LINKS

I have added two new links which will be heIpful to authors and authors-to-be.

READING

This past Friday, I hung out at my favorite bookstore. A few days ago I asked who is your favorite author(s)? I can't say that I have a favorite author, but I'm attracted to the works of Edgar Allan Poe and Herman Melville. I enjoy Poe because of the dark cloak of mysteryin his writings.To the latter, I read his most popular book-'Moby Dick'. He has another book named 'Typee' which I have never read. Melville's writing fascinates me because the sea is a major backdrop. There are other authors that catch my interest: Joyce Carol Oates; Paul Laurence Dunbar; Miguel De Cervantes (Don Quixote); Sylvia Plath; and Larry McMurtry. I don't limit myself to certain authors because it's good to read different genres. I enjoy a good western as much as a good book of poetry. My advice? Experiment. Much can be learned from different and diverse writers of all genres-and from all over the world.

WRITE WHAT YOU LOVE

We pursue the things we have a passion for with abandon. In writing, the genres we love will get our maximum effort in time and attention. It is good to write about the things you enjoy and know much about. Football is a sport I love and I can relate many stories and details, having played the game. Your enthusiasm and knowledge is passed on to your audience. I believe some books are classics because the author liked what he/she was writing. The passion is felt by the reader, and even the most minute detail can keep them interested. Boring writing is not worth the time and effort. The readers can tell, too. Why write about something you have little or no interest in? Good writing keeps your readers begging for more. As a master of the written language,isn't that what you want?

FAVORITE AUTHOR

Who is your favorite author? Why? What read are you reading now? What is your favorite book?

RESEARCH

Research is an underrated but important part of the writing life. It can get tedious at times, but, along the way, you may discover something you didn't know before. When researching historical facts, I'm blown away by the numerous sidebars of the actual story. Case in point: how many people know that the Navajos are the largest Indian tribe in the United States? See what I mean! Accuracy is essential to any piece of writing, especially historical facts. The reading audience is very intelligent. If they spot some inaccuracy in the facts, they will point it out, and your story or novel loses some credibility. The dictionary is another ally to the author. There have been many times I didn't know the meaning to a word. After looking in the dictionary, and using the word in a sentence, I comprehended what the author was saying. Research adds a wealth of knowledge to your life as well as to your writing, and the audience benefits also. The journey through mounds of information can be rewarding-and fun,too. Research is your ally, so look at it as a positive aspect of the writing life. You can't go wrong.

There are so many books i want to read. Do you ever feel that way? So mbooks, so little time. I have a few books on my wish list that I will read eventually. If horror is your niche, her's a few authors that specialize in that genre: Dean Koontz Stephen King V.C. Andrews Anne Rice Richard Matheson

NOTE

Though Edgar Allan Poe's most famous poem is 'The Raven', he wrotes numerous other poems and was a great story teller. His short stories were masterful, as he drew the reader into the protagonist's web. Great authors often do this.

I'm reading a book called 'Great Tales and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe'. Just started reading it a couple of days ago. I have always been fascinated by this author. I will give you a report on this book when I finish.

COMMENTARY

I have always loved to write and read the writings of others. It has taken me into the lives of the characters as well as the authors. Every one has a story to tell, and the great writers have a knack of drawing you into their world. Every writer, be it the greats or the novice, shares a part of themselves that has never been shared out in public. This is a precious event which should never be ridiculed or minimized. On this site, i will share some of my work. I will also share some writings of other authors. Recently, I have become enamored with the writings of Edgar Allan Poe. Though I enjoy different genres, I'm attracted to writing on the dark side. I'll try to share different styles and genres. A final word: I welcome any comments, suggestions about the site, anything you desire. Enjoy your chai! MOCHA

Welcome to my new site! I will begin posting very shortly.