Category Archives: writing
Behind the story
Rhobin Courtright asked: “Most novels have an easily understood point to make to the reader. Do your stories ever have more subtle or intuitive themes?” One of my clichés is, you can’t even write a shopping list without revealing your … Continue reading
How to write third-person narrative
After 40 years as a writer, I have learned a new trick, thanks to the generosity of spirit of my writing friends. So, I am paying it forward and sharing this insight with others who want to improve their writing. … Continue reading
Elementary, my dear Rhobin
Rhobin Courtright’s homework for her faithful bloggers is, “What elements do you include in your stories to make a story seem and feel more realistic to the reader?” Hmm… There are 118 elements in the current Periodic Table. I had … Continue reading
Help: current uneducated American speech
Please advise me on the speech patterns of a barely literate, drug-and-alcohol-using, wife-abusing Cincinnati resident who hates colored people, Latinos, and everyone else he can. You might be able to refer me to a novel featuring such characters, or perhaps … Continue reading
Carolyn and Carolyn and Bob… a mighty trio
Carolyn Howard-Johnson, my fellow conspirator in working for a better world, encouraged her friend Carolyn Wilhelm to apply for my LiFE Award: Literature For Environment. As I reported in my August issue of Bobbing Around, her little book for classroom … Continue reading
The unique people in my computer
Rhobin asked: “How do you develop a character who is different in personality from all the other characters you have developed, or from yourself?” The simple answer is: I DON’T KNOW. It’s not as if I were in charge. Here … Continue reading
A publisher with a difference
Michael Amos, welcome to Bobbing Around. Please say a few words about the publishing company you and your sister run Hello! I greatly appreciate the opportunity to answer some questions for you. The creation of the publishing company has very … Continue reading
For the third time, I’m a guest on Luck-It Network
Sara in Singapore, who runs the versatile blog, Luck-It Network, has interviewed me on three issues. The third one went live today, Friday 22 May, and it concerns my experience as an author. It’s different in content from the other … Continue reading
