New Song: “No Way Home”

I know it’s not exactly novel writing, but I’m trying to put together my EP, “The Owl,” this year. This is the first song.

Ain’t no way now to come back home.
Everything that I know is gone.
I’ll never see those familiar stones.
Ain’t no way now to come back home.

Left the land for a distant shore,
And they won’t see me forevermore.
All I’ll know is toil and war.
Left the land for a distant shore.

I want to fly in the clouds above.
I want to see my own true love,
But she won’t know me, stained with blood.
I want to fly in the clouds above.

Ain’t no way now to come back home.
I’ve fallen into the great unknown.
Maybe that’s where they’ll bury my bones.
Ain’t no way now to come back home.

I’m a Magical Writer (and You’re Not)

Disclaimer: Maybe I just don’t get it, and I’m willing to accept that.

“I’ve got the best job in the world. I craft universes. I create people and they tell me what they want. I’m a storyteller. I’m the bard in our global village.”

Sound familiar? You’ve probably heard it a dozen times, perhaps from some of your favorite storytellers/bards/creators/gods. I’m going to be straight with you folks here: I really dislike the spiritualization of writing.

Continue reading I’m a Magical Writer (and You’re Not)

How to Plan a Writing Retreat, Part 3: Food

If you’re going to plan a writing retreat, you’ve got to get rid of the distractions.One of the biggest obstacles to good writing is that pesky need to eat. Here, our Head Chef (my incredibly talented wife, Renée White), enlightens you about the challenges faced by the cooks.

Continue reading How to Plan a Writing Retreat, Part 3: Food

How to Plan a Writing Retreat, Part 2: The Schedule

So you’ve got your writers’ retreat going, but what do you do from there? Without a structure, the whole thing will deteriorate into drinking and board games. Yes, I know you’re all a bunch of nerds.

This post is all about supporting the goals listed in my first article. If you haven’t read it, I suggest you take a few minutes and head that way. If you’re ready to move onto the next topic, learn about the food requirements. Continue reading How to Plan a Writing Retreat, Part 2: The Schedule

How to Plan a Writing Retreat, Part 1: Goals and Rules

So you’d like to plan a writing retreat. Good, because an effective retreat is like Disneyland with no lines, unlimited food, no screaming kids and only interesting people. Oh, and you don’t have to go outside.

But you’re going to need some goals. Let me help you with that. Continue reading How to Plan a Writing Retreat, Part 1: Goals and Rules

My dream was to sell a book. We did.

My heart is full and my life is good. Solaris officially announced that my book, EVERY MOUNTAIN MADE LOW, will debut in 2016.

Featuring Pullman-esque world building and set in a future Alabama city known as ‘The Hole,’ Every Mountain Made Low tells the story of Loxley, a young autistic woman whose family have the ability to see the restless dead. But for Loxley, the spirits of the deceased can see her back; they’re drawn to her like a bright fire, and their lightest touch leaves her with painful wounds. She avoids them as best she can, but she can’t say no to the spectre of Nora, her only friend, who was alive just hours ago. Swearing to take blood for blood and find her friend’s killer, she finds herself drawn into a conspiracy that will see her hunted down by the brutal enforcer of the corporate interests who reign over the hellish city.

For every GEARHEART fan who wondered what happened to my writing career, there’s the answer. I thank you all for graciously sticking with me on my journey.

For all of my friends who read my stories and gave encouraging words, thank you. For my agent, who exhibited many forms of genius during this sale, thank you.

Most of all, thanks to my wife and parents for taking care of me during my writing career. We’re at the beginning, but I’m sure I’ll impose on you again soon!