Archive

  • Happy Birthday, Ray Harryhausen!

    Happy Birthday, Ray Harryhausen!

    Today marks the 103rd birthday of cinema legend Ray Harryhausen. Whether you grew up with his films or have never heard of him, chances are that you’re familiar with his work, especially if you’re a fan of movie monsters like I am. Never seen The 7th Voyage of Sinbad or Jason and the Argonauts? Don’t… Read more

  • What is a Trickster?

    The Trickster is an ancient archetype in storytelling. You’re probably very familiar with it. The Trickster is the cunning mischief maker who can be a force for good or for evil. Whether he follows a moral code or just does whatever depending on his mood, he can be heroic, villainous, chaotic, comforting, terrifying, and anything… Read more

  • Pace Yourself! What Can Make or Break a Story

    Pace Yourself! What Can Make or Break a Story

    You start reading a book, or watching a movie, and the beginning is a banger. You’re hooked. The characters are great, the story is enthralling, and the action is incredible. The first act is a masterclass in storytelling. As you continue, though, you feel a nagging sensation that something has gone wrong. You aren’t gripped… Read more

  • The Importance of Silence

    The Importance of Silence

    I’ve been thinking lately on how important silence is. We need to embrace quietness every once in a while. I don’t mean locking ourselves in a noise-proofed room. I mean just taking time to not do anything for a few minutes. A few minutes of getting away from the hustle and the bustle and the… Read more

  • Tragic Writing Mistakes I Learned Firsthand

    They say failure is the best teacher. If that’s true, then I am a very, very good student. I’ve already made some doozies in my nascent writing career. I’m glad I did. A God Walks Up to the Bar isn’t the first book I’ve ever written. Way back when I was a wee college lad,… Read more

  • Why Even Bother? Thoughts About Motivation

    Why Even Bother? Thoughts About Motivation

    What motivates me? I want to be a published author, but why even bother in the first place? And why stick to it after I’ve started? Well, going after big questions today, aren’t I? Before I dive headlong into existentialism, I think I better draw the boundary right here: Why am I motivated to write… Read more