True, But Too Strange for Fiction

Create a character, named Anthony Weiner who is a congressman. Have him take pictures of his genitalia and send them to young women. Have it become public because he made a mistake with Twitter. Have him resign. Already, the scenario sounds unrealistic because of his name. But, wait, there’s more… A year afterward, have him … Read more

Character Infodumps

Recently, in a weekly critique group that I belong to, I’ve seen several submissions where in the first few chapters, the author stops the story cold to provide description of a person, surroundings, or both. In one case, in the first chapter, the story stopped to get complete (multi-paragraph) backstories on six characters. Literally, we’re … Read more

Beach Deer

In 2008, I visited Fripp Island, SC. When there, I get up at sunrise and walk the beach. It so peaceful. And sometimes, I get surprised. This morning, several deer wandered on the beach and played in the surf. I was able to take several pictures without disturbing them. The above picture makes me think … Read more