Blog Entries from Corbyn

  1. Writing vs Research

    Sometimes, when we write, we find ourselves writing about things we don't know anything about. Sometimes, that's ok, and others it just isn't. Research is a necessary part of any writer's tool kit. But how much research is to much? I've always thought, that depends on what kind of writer you are. For me, I don't want to be the type that comes across as not knowing what the heck I'm talking about. For example, in my current WIP the people populating my story will have to use a variety of...
  2. Forum Stalker

    I find myself feeling a little bad tonight, and much like a forum stalker. You see when I joined the forum way back when, I was coming out of a creative writing course at a community college near by. I was prolific with my posting, and very stingy with sharing my writing. At the end of said class, my Professor told me he had no doubts that I would be published one day. I've heard that alot over the last few years, but sadly didn't think my writing good enough, or polished enough to share....
  3. Thank You

    I'd like to take a breath, and thank everyone who reads my craziness. Not just my shorts, or novel excerpts that I post here, but also this blog. Writing is a lonely endeavor under the best of circumstances. I've found especially in the beginning, or when you as a writer are most apt to second guess the things your putting out into the world. Sometimes we just need a pick me up, or to know that we're not the only ones out there struggling to get the ideas in our head, out onto a screen or...
  4. Nanowrimo

    The last two weeks have been jam packed with craziness for me. More so than usual. Finally this morning I had a moment to take a breath. It was in that breath I had an oh crap moment. It's October 7th, which means Nanowrimo is upon us. In August I promised myself I would have all my little fuzzy yellow duckies in a row, and be ready for Nano. I am not. Not only am I not ready, but I've realized my Mc is not ready. And of course all these realizations come at a week long work conference...
  5. Character dreams

    I recently read a character development exercise where you get to know your character through two different approaches. The first being their dreams. This can unlock various items that can be repeated through your wip to establish symbolism, among other things. The second, being to imagine your character getting dressed, or going through their full morning routine. This will unlock habits, and give a deeper sense of your character. So I've decided to try both, but up first will be the dream....
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  6. Sense and sensibility

    Lately, I'm finding it increasingly difficult playing at being an adult. I don't mean doing the adulty things, like paying bills, but rather in making myself do the sensible thing. You see I've always done the sensible thing. That's been my go to pathway even when I wasn't sure what my path should be. There is nothing wrong with doing the sensible thing either. But lately, I'm finding it's just not enough. I've had a sensible job for the last nine years as a veterinary technician. It's not...
  7. Constructive Criticism and Critiques

    Maybe I've miss titled this blog, and maybe the tittle is right on the head, but either way here goes. Writing is a lonely endeavor. The best we can hope for as writers is that when we do poke our heads out from behind our keyboards, screens, or what ever you prefer to write on, there will be someone there waiting for those precious words. For some of us, that need is ten fold, and culminates in workshops, critique groups, or real life writer meetings. Personally, I take the whole gambit....
  8. One Million Words

    At the beginning of August, one of my real life writing groups did a writing retreat. One of the ladies in said group brought her copy of James Patterson's online writing seminar. In it he said, "Be prepared to write, and write a lot. At least a million words. You'll go through them all, and if you stick with it doggedly, you'll get there, and find yourself not only a published author, but also one with a work ethic that will never fail you." That really stuck with me. When I started...
  9. Playing with Conversation

    I found myself kicked back into a relaxed slouch, my body nuzzled into the soft leather of the couch. Absently I popped a cheesy corn chip into my mouth as I scanned the television channels. What a great invention television is, it’s one of the few forms of “entertainment” that you humans have invented that really does you no good what so ever. It’s mind numbing, and for that I am intrigued. I hated being kept waiting, and that was exactly what Arian was doing. I found myself...
  10. Free Will

    Possible new opening to a story I had started months ago... Looking for some feedback from those who read the original version posted here... Just wondering if it makes for a better opening... The bus swayed every now and then jumping as the shocks corrected after a bump. The speakers in the rear of the vehicle crackled cutting through the sound of a country fiddle playing a run of notes. You southern people, I have never understood your fascination with country ‘twang’ as you call it....
  11. Writing Sponsor

    I joined a writing guild in the next town over, and it has been inspirational to say the least. Saturday I will be attending a writing conference in Amarillo. I'm not sure what to expect but I think it will help bring me out of my cloistered little shell, which I need. The first (admittedly the only) meeting I have attended so far was around the first of December, the following being in a few weeks. Anyway, at this meeting they did a potluck sort of gift exchange. It was neat...
  12. Exercise on Character

    I took a creative writing class at my college a few semesters ago that rekindled my desire to write. It was a great open course, but it did not teach us much about craft. As the result of a wet appetite, I have gone on my own personal learning crusade regarding the actual craft of writing. Specifically I focus on fiction short stories and hopefully eventually a novel. So one of the resources I have come to enjoy is the Gotham Writers’ Workshop book on fiction writing. Anyway what I...
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  13. Writing Exercise, Random Word Gen.

    I read a lot about people who claim to have writers block. Personally, I’ve never suffered from it; however I do get easily distracted by various things. When working on my writing and not actually wanting to work on a specific story, I have a trick that I use as a writing exercise. I use a random word generator: [URL]http://watchout4snakes.com/CreativityTools/RandomWord/RandomWord.aspx[/URL] [URL]http://watchout4snakes.com/CreativityTools/RandomWord/RandomWordPlus.aspx[/URL] To find three words, in...
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  14. Boscoe

    As a general rule, I’m no blogger. The types of blog entries I typically post are versions of my writing, usually a piece of a novel or short story. Today I’m writing to tell a different story. I must warn anyone who continues to read this sad entry that the following will be rather graphic and is unfortunately a true tale. At nine this morning I sat behind my desk waiting for my first patient to arrive. It had been a typical Monday up to this point. All the slightly off owners...
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