As writers, we spend an excessive amount of time coming up with names for our characters. Sometimes, for me at least, the character proudly announces who they are—name, history, the whole shebang. Some characters are a bit more stubborn and hoard that information like gold. My character Meegan Redoak has been with me for so … Continue reading What’s in a (Character) Name?
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Friday Features I
Welcome to Friday Features. What is it all about? To be honest, I haven’t totally decided yet. I thought about blogging my freelance journey as I start a new chapter of my life. I thought about talking about some of the freaky stuff that happens in life. I thought about a lot of things. So, … Continue reading Friday Features I
Ch-Ch-Changes
So, I’m “retired.” What does that mean exactly? For one, it means that I have a whole lot more time on my hands. The trick will be to figure out how to fill that time in a meaningful manner. My brain is all atwitter with ways I could fill said time, but I tend to … Continue reading Ch-Ch-Changes
Tawanda!
(C) 2018 JJ ShaunOn the road to retirement. Two weeks ago, my supervisor informed me that the Visible Means of Support™ has eliminated my position. As of today, I am retired—that's my term, not theirs. I've known for some time that this "action" was coming, so First Reader and I took steps to soften the … Continue reading Tawanda!
Worldbuilding, Part IV
Worldbuilding is part of any fictional story. “But wait a minute,” you say. “What about contemporary stories? You know, those set in the world of today?” Think about any fiction you have ever read. Even those that are as realistic and set in today’s world as anything out there. It’s not just fantasy or sci-fi … Continue reading Worldbuilding, Part IV
Life and Loss
2019 JJ ShaunJoe Yesterday, our family held a memorial service for a man who was as much kin as one could be and not be born into the clan. Joe dropped into our lives almost twenty-five years ago. He had just been released prison and volunteered to help his brother build an extra room into … Continue reading Life and Loss
Summer’s End
(C) 2019 JJ ShaunEnd of summer cooking. And just like that, it’s Labor Day, the “unofficial end of summer.” So, aside from it being a federal holiday and long weekend, what is Labor Day all about? In the beginning, labor unions brought about the end of tyranny by employers who used and abused their workers. … Continue reading Summer’s End
Motorcycles and World Records
As many of you already know, I ride a motorcycle. Yesterday I had the opportunity to not only help break a world record but to benefit a good cause—the Firefly Autism organization. Back in June, First Reader and a couple of friends rode to Topeka, Kansas, to participate in the Women's Freedom Ride. When they … Continue reading Motorcycles and World Records
Kickstarting Your Imagination
What sparks a story for you? A scene in a movie? The lyrics to a song? A person or event you saw on the street? A newspaper article? An old photograph? The inspiration for my novel began as a vivid dream that I had a whole lotta years ago. The idea sat dormant until recent … Continue reading Kickstarting Your Imagination
Summer Vacation, Part II
Last week, I promised pictures of the Vedauwoo formations. I failed. Instead, we went on ATV rides around the Pole Mountain area of the Medicine Bow National Forest in Wyoming. (C) 2019, JJ ShaunOur campsite We had an impressive camp spot with a gorgeous view. (C) 2019, JJ ShaunView from camp Our friend, “DJ LaLa,” … Continue reading Summer Vacation, Part II
J.J. Shaun 