To add to the previous post, here are some other ideas for generating ideas. Now there are tons of books out there, and also apps that you can download to help generate story ideas. But there are also processes you can use.
For example, there is the notion of free flowing story generation. This process requires that one dismiss the inner critic and the editor within your brain, and simply begin with a blank piece of paper (or screen) and just start writing anything. Whatever is the first word that pops into your brain write it down, even if it is just a random thought about something that is going on in your life. To increase the flowing of story during this process, set an egg timer for twenty minutes and have yourself simply write anything, even if it is gibberish. Don't stop flowing across the paper with words for twenty minutes straight. Sometimes you end up with something that could lead to a story, sometimes not. But imagine if you did this every day. Within a year you would have 365 sessions of writing, and somewhere in that is bound to be a few good ideas for stories that you could then flesh out into something interesting and engaging. I've done experiments in this area of free flowing story generation, and much to my amazement it has led to some decent ideas.
If you're not into using apps, and prefer generating story ideas using something more tangible, I can suggest the following book. "The Amazing Story Generator" is a flip book that allows for you to randomly set up ideas where the story generator gives you a setting, a type of character, and a situation. I've actually used it, and come up with some very interesting stories. For example, I generated the following story idea: the setting was a zombie apocalypse, the main character was an extraterrestrial with amnesia, and the situation was that the extraterrestrial had discovered that it was pregnant. This story idea, as strange as it sounds, actually led to a great rough draft for a short story that is currently going through the editing process.
Here's the Amazon link for the "The Amazing Story Generator" - http://www.amazon.com/Amazing-Story-Generator-Creates-Thousands/dp/1452111006/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1445176568&sr=1-1&keywords=story+generator
In the meantime, keep writing.
Sunday, October 18, 2015
Sunday, October 4, 2015
Idea Generating
I'm occasionally asked where I get some of my story ideas. As a writer of speculative fiction (read: science fiction, fantasy, suspense, horror), I have to work my imagination muscle a tad bit more than would be necessary if writing in other genre's. I know, I know, I am going to hear from the mainstream writers that romance stories or mystery/detective stories require just as much imagination muscle as speculative fiction, and they may be true to a point, but in speculative fiction a writer has to really take something that is clearly not real or clearly could not exist in the real universe, and make it appear real enough to suspend the disbelief of the reader. Trust me, it takes a bit of creative elbow grease to make that happen.
Case in point: I was once accused by a fellow writer (in a joking fashion, mind you) that I was apparently inhaling or otherwise ingesting illicit and/or psychedelic substances upon their reading the initial chapter of my latest novel, "One Second Before Awakening". That first chapter described a scene where the main character was sucked into a painting rendered by Salvador Dali, and the character was immediately confronted by two ferocious tigers that had jumped out of the mouth of a giant goldfish and were about to attack a naked woman lying upon a rocky ocean islet. It's not everyday that sort of thing really happens, and your typical "whodunit" mystery novel does not have this sort of scene. As for where I came up with the idea, it was quite simple.
I had started with a premise: What would happen to a person if they suddenly found themselves trapped within the world of a painted image. I took this premise one step further by adding, "what if the painted image had a fantastic or surreal theme to it?" From there the story took off when I decided I would choose an image rendered by the famous 20th Century master, Salvador Dali. I found a book with several of his paintings in it, and from there let my imagination take over.
This is one of many ways to jump start your creativity. Find an image, whether it is a photograph or a painting, and begin writing a draft of what is occurring in that image. You may be surprised at what could come of it. In the above case it led to a full length novel.
Another way to generate story ideas is to find an idea generator application. These are apps that you can find (for free in most cases) where random plot and character elements are generated providing one with the initial spark for a possible story line. One such idea generator is called "Writing Prompts", which can be found through the Google Play Store.
Here's a link to take you straight to it https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.andromo.dev17163.app255216
It's a simple program, it's free, and it is a small example of the numerous idea generator apps that are currently available to writers.
In upcoming posts, I will share some other app links as well as some other methods for jump starting your creativity. In the meantime, share any methods you use to come up with ideas for stories. And don't forget -- write, write, write.
Case in point: I was once accused by a fellow writer (in a joking fashion, mind you) that I was apparently inhaling or otherwise ingesting illicit and/or psychedelic substances upon their reading the initial chapter of my latest novel, "One Second Before Awakening". That first chapter described a scene where the main character was sucked into a painting rendered by Salvador Dali, and the character was immediately confronted by two ferocious tigers that had jumped out of the mouth of a giant goldfish and were about to attack a naked woman lying upon a rocky ocean islet. It's not everyday that sort of thing really happens, and your typical "whodunit" mystery novel does not have this sort of scene. As for where I came up with the idea, it was quite simple.
I had started with a premise: What would happen to a person if they suddenly found themselves trapped within the world of a painted image. I took this premise one step further by adding, "what if the painted image had a fantastic or surreal theme to it?" From there the story took off when I decided I would choose an image rendered by the famous 20th Century master, Salvador Dali. I found a book with several of his paintings in it, and from there let my imagination take over.
This is one of many ways to jump start your creativity. Find an image, whether it is a photograph or a painting, and begin writing a draft of what is occurring in that image. You may be surprised at what could come of it. In the above case it led to a full length novel.
Another way to generate story ideas is to find an idea generator application. These are apps that you can find (for free in most cases) where random plot and character elements are generated providing one with the initial spark for a possible story line. One such idea generator is called "Writing Prompts", which can be found through the Google Play Store.
Here's a link to take you straight to it https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.andromo.dev17163.app255216
It's a simple program, it's free, and it is a small example of the numerous idea generator apps that are currently available to writers.
In upcoming posts, I will share some other app links as well as some other methods for jump starting your creativity. In the meantime, share any methods you use to come up with ideas for stories. And don't forget -- write, write, write.
Sunday, September 13, 2015
Keep it Tight
It's been said that writers write.
So you would think that its perfectly fine to jump in, and just go and go, letting your creativity take you wherever for as long as like, right?
That may be true ... especially when writing a first draft. Yes, you should go with the muse and just write extemporaneously until the creative energy has completely dissipated (that or you pass out from lack of sleep and complete exhaustion)
But I challenge you to do something fairly radical -- write less. Make it tight. More is not always better. Sometimes the best stories are ones that are vivid but short. Use precision. Use precise words. Cut adjectives, adverbs ... become minimalistic in your approach and see what happens.
Being short and precise is more critical than ever these days as most people have little time to read novels or very long short stories. So why not say more with less? Which requires a mastery of vocabulary and grammar to an extent that you can say something which once required twenty words to illustrate, but you do it in three words...or less.
Keeping the writing tight, especially in the editorial process is critical. It is important even if you are writing a novel. But it is even more so when writing short pieces. The importance, and the level of precision becomes even greater if you are writing flash fiction (stories under a thousand words). If you make the writing tight, you will find that this minimalist approach makes for superb stories where so much is said by saying so very little (in terms of volume). So cut, cut, cut! Hone the story down to its basic essentials, and you will see just how strong your writing abilities will become.
Keep it tight!
Check out an interview of the author! https://www.smashwords.com/interview/RobertHill
Also, check out the latest work by Robert Hill! http://www.amazon.com/Second-Before-Awakening-Robert-Hill/dp/1500151483/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1442173438&sr=8-2&keywords=%22one+second+before+awakening%22
So you would think that its perfectly fine to jump in, and just go and go, letting your creativity take you wherever for as long as like, right?
That may be true ... especially when writing a first draft. Yes, you should go with the muse and just write extemporaneously until the creative energy has completely dissipated (that or you pass out from lack of sleep and complete exhaustion)
But I challenge you to do something fairly radical -- write less. Make it tight. More is not always better. Sometimes the best stories are ones that are vivid but short. Use precision. Use precise words. Cut adjectives, adverbs ... become minimalistic in your approach and see what happens.
Being short and precise is more critical than ever these days as most people have little time to read novels or very long short stories. So why not say more with less? Which requires a mastery of vocabulary and grammar to an extent that you can say something which once required twenty words to illustrate, but you do it in three words...or less.
Keeping the writing tight, especially in the editorial process is critical. It is important even if you are writing a novel. But it is even more so when writing short pieces. The importance, and the level of precision becomes even greater if you are writing flash fiction (stories under a thousand words). If you make the writing tight, you will find that this minimalist approach makes for superb stories where so much is said by saying so very little (in terms of volume). So cut, cut, cut! Hone the story down to its basic essentials, and you will see just how strong your writing abilities will become.
Keep it tight!
Check out an interview of the author! https://www.smashwords.com/interview/RobertHill
Also, check out the latest work by Robert Hill! http://www.amazon.com/Second-Before-Awakening-Robert-Hill/dp/1500151483/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1442173438&sr=8-2&keywords=%22one+second+before+awakening%22
Sunday, September 6, 2015
Getting Into Character
Let me just say one thing: It doesn't matter what sort of character you choose to write about. Write about any character you wish. Write about the millionaire who lost it all. Write about the woman jilted by her lover. Write about the little girl who dreamed she visited the land of faeries. Because for the sake of expression, one must go with the energy of the muse at the time.
Now, the mantra for writers, whether it be fiction or non-fiction, is to write what you know about. For example, my background is in law enforcement, private investigations, and martial arts. That's my professional background. I am a forty-something white male who grew up in the country, but has lived most of his life in the big city. I have a military background. My hobbies and interests vary from the cerebral to the highly active. I can easily create a character similar to myself -- a karate-chopping, quasi-linguistic, pseudo-intellectual, private investigator (Hey, that's not such a bad set up for an interesting character -- I should keep that in mind).
But let's talk about something here that we also know all too well. Not only should we write about what we know, but we should develop characters of which readers can identify.
You see, a reader can be invested in your story much easier, no matter what the plot or the genre, if the reader can identify with the main character (or one of the main characters). The reader must find the character to have certain redeeming qualities that are similar in "character" with who they are. Even if the main character is a genderless, one-eyed, purple alien from the planet Xir.
Now, from strictly a marketing perspective, I present food for thought. The single largest reader demographic are adult females. Sure, men read, children read, and purple aliens probably read, as well. But the biggest reader base are adult females. So I posit to you, then, develop a strong female main character. She can be the protagonist, she can be the antagonist, or she can share the spotlight with a strong main character of any gender, culture, race, or species. Strong female characters drive readership.
Yes, but what about the genderless, one-eyed, purple alien? Can I still write about that character as the main character? Certainly! Just have a strong female character in the storyline. Or, one better, present the personality of the genderless, one-eyed, purple alien as having the sensibilities of a strong female regardless of its gender. If the character is genderless then it won't matter if aspects of its personality appear feminine while other aspects of its personality might appear more masculine. It really doesn't matter as long as you present certain qualities by which an adult female reader can identify with the character. In other words, they see themselves as the main character.
Last objection (from the would-be writer) -- How do I write about a female character when I don't have a clue how women think or behave because I'm not a woman. I sympathize with you. I'm not a woman, either. But I do have females friends. I have been married to females. My mother was a female. So, go talk to them. Ask them questions. Pick their brains apart so you can get an inkling of how they are wired. You will be amazed at what you might learn, and therein find some interesting material by which to base your strong female character. Write and then bounce the character off your female friends to see if you're hitting the mark. If you're not, they will be certain to point it out to you.
Check out the first part of the Wonderland Series, "A Mirror Darkly", by the author for an example of a female main character. Available through Smashwords, Amazon, B&N.com, and other major book etailers. Or click the link https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/424032
Check out "One Second Before Awakening", the author's first full-length novel, also available through Amazon, B&N.Com, and all major book etailers. Or click the link https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/442792
Now, the mantra for writers, whether it be fiction or non-fiction, is to write what you know about. For example, my background is in law enforcement, private investigations, and martial arts. That's my professional background. I am a forty-something white male who grew up in the country, but has lived most of his life in the big city. I have a military background. My hobbies and interests vary from the cerebral to the highly active. I can easily create a character similar to myself -- a karate-chopping, quasi-linguistic, pseudo-intellectual, private investigator (Hey, that's not such a bad set up for an interesting character -- I should keep that in mind).
But let's talk about something here that we also know all too well. Not only should we write about what we know, but we should develop characters of which readers can identify.
You see, a reader can be invested in your story much easier, no matter what the plot or the genre, if the reader can identify with the main character (or one of the main characters). The reader must find the character to have certain redeeming qualities that are similar in "character" with who they are. Even if the main character is a genderless, one-eyed, purple alien from the planet Xir.
Now, from strictly a marketing perspective, I present food for thought. The single largest reader demographic are adult females. Sure, men read, children read, and purple aliens probably read, as well. But the biggest reader base are adult females. So I posit to you, then, develop a strong female main character. She can be the protagonist, she can be the antagonist, or she can share the spotlight with a strong main character of any gender, culture, race, or species. Strong female characters drive readership.
Yes, but what about the genderless, one-eyed, purple alien? Can I still write about that character as the main character? Certainly! Just have a strong female character in the storyline. Or, one better, present the personality of the genderless, one-eyed, purple alien as having the sensibilities of a strong female regardless of its gender. If the character is genderless then it won't matter if aspects of its personality appear feminine while other aspects of its personality might appear more masculine. It really doesn't matter as long as you present certain qualities by which an adult female reader can identify with the character. In other words, they see themselves as the main character.
Last objection (from the would-be writer) -- How do I write about a female character when I don't have a clue how women think or behave because I'm not a woman. I sympathize with you. I'm not a woman, either. But I do have females friends. I have been married to females. My mother was a female. So, go talk to them. Ask them questions. Pick their brains apart so you can get an inkling of how they are wired. You will be amazed at what you might learn, and therein find some interesting material by which to base your strong female character. Write and then bounce the character off your female friends to see if you're hitting the mark. If you're not, they will be certain to point it out to you.
Check out the first part of the Wonderland Series, "A Mirror Darkly", by the author for an example of a female main character. Available through Smashwords, Amazon, B&N.com, and other major book etailers. Or click the link https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/424032
Check out "One Second Before Awakening", the author's first full-length novel, also available through Amazon, B&N.Com, and all major book etailers. Or click the link https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/442792
Tuesday, August 5, 2014
Never Judge?
The saying goes, never judge a book by its cover.
Really? Seriously? Who has ever listened to that bit of sage advice? Who has ever picked a book from the shelf or online, thinking the front jacket looks boring, but I'm sure the story is fantastic.
No one ever does that? In fact, I am wondering who ever coined this phrase because no one heeds the advice. More likely, it was phrased by someone who was lacking enough imagination to design a captivating book cover, hence quite possibly a captivating story.
If you are an aspiring author and you decide to go independent, meaning you self-publish (which is becoming more and more the trend these days with writers, thank you gods of technology!), then heed the antithesis of this advice. Be certain that first you write the most awesome story you can, and edit it with dispassionate brutality. Polish the chunk of rock you pulled out of your creative mind until it is a shining jewel. Then, spend a great deal of creative energy creating a book cover that not only exemplifies what the story is about, but also catches the reader's eye. After all, how is anyone going to know that you wrote a fantastic story when you the first thing the reader sees is your boring, plain book cover.
Oh, yes, it will be judged in this fashion no matter how excellent a story you have crafted.
Humans read with their eyes, therefore they "see" with their eyes. Being visual creatures, more so than any of our other senses, we are drawn to bright colors and shiny objects. We are drawn towards things that fascinate and titillate. So don't spend weeks, months or even years writing that great story and then banish it to obscurity by going easy on the book cover.
Anecdotal case in point: I read on Smashwords about an author who wrote a steamy romance. Then the author put a very plain book cover on it; practically just a drab, blank jacket with the title on it. The book sold on average one copy a day. Then the author designed another book cover and republished the novel. This book cover had a very sexy scene of lovers, partially nude (but not terribly scandalous in the context of romance novels), embracing passionately. The book started selling to the point that the online "etailers" (Barnesandnoble.com, Apple, Amazon) took notice of the sudden uptick in the numbers, and actually contacted the CEO of Smashwords (the publishing platform for that novel) wanting to know who this author was and where did this author come from? That particular novel went on to sell so many copies that it was listed as a New York Times ebook bestseller.
Huh, imagine that? All because of a book cover.
My next post I will discuss more of the details behind designing a good book cover. I'm not an expert at it, and sure wish I had someone at Random House to handle this sort of thing. But my business background has been most helpful in this area, and I will share my tips on making an excellent book cover that grabs the reader's attention without you having to spend an ungodly amount of time or money on the project.
If you want a glimpse of what I am talking about, check out the cover design for my latest novel, "One Second Before Awakening", available through Amazon and all the other online book etailers. http://www.amazon.com/One-Second-Before-Awakening-Hill-ebook/dp/B00L7XW3MC/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1407246759&sr=1-2&keywords=one+second+before+awakening
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/one-second-before-awakening-robert-hill/1119645366?ean=9781500151485
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/442792
Really? Seriously? Who has ever listened to that bit of sage advice? Who has ever picked a book from the shelf or online, thinking the front jacket looks boring, but I'm sure the story is fantastic.
No one ever does that? In fact, I am wondering who ever coined this phrase because no one heeds the advice. More likely, it was phrased by someone who was lacking enough imagination to design a captivating book cover, hence quite possibly a captivating story.
If you are an aspiring author and you decide to go independent, meaning you self-publish (which is becoming more and more the trend these days with writers, thank you gods of technology!), then heed the antithesis of this advice. Be certain that first you write the most awesome story you can, and edit it with dispassionate brutality. Polish the chunk of rock you pulled out of your creative mind until it is a shining jewel. Then, spend a great deal of creative energy creating a book cover that not only exemplifies what the story is about, but also catches the reader's eye. After all, how is anyone going to know that you wrote a fantastic story when you the first thing the reader sees is your boring, plain book cover.
Oh, yes, it will be judged in this fashion no matter how excellent a story you have crafted.
Humans read with their eyes, therefore they "see" with their eyes. Being visual creatures, more so than any of our other senses, we are drawn to bright colors and shiny objects. We are drawn towards things that fascinate and titillate. So don't spend weeks, months or even years writing that great story and then banish it to obscurity by going easy on the book cover.
Anecdotal case in point: I read on Smashwords about an author who wrote a steamy romance. Then the author put a very plain book cover on it; practically just a drab, blank jacket with the title on it. The book sold on average one copy a day. Then the author designed another book cover and republished the novel. This book cover had a very sexy scene of lovers, partially nude (but not terribly scandalous in the context of romance novels), embracing passionately. The book started selling to the point that the online "etailers" (Barnesandnoble.com, Apple, Amazon) took notice of the sudden uptick in the numbers, and actually contacted the CEO of Smashwords (the publishing platform for that novel) wanting to know who this author was and where did this author come from? That particular novel went on to sell so many copies that it was listed as a New York Times ebook bestseller.
Huh, imagine that? All because of a book cover.
My next post I will discuss more of the details behind designing a good book cover. I'm not an expert at it, and sure wish I had someone at Random House to handle this sort of thing. But my business background has been most helpful in this area, and I will share my tips on making an excellent book cover that grabs the reader's attention without you having to spend an ungodly amount of time or money on the project.
If you want a glimpse of what I am talking about, check out the cover design for my latest novel, "One Second Before Awakening", available through Amazon and all the other online book etailers. http://www.amazon.com/One-Second-Before-Awakening-Hill-ebook/dp/B00L7XW3MC/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1407246759&sr=1-2&keywords=one+second+before+awakening
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/one-second-before-awakening-robert-hill/1119645366?ean=9781500151485
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/442792
Saturday, July 12, 2014
Publishing Is Not The End
As a writer who started out publishing stories and poetry via the traditional route, I had once thought that once the story was in print, that was the end of it. Time to move on to the next story. Time to start the process of creation, then editing, then seeking out a publisher.
That was a bit naïve on my part, I suppose.
Now, many years later as I decided to move over to the "indie" side of things, I have learned that there is considerable work after the story is written and published. Magazines and publishing houses carry out an incredible amount of tasks following the publication of a novel -- and I am not just talking about distribution/shipping. That's just logistics, and you can leave that up to UPS.
No, what I am referring to is the marketing. And this applies to whether a major house published the work or it was published independently (read: by the author). Writing a novel or a short story, and then having it published is not the end. Ha! Silly me for thinking so. No, it is just the beginning!
Now comes the book tour, the endless campaign, the promotional marketing. Those of you who are aspiring authors, better not think for one second that it makes a difference whether a major house or "yours truly" published your piece,either. You will still do the vast amount of the marketing. You will be doing most of the peddling of the product. In one respect, YOU are the product. And no one sells YOU better than YOU (not even Random House).
So if you think you're through with that story once it is published, guess again. Now the real work starts. Drink plenty of coffee, and buy a good pair of shoes because once your novel is released, it is not the end of the story ... it is only just the beginning.
My new novel "One Second Before Awakening" is available now through all the major book e-tailers, or you can click this link here: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/442792
That was a bit naïve on my part, I suppose.
Now, many years later as I decided to move over to the "indie" side of things, I have learned that there is considerable work after the story is written and published. Magazines and publishing houses carry out an incredible amount of tasks following the publication of a novel -- and I am not just talking about distribution/shipping. That's just logistics, and you can leave that up to UPS.
No, what I am referring to is the marketing. And this applies to whether a major house published the work or it was published independently (read: by the author). Writing a novel or a short story, and then having it published is not the end. Ha! Silly me for thinking so. No, it is just the beginning!
Now comes the book tour, the endless campaign, the promotional marketing. Those of you who are aspiring authors, better not think for one second that it makes a difference whether a major house or "yours truly" published your piece,either. You will still do the vast amount of the marketing. You will be doing most of the peddling of the product. In one respect, YOU are the product. And no one sells YOU better than YOU (not even Random House).
So if you think you're through with that story once it is published, guess again. Now the real work starts. Drink plenty of coffee, and buy a good pair of shoes because once your novel is released, it is not the end of the story ... it is only just the beginning.
My new novel "One Second Before Awakening" is available now through all the major book e-tailers, or you can click this link here: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/442792
Friday, July 4, 2014
Happy Indie-pendence Day!
There's much to be said about this day in America. It was a moment in history that has not only shaped our nation, but the modern world. And it is something that has shaped the culture and quite possibly modified the DNA of most Americans. We are a sturdy, freedom-loving, independent, and entrepreneurial-minded stock and this had its genesis in part from what occurred on this day more than two centuries ago. There are many great turning points in the history of the world. The signing of America's Declaration of Independence would be one of those as it defined who we are.
As this day applies to writing, there are a great many things to consider. From a civil liberties standpoint, writers in this country are free to write whatever they want, no matter how scandalous or sensitive it might be, without fear of reprisal from an oppressive government. That alone is a powerful right, and I urge all of you that write, to stretch yourself and feel completely free to express yourself so that the best story you could possibly write lands on the page unfettered. Dig deep, don't censor yourself, and don't let anyone else censor you, either.
Additionally, consider how this day has generated a culture of independence that has quite literally been embraced by the writing community now that the technology is available to us. Not only can the government not keep you from expressing yourself through your stories, but neither can the traditional publishing industry. Writing a story is only half the battle for your indie-pendence. Getting it published is the other. After all, what good are your written words if no one reads them. With the advent and continued maturation of digital publishing and print on demand technology, you are literally free to write and publish your work without anyone stopping you. So, you have no excuses now not to express yourself. Take advantage of it. Don't let anyone tell you "no". Don't let rejection stop you. Write! And then publish.
It's a tremendous gift we have been given -- tremendous power, this freedom of expression, this independence. But with tremendous power comes responsibility. Use the power wisely by writing the best story you possibly can, edit it mercilessly so that it speaks to the reader, and then write yet another best story you possibly can.
Be well. And God bless America.
For those interested my new novel "One Second Before Awakening" is due to be released on July 11, 2014, and is available in ebook format through all the major book etailers and in traditional paperback through Amazon and Barnesandnoble.com.
As this day applies to writing, there are a great many things to consider. From a civil liberties standpoint, writers in this country are free to write whatever they want, no matter how scandalous or sensitive it might be, without fear of reprisal from an oppressive government. That alone is a powerful right, and I urge all of you that write, to stretch yourself and feel completely free to express yourself so that the best story you could possibly write lands on the page unfettered. Dig deep, don't censor yourself, and don't let anyone else censor you, either.
Additionally, consider how this day has generated a culture of independence that has quite literally been embraced by the writing community now that the technology is available to us. Not only can the government not keep you from expressing yourself through your stories, but neither can the traditional publishing industry. Writing a story is only half the battle for your indie-pendence. Getting it published is the other. After all, what good are your written words if no one reads them. With the advent and continued maturation of digital publishing and print on demand technology, you are literally free to write and publish your work without anyone stopping you. So, you have no excuses now not to express yourself. Take advantage of it. Don't let anyone tell you "no". Don't let rejection stop you. Write! And then publish.
It's a tremendous gift we have been given -- tremendous power, this freedom of expression, this independence. But with tremendous power comes responsibility. Use the power wisely by writing the best story you possibly can, edit it mercilessly so that it speaks to the reader, and then write yet another best story you possibly can.
Be well. And God bless America.
For those interested my new novel "One Second Before Awakening" is due to be released on July 11, 2014, and is available in ebook format through all the major book etailers and in traditional paperback through Amazon and Barnesandnoble.com.
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