Revisiting the Three Rules for Writing A Novel As I close in the completion of my latest book, I, Claudia, I am revisiting the three rules for writing a novel. “There are three rules for writing a novel. Unfortunately, no one knows what they are.” Somerset Maugham Recently I was interviewed by a writing blogger […]
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Our rule of law and its slippery slope Most of us believe that our rule of law is sacred and that passing laws will fix recurring problems, address unwanted behavior, even establish a universal moral code. Examples of relatively recent legislative activity are texting while driving and sexual harassment. Note the wide definitional range between these
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Work related myths like working through lunch and the weekend: Was there a time when you fell for them? These are just a few of the myths I bought into during my first three careers. It was only when I started working for myself, and later writing fiction, when I discovered just how vast was
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More lessons from Shadow implies there have been previous ones, right? That’s because this guy has taught me innumerable lessons. The most recent? He provided a map for the plot of the novel I am currently writing. Perhaps you think I exaggerate? At least overstate? I’ll start with some of his earliest lessons. Then maybe
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Is Malthus Revisited Spiritual? A number of reviewers have referred to my latest novel, Malthus Revisited, as ‘spiritual.’ Until a recent review, I did not stop to ponder why. The reviewer wrote that he was ‘disappointed’ that I ‘resorted to the supernatural’ in writing what he thought was an intriguing plot and the compelling character
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Only 3 essential qualities for writers? Just 3? Actually no, there are probably about 100 but this morning, there are just 3 essential qualities for writers that pop into my head this morning: The two paradoxical thoughts about just how well we write. I doubt that I’m the only writer who believes that on the
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Us versus them: the deliciousness of moral outrage Moral outrage: Is there anything more satisfying, captivating or delicious? “Do you believe what he said?” “Did you see what he wrote?” “Look what she is wearing!” It’s endless, isn’t it? Even before the advent of social media- if any of us can recall back that far,
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A quick search on the internet reveals something staggering. If not calamitous. At least for those in search of wisdom and truth. Those responsible for the university curricula have capitulated to a minority. It is always a minority who claim that the dead white guy be absent from their studies. I write ‘calamitous’ because a
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Despite the fact that it sometimes feels as if everyone has written, or plans to write, a book, I have just one writer friend. She also writes fiction. Had my friend Rachel not put Rebecca and me together, I doubt we’d ever have met. Even in our small valley each of us tends to stick
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The real reason we work: it’s the awe we’re after The real reason we work isn’t what we think, it’s the awe we’re after, not the money. If asked what our primary motivation to work would be, most of us say, “I work for money.” But are you sure that’s it? Money is good, right,
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