Aell & Stiles Archives

Self-Imposed Stress

Apr

2017

An interesting thing about stress, especially self-imposed stress. I desperately wanted to get a new novel finished by Pikes Peak Writers Conference, so I’d have something fresh to pitch to the various agents/editors in attendance. To pull this off, I’d have to write about 1200 words a day, every day for almost 3 months. That’s ...

A Fear: Writing the Other

May

2014

I’ve started work on a new sword & sorcery series. I have a map of the city. I have back story of the city. I have scant character outlines. I know how the two protagonists met. I’ve worked up key side characters and vital locations. I’ve outlined the plot of the first book as well ...

Deadline #1 — CRUSHED!

Sep

2013

I had set a deadline of Sept. 30th for finishing the map for the Egan & Stiles stories. As of last night, it’s done. You can see a small version of my efforts below. Click the image to enlarge. You’ll probably notice that there aren’t many labels, street names, etc.. I’m leaving most of that ...

Deadlines

Sep

2013

I think I figured out why I’m in such a writing slump. I’ve not set a deadline for my writing in a long time. Yes, I’ve had Day Job deadlines, and PPW Contest deadlines, but I’ve not had any hard dates set for when I want a piece of prose finished. There’s something you need ...

Radio Silence

Sep

2013

I’m really sorry for the month-long radio silence you’ve had to endure. I’ve been head down in a large project for Pikes Peak Writers. That project has more-or-less come to a close for now. The web site for The Zebulon Writing Contest is now launched, and I can rejuvenate my energy levels with a few ...

Writin’ & Ramblin’

Jul

2013

As you guys can tell, my muse has forced me down a path to where I’m starting a new series. For those of you that know me, you know that I’m a serious world builder. It’ll probably be 2-3 months before I actually outline the first story for Egan and Stiles. I have world building ...