Writer Tamago

There comes a time when most authors are going to need a book on poison. Recently, I've read two, and they have both been topnotch. I would like to recommend them to you. The Elements of Murder by John Emsley. British chemist John Emsley has written a book that takes you on a journey to [...]

1. Women are not as white as snow. They are as white as ricotta. 2. If you are a woman who does not have children, do not compare yourself or your future child to an animal or an inanimate object. Otherwise, you will probably give birth to said animal or said inanimate object. 3. When [...]

A thought-provoking post from my friend Miranda Suri over at Comedy or Tragedy? So. Do I base my characters on myself? Do I base characters on people I know? Yes and no. *** Let's start with the self. Many characters have started as me, but they have become someone else pretty damned fast. The character [...]

One of the more regrettable events that happened in the comics world this year was the passing of Dwayne McDuffie. I've borrowed the following bio from the author's website. Dwayne McDuffie is best known as the co-founder and creator of Milestone Media. He is a Story Editor on the KIDS WB's Emmy Award-winning animated series [...]

You need to read Writers and Pellets by Tobias Buckell. It's another quality article from Buckell about living the writing life. *** Right now, I'm experiencing a time famine. I haven't really done anything to my satisfaction this week. We are having a brutal beginning of the year this year, because we have more students [...]

I've just been asked to consider turning my position into a deanship. Or an associate deanship, depending on what we can get the college to swallow. And everyone else seems to think this would make their work life easier. This kind of pressure? Well, we'll talk. I have to go teach a class I'm not [...]

Dear Writing Gods: If you have a moment, I'd like to speak with you. I don't have much time myself today, so I'll try to keep things brief. I wish you would let me know when a writing slump is coming. There's a popular myth that a real writer can slog their way through less [...]

As I continue to pretend to post this week, might I direct you to these posts, brought to my attention by Ferrett Steinmetz? Cassie Alexander dispenses some solid and helpful writing advice. Sleep now. Work later. Catherine

...and as is usually the case, my days at work will be spent troubleshooting during this first week until things settle into more or less a routine. I am also making the time to write (!) and do research over journaling, given that I have to do this sort of thing later in the day [...]

Last night, after I sent Mark Twain's Daughter back out into the world, I did it. I sat down and began another funny middle grade book. Funny is where my natural writing talents tend to do better. It's harder to sell than dramatic and straight (you may begin denying this, but I have rejections to [...]