Big Player

<br /> Here's an excerpt of my latest book: Big Player<br /> <br /> Excerpt:<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oOH2KJpw2JQ/WrgKvMBADFI/AAAAAAAAAEI/uZ298HobKDITUZJ-RPZ-bi78gWGQq81IACLcBGAs/s1600/reussi%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oOH2KJpw2JQ/WrgKvMBADFI/AAAAAAAAAEI/uZ298HobKDITUZJ-RPZ-bi78gWGQq81IACLcBGAs/s320/reussi%2B2.jpg" width="213" /></a></div> <br /> <blockquote class="tr_bq"> <div style="text-align: left;">   <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> <span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: large;">He waved a thick frying pan of a hand.<br />"My lovely Jennifer, another pitcher." <br />His deep voice carried over the din of barroom patter and the kinetic beat of Jump Around that blasted from the overhead speakers. <br />One of the regulars at Casey's and my favourite. Fifteen minutes left in the shift and it looked like I’d get out tonight without a major headache, which would be a first.<br />"Be right there Mr. O'Neill<br />I saddled up to the bar with my tray.<br />A pitcher of Guinness for Mr O'Neil and company."<br />Jack furrowed his brow. His frizzy red hair flaring, he took a hard drag on the last of his cigarette, stubbed it out in an ashtray in front of me, nodded and poured out the draft with a veteran's touch<br />He slapped the jug onto my tray. <br />"On your way then." <br />The slight flick of the head, the curt directive. I could tell the evening was wearing thin on him. In this state he was liable to lose it at any moment. And that was a sight to behold especially for the poor soul who crossed his path. I took the tray gingerly, backed up slowly and turned around. Two bulky middle-aged men stood before me. Oblivious to the world they were in apparent agreement about the sacrilege of allowing penalty shots to decide tied hockey games. <br />"It's like watching soccer Jack. If I wanted to watch soccer I would go to France or Italy, not the Garden, for gawds sake," said the one in my way.<br />"Excuse me fellas, coming through," I said. <br />No response. I might as well as have been invisible.<br />"Guy's, excuse me," I said raising my voice several octaves.<br />The one doing all the listening and nodding turned his head. He tapped the other fellow on the shoulder and nodded in my direction. His friend looked my way and when he focused in on me, he glared. I clearly touched a nerve. He shifted over just enough for me to squeeze by. <br />"Hey, and don't get me started on pushy dames."<br />I gritted my teeth, took in a deep breath, then exhaled. Let it go Jennifer. You know he has issues. Get through the shift unscathed and you win.</span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: large;">Mr O'Neill waved again. His bushy white hair and size set him apart from his two friends Derek Ryan and Johnny Thorpe seated on either side of him. The three wise men folks called them. They’d been coming to Casey's as far back as anyone could remember. <br />I set the pitcher of draft in the centre of the bench <br />"That'll be 15 dollars gentlemen." <br />Mr O'Neil handed me a twenty. <br />"Keep the change my lovely lass."<br />"That won't be necessary Mr O'Neil." <br />He was on a fixed income. I couldn't take his tips. <br />Mr O'Neill took the five dollar bill with a sheepish look.<br />"On the day my lottery ticket comes through I'll make good on all my spurned offers."<br />I couldn't help but laugh. He had a way with words.<br />"And on that day I'll gladly take them Mr O'Neill." <br />What a sweetheart. I was about to turn away when he raised his hand indicating to me to wait. Then, with surprising dexterity for someone so large he reached to his side and pulled out a manila folder. He opened it and laid it flat on the table. I recognized my work. <br />"This is the portrait the lovely Jennifer did for me. Isn't it grand?"<br />Derek and Johnny took in the charcoal rendering of their friend and nodded.<br />"What you doing waiting bars with the talent like that?" Derek said. <br />I shook my head. <br />"Trying to get life experience Mr. Ryan. Good for the soul wouldn't you say." <br />My words and attitude belied my feelings. This is not how I pictured my life would be in any of my High School daydreams. But I reminded myself happiness came in many forms and no one or thing brought me more than my daughter. <br />"Have a great night guys, gotta keep this gig rolling."<br />" Good night my lovely lass."</span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: large;">I surveyed the scene to see who would hail me next. The night was lively. The Bruins’ Jerseys and Caps were out in force. Though not a game night tonight, the season was winding down and Boston was a lock to make the playoffs. My cell phone rang. I checked the number thinking it could be the sitter. A false alarm. I was getting as high strung as my mother. I took another look, the number wasn't one I recognized. Someone from out of town calling? The voice sounded familiar and yet... <br />"Gina... Is that you?"I found myself saying to an echo from the past.<br />Could it be Gina Michaels? The voice was the same but the attitude was nothing like the girl I remembered from High School, the one who had been afraid of her own shadow..</span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div> <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br /></span> <br /> <br /></blockquote> <br />

Big Player

Here's an excerpt of my latest book: Big Player Excerpt:   He waved a thick frying pan of a hand. "My lovely Jennifer...

Recommended books for writers

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XXhH8gFXSMc/WS5VtVgc2MI/AAAAAAAAADk/SpfMnZA57rssjrP-d9fpvOmOrENiC2fwgCLcB/s1600/Emotion%2BThesaurus_%2BA%2BWriter%2527s%2BGuide%2Bto%2BCharacter%2BExpression%252C%2BThe%2B-%2BAngela%2BAckerman%2B%2526%2BBecca%2BPuglisi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="751" data-original-width="524" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XXhH8gFXSMc/WS5VtVgc2MI/AAAAAAAAADk/SpfMnZA57rssjrP-d9fpvOmOrENiC2fwgCLcB/s320/Emotion%2BThesaurus_%2BA%2BWriter%2527s%2BGuide%2Bto%2BCharacter%2BExpression%252C%2BThe%2B-%2BAngela%2BAckerman%2B%2526%2BBecca%2BPuglisi.jpg" width="223" /></a></div> <b><span style="font-size: large;">No matter what</span></b> anyone tries to tell you writing is a craft that can be continually improved. To that end I have some suggestions for writing craft books that will help demystify all of the misconceptions that surround the practice.<br /> <br /> The Emotion Thesaurus by Angela Ackerman<br /> <br /> <br />   Conveying emotion is one of the most important tasks of a writer. When you're trying publish on a regular basis or on a deadline sometimes inspiration fails. For those difficult moments an  excellent resource is The Emotion Thesaurus. The book lists 75 emotions and the various body language and visceral responses as well as more in depth information to truly flesh out those moments when you need to convey a particular emotion without resorting to the dreaded telling that is so verboten for fiction writers.<br /> <br /> A Room Of One's Own by Virginia Woolf<br /> <br /> <a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2Rz5Z0aU5Y8/WSpo9z9Aw8I/AAAAAAAAADU/Mu34S4cSc88J1RCUw491mzO0bjFBmMyMwCLcB/s1600/woolf-190x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="190" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2Rz5Z0aU5Y8/WSpo9z9Aw8I/AAAAAAAAADU/Mu34S4cSc88J1RCUw491mzO0bjFBmMyMwCLcB/s1600/woolf-190x300.jpg" /></a><br /> A manifesto of sorts for the troubles that once beset women who wanted to write but the central idea of the work, the idea that at the heart of it all was the need for a room, a place of solitude to work from is timely for all would be writers regardless of gender.<br /> <br /> On Writing by Stephen king<br /> <br /> A writing craft book that reveals itself through important events in his life so the lessons of craft are placed in the framework of his life, which is what fiction is, a mélange of reality and fiction intermingled so as to highlight a deeper truth,<br /> <br /> Bird by Bird by Anee Lamott<br /> <br /> The title of this excellent book is taken from an event in Lamott's childhood. Her brother asked her father how he would go about writing a school report on birds. Her father's advice to her brother was take it "one bird at a time." The anecdote neatly sums up the great number of anecdotes that make up this book and also make it so valuable.<br /> <br /> The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron<br /> <br /> There’s lots of good advice to tap into your creativity and take a new approach to your work.<br /> <br /> These are just a few examples. I'm sure you have some of your own favorites. I welcome you to share them.

Recommended books for writers

No matter what anyone tries to tell you writing is a craft that can be continually improved. To that end I have some suggestions for writ...

Journalling to improve your craft

<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uPJfZ-2yQ9U/WSpfL3mc5VI/AAAAAAAAADE/nYKYjAZsV4U0zVJAL6Ci2Cmj6PW1nU26QCLcB/s1600/dbbe2840f5e177a866ec3834f763decb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uPJfZ-2yQ9U/WSpfL3mc5VI/AAAAAAAAADE/nYKYjAZsV4U0zVJAL6Ci2Cmj6PW1nU26QCLcB/s320/dbbe2840f5e177a866ec3834f763decb.jpg" width="320" /></a><b><span style="font-size: large;">Often with al</span><span style="font-size: large;">l</span></b> of the technology, we have at our fingertips we tend to overlook the simplicity of keeping a journal.<br /> <br /> Keeping a journal with a pen or pencil ( I prefer pencil) allows you to practice your craft with the minimum of fuss.<br /> <br /> Use a journal to describe things you recall about your day. It's a great exercise to force you to use that part of your brain which is always called upon when you write.<br /> <br /> In moments when you feel a strong emotion, try to capture all of the associated behavioral, physical and emotional changes that take place and try to write them down in your own words. Regular practice will make your writing smooth and fluent.<br /> <br /> Make a habit of working in your journal before you start your actual writing and I promise you will transition into your work far more easily.<br /> <br />

Journalling to improve your craft

Often with al l of the technology, we have at our fingertips we tend to overlook the simplicity of keeping a journal. Keeping a journal w...

Evernote, a great tool for fiction writers.

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MZK2kUa_ocQ/WSpdlb1gSAI/AAAAAAAAAC4/LMm3AgsLiFYL_e95KPDun1Hj0q6Wv3hsgCLcB/s1600/index.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MZK2kUa_ocQ/WSpdlb1gSAI/AAAAAAAAAC4/LMm3AgsLiFYL_e95KPDun1Hj0q6Wv3hsgCLcB/s1600/index.jpg" /></a></div> <span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: lime;"><a href="https://evernote.com/">Evernote</a></span> </b>is</span> a free app that makes organizing all of your research material a snap.<br /> <br /> It's a free app that lets you gather multimedia files from online and organize them in one place.<br /> <br /> It's an app you can access from any browser or from a smart app on your phone. The notes and the info you gather from the web are synced across all of the different programs so you can have access to it all of the time.<br /> <br /> What are the ways you can use Evernote for your research purposes? Find a useful link, page or file; you can save it directly into your project folder in Evernote.<br /> What's more, you can collaborate with others through your Evernote account.<br /> <br /> It has become indispensable to my work.

Evernote, a great tool for fiction writers.

Evernote is a free app that makes organizing all of your research material a snap. It's a free app that lets you gather multimedia...

Writing in a coffee shop

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cr7953H1Ze4/WSpbrBdFqCI/AAAAAAAAACs/xBkwP93izEQDm7T9zXt7FwHdDDdwnS9jQCLcB/s1600/WaOv3gw3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cr7953H1Ze4/WSpbrBdFqCI/AAAAAAAAACs/xBkwP93izEQDm7T9zXt7FwHdDDdwnS9jQCLcB/s640/WaOv3gw3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> <b><span style="font-size: large;">Why has the writer</span></b> heading off to work at a coffee shop become such a familiar meme? Back in the pre-internet day’s people spoke of taking their notebooks to jot down ideas in a coffee shop but it was never the office it has become for current day creative people.<br /> <br /> I suppose the difference is the internet. The access to the vast data banks of info that allow you to nomadically work in a place of your choosing and still not lack access to a reference to any conceivable subject.<br /> <br /> What else is there to the Coffee shop that makes it so attractive for the current generation?<br /> <br /> The ambiance: The soft buzz of conversation. People coming in and out with the express purpose of sharing information whether social or business related.<br /> <br /> There is the opportunity to meet people of a like sensibility and talk about what you are trying to accomplish.<br /> <br /> To escape an unfortunate side effect of telecommuting, a coffee shop allows you to break out of the isolation and the monotony of working at home. The place is now set up for people who seek a social oasis from their hermit-like existence.<br /> <br /> What are some of your favorite reasons for wanting to work from a coffee shop? Feel free to share.<br /> <br />

Writing in a coffee shop

Why has the writer heading off to work at a coffee shop become such a familiar meme? Back in the pre-internet day’s people spoke of tak...

Fast track your research

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BZmWzTf-RRE/WSpY-QjwT1I/AAAAAAAAACg/wUuRKDRbYuE7Vh_x7PUBCoM2MqsrQ0yegCLcB/s1600/78b20d13d108e8bbc1e72a83cb796a1a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BZmWzTf-RRE/WSpY-QjwT1I/AAAAAAAAACg/wUuRKDRbYuE7Vh_x7PUBCoM2MqsrQ0yegCLcB/s320/78b20d13d108e8bbc1e72a83cb796a1a.jpg" width="213" /></a></div> <br /> <span style="font-size: large;"><b>When writing</b></span> fiction you wear many hats. Your characters are often experts in their fields, detectives, lawyers, financial wizards and the like. While you can't pick up an MBA over the course of a few weeks you need to remember you don't have to. You only need to play the part.<br /> <br /> To fill in the holes in your knowledge try the following resources.<br /> <br /> <span style="color: lime;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.quora.com/">Quora</a></span></b>.</span> A question and answer site for smart people. The kinds of answers to specific questions on any number of subjects will more than convey authority.<br /> <br /> <span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: lime;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.ted.com/talks">TED Talks</a></span></b></span>.</span> Leading experts give inspirational talks on subjects that have great bearing on our lives today and fascinating conjecture about what kind of world awaits us in the future.<br /> <br /> <span style="color: lime;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/">YouTube</a></span></b></span> is an excellent source of information from the inane to the really in depth. I like to check out the history videos, they give overviews that are so useful for a fiction writer.<br /> <br /> If you need to sound more convincing you could always take a course at Udemy. In this case, you really could pick up the equivalent of an MBA over the course of weeks if you really work at it.<br /> <br /> What kinds of sources have you found to be really helpful in building out your fictional worlds?

Fast track your research

When writing fiction you wear many hats. Your characters are often experts in their fields, detectives, lawyers, financial wizards and t...

The best YouTube channel for fiction writers

<br /> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal"> <a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LwCpgvLyu7Y/WSpSskZsrFI/AAAAAAAAACQ/f9-vd9fDZGkCQLcsAqKnpYJmwTrD0WerACLcB/s1600/images.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="108" data-original-width="299" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LwCpgvLyu7Y/WSpSskZsrFI/AAAAAAAAACQ/f9-vd9fDZGkCQLcsAqKnpYJmwTrD0WerACLcB/s1600/images.jpg" /></a><span style="color: lime;"><b><u><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/thecreativepenn">The Creative Penn</a>.</span></u></b></span> From the craft to the business of writing Penn has a long list of highly informative interviews with the movers and shakers in the business. You're bound to find something to your taste on this site.<br /> <br /> <br /> I have gleaned so much useful information listening to the invitees on Penn's show. Her sharp mind and open manner pry out all of the useful details we're looking for.</div>

The best YouTube channel for fiction writers

The Creative Penn . From the craft to the business of writing Penn has a long list of highly informative interviews with the movers an...