Around the Mind Updates

So there's been a lot happening with me lately. First and foremost, Bond of Darkness is nearing its completion. I had a wonderful conversation with my alpha reader (who needed to vent about something), and we came to the heart of what good writing is.

It is a culmination of various concepts and ideas. All must be in place and with the right amount to make writing shine. You primarily need zingy dialogue (to make me believe the characters and see personality). You then need hearty, true characters (to make me believe the world and the circumstances that fall around them). You then need a world to complicate everything. You need events and conflict to challenge the hearty characters into zingy dialogue to build the reader-character relationship.

Back to Bond of Darkness, I'm just now learning true, great writing in its 3rd draft. By learning the various facets of what makes regular writing great, I was able to really create a story that I was proud of and not just writing because I said I could. There are people who write a novel or short story because they need a challenge, but it is all for naught if you do not dedicate yourself and accept the harsh criticism that will come with it.

There goes my own rant for the day!

Other updates around the Mind include the following:

My blogfest, the Hook, Line & Sinker Blogfest, is scheduled for October 11, 2010. Please use the link to be redirected to the list so you may register to participate. There's a few of my followers who have sidebared the badge, but haven't yet signed up. Please do so soon.

My first interview in the Industry Leaders series is still open. The 2nd post will be made in mid-October, and the interview will be with the editor of Leucrota Press. Stay around for that interview.

If you know any one in the industry who might be interested in an interview, do tell and I'll make arrangements to contact them.

Thanks all!

Peace and Writing Love,

JWP