Perspective and Tense in Writing

I recently read a post in the writing community that I am a part of that was about the fact that first person present tense perspective is not well regarded and he argued that it is just as valid as others.  He got a lot of flack from others for saying that. I completely agree with his post. I love reading first person present and enjoy writing that style too. I’m partial to all first person pov’s and I don’t understand why it gets such short shrift.

I remember a writing group/class I was a part of for a long while and the leader/teacher was constantly trying to get me to stop writing in first person and shift to third. 

Theme or Plot

A writing group that I'm a part of had an interesting and long running discussion on writing . . . is it plot driven or theme driven. 

When I write, and I've published 3 novels (see HERE), I start with plot and from that develop characters and theme. 

More on Sunset Perfect

As you all know, I am a fan of this loose series of mysteries and thrillers. Vapor Trail, On the Edge, Toe the Line all have working out and athletics as a theme (see HERE). 

As a part of Sunset Perfect there is a theme of culture and trust, there's also a murder that brings up a theme of family and simmering betrayal, but all of this takes place around and among a football team that is going through some drastic turbulence and challenges. 

Coming Back for More

I am fairly certain I know who Kim is, but it’s nice to see that she likes my writing (see more HERE). If she is who I think, this is not a “friend” review. Not only that…. She liked the writing so much she wanted more! I’ll be happy for the rest of the day!

The review above is of On the Edge (see HERE). 

First Line Right Now

 The other day I mentioned how I'm trying to get back into writing via reading. Well, to help spur that along I picked up a Travis McGee and a Dick Francis. I'm mid way through the Travis McGee and just started the Dick Francis. 

The Dick Francis (unlike some of his others, see HERE) has a less than inspiring first line, but it's not that bad. Makes me want to find out what happened. But the Trav McGee won out!

Trading Up for Winter?

A while back I posted about writing areas and desks (see HERE). This summer I traded my office writing area (see below) for the pergola. Nice big, soft fans, a breeze, surrounded by nature and a bubbling pool fountain, outdoor speakers, bird song and squirrels, the whole bit. 

It wasn't bad. There's actually some nice chairs out there, and all that nature is a nice distraction.

Done? Doesn't Feel Like It

 I have two major papers due in the next few weeks. The end of my semester long class. It's been a long slow haul, this class. It's on qualitative research and it's not my cup of tea. 

But this post isn't about my class. You'll notice I haven't labeled it as adult education. This is about writing. I started writing the best draft yet of Sunset Perfect the other day. I got 7 chapters through and then I had to switch gears to writing my papers. Now that the papers are (almost) done, I can't switch gears back to writing fiction. 

Summer Wind in Winter?

Apparently my pseudonym is Molotov Scotch Tale. I mean, she could be my clone. We think the same things. Anyone who follows these posts would know that she has been a big part of these Evershade posts (see HERE). 

This first is from her. 

Exactly my State of Mind

As a part of the ever growing series with the Evershade label (see HERE) are these next few, I have to say these are pretty close to what I'm feeling, eerily close. 

This first is a quickie, from Patti o'Malley, who I have never reposted before. But it's quick, easy, and feels about right. 

First Line of Fearless Fourteen

I’m trying to enjoy some life again so between work and school I’m picking up a favorite author and reading for fun. I did this back this summer (see HERE) when I had a break from school. 

And since I’ve started pecking away again at Sunset Perfect (probably inspired by these reviews! HERE)I thought it would be good to read a bit. It’s also a stress reliever for me. So that’s plenty of reasons for me to read more.