Puerto Rico, or “Rich Port,” is part of the Greater Antilles chain of islands in the Caribbean Sea. It became a US Commonwealth on this day in 1952.
Writing Tools
Chapter 3: Crystal Magic
“What the fu-” exclaimed Chase scrambling back. “Did you guys see that?” “See what?” asked Dreyah over her shoulder as she reached the base of the escarpment, unhooked from the line, and gave the rope a twitch to let Taliesin know that she had landed. “Kat … just …” he stammered. “Where’s Katra?” Dreyah asked, … Continue reading Chapter 3: Crystal Magic
DIY MFA: Imagining a Magical World
As a fantasy writer, how do you unfold your world in a way that is interesting and makes sense to the reader? Some writers fold elements of their worldbuilding into the action and setting as the protagonist moves through their environment. Others describe the surroundings, then launch the action, not always explaining how some elements … Continue reading DIY MFA: Imagining a Magical World
Random Quote for August 20, 2020
“Never judge anyone by another's opinions. We all have different sides that we show to different people.”~Jacqueline Susann American writer and actress Jacqueline Susann was born on this day in 1918
Wednesday Word for August 19, 2020
Today’s word comes from the news. Follow me on Facebook: @jjshaunauthor. Today’s Word Part of Speech noun Definition Secret agreement or cooperation especially for an illegal or deceitful purpose.A secret agreement, especially for fraudulent or treacherous purposes; conspiracy.A secret understanding between two or more persons to gain something illegally, to defraud another of his or … Continue reading Wednesday Word for August 19, 2020
Cruisin’ the Black Hills
Last week a small group of us rode our motorcycles to the 80th annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in western South Dakota. Many of our friends and family were concerned that the event would be a free-for-all for covid, and in some respects, they were right. It probably will be a super-spreading event. Because of that, … Continue reading Cruisin’ the Black Hills
Random Quote for August 17, 2020
“At times I feel it almost impossible not to despond entirely of there ever being a better, brighter day for us. None but those who experience it can know what it is—this constant, galling sense of cruel injustice and wrong. I cannot help feeling it very often—it intrudes upon my happiest moments, and spreads a … Continue reading Random Quote for August 17, 2020
Chapter 2: Confusion
Katra clawed her way to consciousness one painful realization at a time. Her last clear memory was entering a cave looking for her cousins, Elayna and Eliam, and climbing down a rope to a cavern filled with crystals. She vaguely recollected approaching and reaching out to the formations … then, she was here. Shivering, nude, … Continue reading Chapter 2: Confusion
Random Quote for August 15, 2020
“A closed mind is a dying mind.”~Edna Ferber American novelist, short story writer and playwright Edna Ferber was born on this day in 1885.
DIY MFA: Growing Your Character
If you read much, you already know novels are not limited to a single plot thread. A lot of books I’ve read have a main plot, at least one subplot, and a character arc. Your main plot is the scaffold on which you build the story and measure progress. Character arcs and sub-plots add depth … Continue reading DIY MFA: Growing Your Character
J.J. Shaun 