Category Archives: writing

Can you help me improve this synopsis?

Posted on 26/03/2023 by Dr Bob Rich

I am asking feedback from my writing friends: can you suggest how I can make the synopsis below irresistible to agents? Thank you! Today’s youngsters justly despair about their future. Greed and aggression are pushing us toward extinction. The solution … Continue reading →

Posted in writing | 8 Comments

An archeological find: Fiona McVie interviewed Bob Rich in 2014

Posted on 21/03/2023 by Dr Bob Rich

I was looking for something in my computer (none of your business, stop asking!) and came across this long-buried interview, which took flight soon after Ascending Spiral was published. Looking at it “cold,” I find it entertaining, and just as … Continue reading →

Posted in fun, Interviews of me, philosophy, writing | 1 Comment

Where to hide the time machine: backstory

Posted on 18/03/2023 by Dr Bob Rich

Skye Taylor has set us this topic: The Importance of your character’s backstory/history and how to share this with the reader without an info dump that stalls the action. Skye’s question immediately reminded me of a little essay I wrote … Continue reading →

Posted in Rhobin's round robin, writing | 5 Comments

It refuses to stay still!

Posted on 25/02/2023 by Dr Bob Rich

Our round robin topic for February, 2023 is “How can contemporary fiction keep up with our swiftly changing world, politically, socially or technically?” When I was young, like in 700 BCE, there was a steady state. In a particular location, … Continue reading →

Posted in Rhobin's round robin, writing | 11 Comments

Letter to Bob in the past

Posted on 17/02/2023 by Dr Bob Rich

Writers Victoria has a regular online exercise. Noè Harsel, who organises and leads it, gives the 20 to 30 participants a prompt. We then need to write something during a 25-minute period. Here is the result of mine. PROMPT: Write … Continue reading →

Posted in fun, Inspiration, philosophy, writing | 2 Comments

Can you please beta read a short book?

Posted on 12/02/2023 by Dr Bob Rich

My next book is REAL Human Nature, a collection of short stories, essays, and posts at Bobbing Around. It focuses on what is good about being human, and it describes my up-and-down path toward enlightenment, which in my opinion is … Continue reading →

Posted in philosophy, Psychology, writing | 2 Comments

New Beginnings: how do you begin a new writing challenge?

Posted on 21/01/2023 by Dr Bob Rich

An increase in personal responsibilities has forced Rhobin Courtright to retire as the leader of our monthly round robin, but Skye Taylor has grabbed the baton. Isn’t English a wonderful language? This means she has taken over the relay race … Continue reading →

Posted in Rhobin's round robin, writing | 16 Comments

Feedback please: an off-earth scene

Posted on 31/12/2022 by Dr Bob Rich

I will be grateful for your reaction to this part-chapter. Does it make sense? Have I lost you anywhere? Any suggestions for improvement? Thank you! Bob 2. The planet Magog, in another Universe Using mental force to block the pain … Continue reading →

Posted in stories, writing | 3 Comments

New writing project: Jolanda’s Kitchen Magic

Posted on 03/12/2022 by Dr Bob Rich

My wife, Jolanda, is a kitchen magician. She has been cooking since 6 years of age, but, being a modest person, denies she has anything worthwhile to teach others. I know better, so have convinced her that her grandkids will … Continue reading →

Posted in technology, writing | Leave a comment

Even villains are apprentice Buddhas

Posted on 22/10/2022 by Dr Bob Rich

Rhobin Courtright’s homework for her faithful followers is: “Have any of your villainous characters reached redemption for their actions? How did you go about it?” Last century, my answer would have had to be no. Rather, naughty people got punished … Continue reading →

Posted in Rhobin's round robin, stories, writing | 10 Comments