Revision Tip: Write it Twice. Or Three Times. Or Ten.

I once saw a video by Anthony Marra, author of A Constellation of Vital Phenomena, where among other things he talked about his revision process and how he typed his story over and over. That moment was special for me. Angels didn’t sing or anything, but it was the first time I had ever run acrossContinue reading “Revision Tip: Write it Twice. Or Three Times. Or Ten.”

Project Update

As some of you know I’m a member of the Stockholm Writers Group, a select group of writers founded over twenty years ago to provide feedback, encourage each other, and support each other with their writing goals. We meet on a regular basis and offer feedback to those who’ve submitted their work. In addition, weContinue reading “Project Update”

Thursday Thoughts – Mud and Fingerprint Mazes

On Thursdays I normally share random thoughts, objects or ideas I plan to use as writing inspiration or prompts. Last week Stockholm was a winter wonderland. This week? Well, let’s just say I ran across Frosty the Snowman earlier. He’s nothing but a puddle now. In fact, most of the fields around our home are giantContinue reading “Thursday Thoughts – Mud and Fingerprint Mazes”

Thoughts on Terry Pratchett

I don’t normally do this, sit down and write without a purpose in mind. But today, I felt like I needed to. Last week, the world lost a funny, witty, talented, courageous, and all-around amazing author, and though I never met Terry Pratchett personally, I’m going to go ahead and assume, based on what I’veContinue reading “Thoughts on Terry Pratchett”

The Imp’s Idea

18th Day of Harvest Season The imp has made a mess of things. It began innocently enough. The smaller children have a difficult time bringing in the harvest. The root vegetables pose little difficulty, and that is where the youngest worked for days. If any turnips and carrots remained, they would still be there, butContinue reading “The Imp’s Idea”

The Priest’s Death

15th Day of Harvest Season Only a fool wishes to hold life and death in his hands. I have learned long ago both are too heavy for human hands. Heart heavy with the burden of what’s been lost, and what remains to be done, I report that Brother Trinn passed through the Seven Arches notContinue reading “The Priest’s Death”

Gone

13th Day of Harvest Season Niles is missing. Ellison and Barly rose before the others. They saw his untouched bed and after further inspection, noticed his bag was missing. They assured me he’s disappeared before and he’s always returned. Where the boy goes is a mystery. When he returns, he never speaks about his timeContinue reading “Gone”

The Tinker

12th Day of Harvest Season “He threatened us.” Niles grabbed another piece of wood and bent it, testing its strength. The youth has been busy. At least three other bows, in various states of design hang from pegs on one wall in the old barn. He has pushed a wooden table into the corner andContinue reading “The Tinker”

An Unexpected Discovery

11th Day of Harvest Season I had meant to begin today’s entry recounting the changes at the farm, unfortunately events unfolded that now push my thoughts into darker territory. Brother Milton and I took every precaution when we left the temple. We waited until the bells stopped ringing, leaving during the darkest period of night.Continue reading “An Unexpected Discovery”

Jakob’s Journal Reunion

In November, I received word my sister passed away. I didn’t write much about that here. I tend to keep most of my personal life out of the blog. Some of it leaks out here, but usually these are general blog posts. I know others who have used their blog for therapeutic release when aContinue reading “Jakob’s Journal Reunion”