As I mentioned earlier, I’m analyzing a flawed structure as part of an exercise to improve my own writing, specifically using the third “Xindi Arc” season of Star Trek: Enterprise. […]
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Analyzing Flawed Arc Structure, Part 1
Of course, there is much to learn from the masters. But there is also plenty to learn from mistakes. And the great thing is, there are so many out there, […]
Read moreRiding the Muse Where it Takes You
Sometimes it just doesn’t come together. And that’s okay. I’m in a strange position, writing-wise. Three novels are out there, shopping at various publishing houses. Any or all could hit […]
Read morePerils of the Writer: False Starts
It hits like lightning across the forebrain. The Brilliant Idea that will be the Next New Book. And every thought is consumed with the “Oh, wow!”ness of this new idea. […]
Read moreWorldbuilding, Psychohistory, and the Power of Numbers
So, now our election is over, and if one thing can be declared an uncontested winner, it’s Math. Despite having his vocal detractors, Nate Silver’s meticulous statistical analysis of polls […]
Read moreWorldbuilding: Mapping in 4-D
There’s a neat little video out there that shows the various political shifts in Europe over the course of a thousand years. It’s the sort of thing you have to […]
Read moreNeural Traffic Jam
The challenge of the creative mind is sometimes being overwhelmed with ideas. Only so much can get out your fingers at any given time. The challenge of focusing one the […]
Read moreInterstellar Worldbuilding: Good and Bad Neighbors
As I’ve said before, when it comes to worldbuilding on an interstellar scale, your neighbors’ choices can define your culture. This is especially true when a starfaring culture comes across […]
Read moreWorldbuilding: Skip the Travelogue Plot. Just Write the Honest Travelogue.
In my worldbuilding efforts, I’m often trying to think of new ways to present the information about different places in dynamic and interesting ways. I’ve considered the wiki route, writing […]
Read morePerils of the Writer: The Creative Freedom of Deleted Scenes
Of late, I’ve been a bit blocked, creatively. Not exactly writers’ block– but more a sense that the flow isn’t what it should be. Even writing this is taking more […]
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