Back in June, a friend did me one heck of a solid. It happened the way such profound things do: by accident. This was at our Sisters in Crime chapter meeting, and the speaker said the first thing about storytelling that surprised me in a while: That great stories needed romance. That speaker was Clay…… Continue reading Bringing the Romance Back
Author: rtmcontrol
“Spirits Along the One North Road,” Photo Journal Edition
In the fall of 2017, I hopped on an Air Canada flight to Quebec. My sole purpose: to see Quebec. Because I hadn’t. Felt a need to go if I was to say I experienced this world. If I got a little writing done, great. I got a little writing done. A lot of…… Continue reading “Spirits Along the One North Road,” Photo Journal Edition
Snack and Snack Again: Behind “Vinny Two Snacks”
I eat lunch early. That started as a work necessity that became a habit that became a daily rule. Eat lunch early and you’re secure against or at least fed for mid-day surprises. Of course, if you eat lunch early, there might come a major afternoon fade. One such two o’clock I grabbed a needed…… Continue reading Snack and Snack Again: Behind “Vinny Two Snacks”
Didion’s Ghost and 7 Other Tests Before Submitting a Story
Every manuscript tells two stories. One, how strong the writing is. Two, how professional the writer is. Not sure about the pro part? The story isn’t ready. If your piece isn’t even in manuscript format, or there’s your personal format but not what the market specifies, the story is very definitely not ready.…… Continue reading Didion’s Ghost and 7 Other Tests Before Submitting a Story