Category Archives: 2014

Writing: It’s a Good Gig

Posted on October 9, 2014 by SharonJoss

I’m not pointing a finger; I’ve done my own share of whining as well. And while I’ve said that writing is the best job I’ve ever had, like any occupation, it isn’t always fun and games. It’s a gig like … Continue reading →

Posted in 2014, bad hair days, business, butt in chair, celebrate the small stuff, don't give up, frustrations, motivation, persevere, persistence, publishers, reading, rejection, schedule, Sharon Joss, slog, writers write, writing | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Wow Factor: Dreams & Goals for the Long Haul

Posted on September 30, 2014 by SharonJoss

A writer I much admire, Dean Wesley Smith, wrote an inspirational blog recently about dreams and goals (you can read it here), and it got me thinking. He just finished a year of writing (and publishing as part of his … Continue reading →

Posted in 2014, belief systems, books, business, Dean Wesley Smith, don't give up, Dreams, fun with writing, goals, great fiction, indie publishing, learning the craft, production schedule, published, resolution, Sharon Joss, the writing speaks for itself, write, write every day, write every day; writers write, writer | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Tending the Garden

Posted on September 19, 2014 by SharonJoss

I’m still a neophyte when it comes to indie-publishing, so I pay attention when the experts talk about it. As you can tell from the sidebar on this blog, I’m a follower of several of the better-known masters in the … Continue reading →

Posted in 2014, Brothers of the Fang, Cover Reveal, indie publishing, Sharon Joss | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Thrill Ride: Nine Questions for Jump-Starting a Novel

Posted on September 11, 2014 by SharonJoss

Here another useful tool I use when I’m dancing around, trying to find my plot. I find that once I’m able to answer the following 9 questions, the story has pretty well coalesced and I’m ready to start outlining and/or … Continue reading →

Posted in 2014, character development, developing plot, extraordinary, Getting Into Character, goals, hook, interesting characters, jump-start, making stuff up, novel, opening scene, Openings, plot threads, Sharon Joss, Starting a novel, story, story concept, structure | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

My Novel Jumpstart Checklist

Posted on September 4, 2014 by SharonJoss

Beginning a new novel is hard.  At least for me. Over the years, I’ve developed an evergreen checklist of sorts to help me organize my thoughts BEFORE I start writing.  I’ve gathered most of these ideas from more experienced/successful writers … Continue reading →

Posted in 2014, goals, jumpstart, novel, Sharon Joss, What should write?, write, writing | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Reflections on a Green-Eyed Monster

Posted on August 26, 2014 by SharonJoss

There was a book signing tonight at one of my local bookstores, and I decided to go. I hadn’t read any of the author’s books, but he writes fantasy; something I enjoy reading anyway, so why not, right? Additionally, he’s … Continue reading →

Posted in 2014, best seller, book signing, envy, reading, Sharon Joss, the writing speaks for itself | Leave a comment

Strange Brew

Posted on August 16, 2014 by SharonJoss

I admit it. I love research. And don’t think that just because I write speculative fiction and fantasy that I don’t need to do research. I do. I mean, sometimes, you just have to know the specific density of hippopotamus … Continue reading →

Posted in 2014, Research, Sharon Joss, you can't make this stuff up | Leave a comment