90% of everything is crap. That’s just nature; there is more attempt than skill, and even skill must be cultivated. So why do I complain that 90% of Christian art is crap? Because unlike the rest of the world, mainstream Christianity defends its crap. While this trend is thankfully changing, there are still a staggering … Continue reading Why Defending Bad Christian Art Shows Bad Theology
It is an insult when someone says that the work you created isn't worth their wallets. Not that they can't afford it, but that the weeks, months, or years put into it, the training you underwent, and the skill you've shown aren't worth a dime. That you are not a person with bills to pay, … Continue reading Book Pirates Are Not “Fans”
The best I've seen of all that I've seen (or played) in 2017. Why? Because art is awesome and we should celebrate it. Particularly, I'm looking at books, movies, video games, and anime. Note: these are not all things that came out in 2017, but things I experienced for the first time in 2017. So … Continue reading 2017: A Year in Art
"I could write a book." How many times have people told me that? And I'm not famous; these are just people who hear I'm a writer and think they can be, too. Because that's not insulting at all. Let's put aside that megalomaniacal assumption of "can" and ask another question no one asks: "should." "Should … Continue reading Should You Write a Novel?
This may be the most metal book I've read all year. Or...ever, which says more about me than the book. Oh, well. I just happened to pick this book up when Crossover Alliance gave away all their books for free one day (That was an awe. some. day.). I've seen Carver's name around, but finally … Continue reading Book Review: “Indelible” or “Tattoos are Forever, Stupid.” (8/10)
Intros are for people with time on their hands and you're a busy person, so let's get right to it. How DO you turn a book into a movie successfully, according to this nerd's perspective? 1. Put the Book in the Blender and hit Puree Yes, fellow bibliophiles, if you want a good movie adaptation, … Continue reading How to Turn a Book into a Movie in Two Agonizing Steps
No, not Stephanie Meyer. You can relax. I'm talking about Brandon Sanderson. Author of the Mistborn novels, The Stormlight Archive, the guy who finished Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time after his death, and lots more. Dozens of factors play into success, but there's one fact that should not be overlooked: Sanderson is good. Freaking good. Now, … Continue reading Why a Mormon Writer is Smarter Than Most Christian Writers
Some tropes we just love. We've seen them 8 million times and we'll happily see them again...if they're done right. This series explores good and bad tropes in books, film, anime, and video games. What was the very first twist ending? I'm guessing it was the whole Jesus-came-back-to-life moment, but plot twists are some of … Continue reading Trope Teardown: Good Twist, Bad Twist, Cheap Twist, Seuss Joke
Whenever you ask for something, you need to offer something of proper value. Want food? Bring cash. Want a job? Show them you're good. Want a $30 video game at Gamestop? Bring $320 worth of games. Apparently. Me, I'm a writer. All I have are words. But WHICH words should I offer? Currently, I have … Continue reading Which Book Would YOU Support?
I'm a writer and editor. I know the rules. Don't use "felt." Don't use "very." Don't use "-ly" words. Don't use adverbs at all if you can help it. Don't use to-be verbs. Show, don't tell. Don't use flashbacks. Start in scene. Don't use passive voice. These are all good rules. But there's one more … Continue reading Writing Extremes are Always BS.
Fencing With Ink 