s a miracle nobody has been killed.” So, I thought, what … Continue reading Serial and Milk(ing it)
Tag: No Time for Kings
Ask and Ye Shall Receive
In an admirable example of "ask and ye shall receive," I recently expressed a desire to have my book banned, and a longtime reader complied. She didn't hesitate in banning my book on her blog. Thank you, Stephanie. You're awesome. And really, she's more than a blogger: I consider her a friend. How could I … Continue reading Ask and Ye Shall Receive
Ban My Book…Please!
I think my book is too tame. Don't get me wrong; it's hardly G-rated. There's sex, violence, and profanity. Kidnapping and substance abuse. Desecration of public lands, for crying out loud. But sadly, nobody has banned No Time for Kings. Too bad, because apparently, banned books sell like hotcakes. If you really want to ride … Continue reading Ban My Book…Please!
NNWM/10: Outlines: Yay or Nay?
As much as I've talked about NaNoWriMo, I've focused a lot on the novel itself but have devoted very little time to the actual writing of said novel. And it's that writing process that people ask me about more than anything else, so I thought I'd devote a couple of paragraphs to that. The question … Continue reading NNWM/10: Outlines: Yay or Nay?
You, Me and Fido Makes Three
Yesterday, we ventured into Portland despite the threat of a big windstorm. We were craving a quintessential Portland Saturday, which meant we had to start out the day waiting in line more than an hour for brunch. On purpose. Because that's what goes down in the Rose City on weekends. Portlandia devoted an entire episode to … Continue reading You, Me and Fido Makes Three
Meet Your Next Reality TV Star…
...me! Or at least I could be, based on the email I received this morning. Hey Mark! Bray Entertainment, the Co-Creators of Pawn Stars, is casting and developing a new documentary TV series about the real life Clark Griswold from National Lampoon's Vacation Movies. We are looking for an entertaining and charismatic dad, like you, who is always … Continue reading Meet Your Next Reality TV Star…
Not Grandmother Approved
I’ve come up with a new marketing slogan for my novel, No Time For Kings. NOT GRANDMOTHER APPROVED. Both my grandmother and Tara’s read the book, and while it’s received very positive reviews from the majority of readers – including glowing recommendations in San Francisco Book Review and Portland Book Review – neither of our … Continue reading Not Grandmother Approved
How The Number 14 Changed My Life
Do you believe in numerology? Up until recently I’d dismissed it as nothing more than grasping at straws, a desperate attempt at assigning order and meaning to what is nothing more than random chaos. Humans, by nature, look for patterns where there are none. This is how optical illusions work. The idea that there might … Continue reading How The Number 14 Changed My Life
I’m Not Famous! But I’ll Take The Ego Boost.
Yikes! I didn't mean to go five days without blogging. I don't think I've done that all year. You'd think I've been busy or something! Well, the truth is, I've been busy. Or something. Not just busy figuring out which beer I might possibly like (edge: India Pale Ale, maybe). I've also been wandering through … Continue reading I’m Not Famous! But I’ll Take The Ego Boost.
Hidden Nuts, Sexy Feet and Unnecessary Apostrophes
How Do They Locate Their Nuts? Sipping coffee from my back patio this morning, I watched as a squirrel buried a nut in the damp earth beside a row of arborvitae. What a cliche, I thought. I actually muttered it out loud, to be honest. And then I wondered, how will he ever know where … Continue reading Hidden Nuts, Sexy Feet and Unnecessary Apostrophes
Mark My Words 