At 7:44 this morning, I lost a friend. I don't like to use phrases like 'passed away', or 'in a better place'; I don't like to paint the brutality of his suffering with a soft brush. He had cancer for two years, and this morning he died. I'd known him for seven years. I will … Continue reading End of the Road: A Tribute
October Is Here, and I’m Giving Away 22 Scars
It's October, which is probably Amy's favorite month - it's autumn enough to feel the fall chill and the changing of the colors, but it isn't her birthday yet, which she hates. It's a month when it's considered acceptable to dress all in black, and no one bats an eye when you say there aren't … Continue reading October Is Here, and I’m Giving Away 22 Scars
The Argument Against Reading
I often come across authors, writers, and others in the literary world asking—sometimes of themselves, sometimes of others—how much should a writer read? The general consensus seems to be 'as much as possible,' but I have a variation on that question that I sometimes ask myself: Should writers read at all? Now bear with me—I'm … Continue reading The Argument Against Reading
Song: It’s Your Fault
This is the second song I wrote for my upcoming novel, The Broken. Written by Malcolm James, it's about the domestic abuse he suffered growing up. *** Every inch you come closer to me I take a step back and Draw my line in the sand but You push and I cut Your face from my … Continue reading Song: It’s Your Fault
I Have a Structure
After a while of fretting and hemming and hawing, I think I've finally managed to set in place a working structure for The Broken. Structure is everything to me. It's the thread that holds the fabric of story together; it's the glue that binds disparate parts together into a cohesive whole. It's what makes a story … Continue reading I Have a Structure
Where I Go
This is a song I wrote to go with my current WIP. I'd love to know what you think! This is where I go When there’s nothing else to know When there’s nothing else to feel What you told me was a lie And I know that I’m not real In your eyes This is … Continue reading Where I Go
The Broken
It's been almost a year since 22 Scars was released, and so far I've garnered 10 positive Amazon reviews and over 70 Goodreads ratings. Small starts, but I'm pleased. What I'm most pleased with is the people who've given me the confidence to continue. The people who tell me they enjoy what I'm doing, and that … Continue reading The Broken
A Measure of Success
In the month or so since I've last written on here, a lot has changed - and yet, so much remains the same. At the end of June and into July, I devolved into a festering mass of depression, returning to a mental state I haven't been in for several years. I was longing to … Continue reading A Measure of Success
Two New Reviews
I've come across two new reviews of 22 Scars online recently, which I feel really reflect the intent behind the novel. One of them is utterly glowing (of course!), while the other is positive while offering some criticisms. Either way, both are honest, and I feel like they showcase the story in the light it … Continue reading Two New Reviews
Comparisons of 22 Scars
I've written before about some of the books out there that are inevitably going to serve as comparison point for 22 Scars. These books include Thirteen Reasons Why, Scars, and Cut, amongst others. But that was because of the specific plot points, thematic material and characters. Sometimes (who am I kidding - all of the time), I wonder about … Continue reading Comparisons of 22 Scars
