Category: Writing

  • Today I am a Writer

    Today I crave a thing that cannot be obtained by a trip to the fridge or drive to the store. Money cannot buy it. My craving is from the brain, from the soul. I want to do the one thing I’m good at, the thing I love. Write. Unfettered and free. I want to write…

  • DEADWOOD: A Spec Script

    DEADWOOD: A Spec Script

    This blog post is about writing a television spec script and contains the first Act of a spec script written for the HBO show DEADEWOOD. It contains strong language and adult themes. Deadwood: Brick By Brick.

  • Structure: A Simple Plan

    Structure: A Simple Plan

    Breaking down a large task into workable pieces is not easy for some people. This is the reason many write by the seat of their pants with no thought to the next step. For me, having a plan relieves stress. This post presents a loose plan any writer can use.

  • Structure: A Free-form Approach

    Structure: A Free-form Approach

    New writers tend to run from structure, but structure is essential for a successful story. To the experienced writer structure is an old friend, a calming pill, a money spinner. This post presents a free-form approach to structure that will appeal to both pantsers and planners.

  • Self-Publishing: An Interview with M.D. Thalmann

    Self-Publishing: An Interview with M.D. Thalmann

    An interview with self-published author M.D. Thalmann and “The 13 Ways” brainstorming game by Roger Zelazny.

  • The 13 Lives of a Television Repair Man: A Review

    The 13 Lives of a Television Repair Man: A Review

    “The 13 Lives of a Television Repair Man,” is a story of a son’s relationship with his mother and how he learns to cherish her. It unfolds in the world of television repair and contains both old and new technology. Plus an interview with the author, M.D. Thalmann.

  • Baby Steps: How to Become a Disciplined Writer

    Baby Steps: How to Become a Disciplined Writer

      Most writing books and most writers say the key to success is discipline; sitting down every single day and writing. But no one tells you how to do it. You do it by forming a writing habit. I am great at hitting daily word goals if there is a deadline with a paycheck looming over…

  • The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo; A great read with an interesting structure

    The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo; A great read with an interesting structure

    Brilliantly done. This is a great read. I was pulled in from the first chapter by the mystery of who sent the flowers. Then it got less urgent, but still interesting. The big question for me was how the two starkly different characters; finical reporter, Mikael Blomkvist and investigative researcher, Lisbeth Salandar; were going to…