Blog Posts

As a writer, I do my best to stay attuned to the world around me. That is where I draw my characters and their traits from, as well as everything else that will make it into their and the novel’s universe. So, it’s not hard for me to detect a difference between the children of the 1960s (when I grew

As a 70-year-old man daily inching closer to the end of his life, I’ve put more thought into what kind of legacy I want to leave my children, grandchildren, and now a great-grandchild. And it’s not about being a best-selling author or some guy who left them a financial inheritance. No, it’s something money can’t buy. It’s about me leaving

It doesn’t matter how much intelligence, education, or God-given talent one has; if someone lacks the motivation or passion to tackle a significant endeavor, they’re not likely to leave the starting blocks anytime soon. Or as my generation said, “You ain’t got jack.” Take me, for instance. I planned on writing this post yesterday, but life got in the way.

As a writer approaches their craft, they must determine what their “voice” will be and then remain consistent with it—never confusing the reader. In my case, as a Christian, I’ve decided my voice in my romance novels would not drop F-bombs or other crude language. Also, there’d be no vulgar or graphic sex and violence. My goal is to provide

In my neck of the woods, this year’s brutal and destructive winter of ‘26 is now behind us, as Spring has taken center stage, praise God! Every cell in my body rejoices and looks forward to morning walks along the beach at sunrise in shorts and t-shirts only. Now, that’s what I call living! But leaving winter behind reminds me

I’m on the cusp of publishing my first romance novel at the tender age of 70. How badly have I wanted this? Well, it’s been fifty years in the making. Back in my late teens and early twenties, I wrote poetry and several manuscripts, although my writing lacked quality, skill, and professionalism. I didn’t put in the time to learn

Being a fiction author, I create every aspect of my characters—their personalities, strengths, weaknesses, and everything that gives them life—then drop them into a world and storyline that I’ve also created and can alter anytime I choose. I’m in absolute control from the beginning to the end of the novel. In many ways, I’m a mini-god, having the power of

In fiction writing, an author first visualizes and creates characters in their head before bringing them to life within the confines of a story. However, as the characters grow and interact with other characters or elements of the plot, the author will undoubtedly encounter curveballs. Maybe a character or story arc needs refining or significant altering to make the story

As I near the completion of my first romance novel, as well as any other thing I undertake in retirement, my appreciation for these two popular phrases only increases: “Live and learn” and “Never put off till tomorrow what can be accomplished today.” In my case, both snippets of wisdom should be in the same sentence and breath! In life,

Whatever major project you’re trying to accomplish in life—whether writing and publishing your first romance novel, creating and then following the best retirement plan for you and your spouse, or any project that has arrested your full attention at the moment—maintaining a genuinely serious commitment to the hard work ahead will be paramount. But be sure to count the costs