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
Writing and Research
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
Summer Vacation, Part I
I just got back from the first half of vacation. Why should that interest you, you ask? Well, I travel to some exciting places and meet some interesting people. For example, I spend the last several days riding my motorcycle around the Black Hill of South Dakota—well, me, three of my friends, and about 150,000 … Continue reading Summer Vacation, Part I
Learning from Those Who Came Before
So, I spent the morning researching a creature for my D&D campaign, and during that research, I found a reference to a Germanic “house pet” of myth (think Dobby). I so wanted to ask my mom about her experiences growing up with the Northern German legend, but I can’t. My mom passed four and a … Continue reading Learning from Those Who Came Before
J.J. Shaun 