Monthly Archives: January 2015

Where to Begin?

Posted on January 30, 2015 by midiguru

As a writer, my motto is, “Well begun is half done.” But that’s about developing a solid outline, and applies equally well to fiction and nonfiction. Writing a good lead sentence for a nonfiction article is of course important. But … Continue reading →

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What Is a Novel, That Thou Art Mindful of It?

Posted on January 27, 2015 by midiguru

Being a literary agent has to be a tough gig. For starters, it’s 100% commission. If you take on a book but can’t find a publisher, you’ve wasted whole days of effort, with not a cent to show for it. … Continue reading →

Posted in fiction, writing | 3 Comments

The Perils of Publishing

Posted on January 26, 2015 by midiguru

As noted a few weeks ago, I have a long list of literary agents. At present, I’m going down the list and sending out query emails, trying to find an agent who is willing — no, not just willing, excited … Continue reading →

Posted in fiction, writing | 1 Comment

Mushrooms

Posted on January 9, 2015 by midiguru

I’m not a philosopher. The contortions of academic philosophy as a discipline leave me, alternately, gasping for breath or rolling on the floor laughing. I’m just a reasonably bright guy who likes to think about stuff. Lately I’ve been thinking … Continue reading →

Posted in random musings | 2 Comments

Religion and Banjo Playing

Posted on January 8, 2015 by midiguru

I’m sure the banjo is a wonderful musical instrument. I’m not tempted to take it up, but I’m pretty sure the world is a better place because there are banjo players in it. Banjo players don’t get a lot of … Continue reading →

Posted in religion, society & culture | 13 Comments

Writing about Writing

Posted on January 4, 2015 by midiguru

I’ve noticed that every time I post a blob/g about writing, I get a few likes and maybe even a follower. This doesn’t seem to happen with my other assorted mumblings. Because I’m tiptoeing back into the fiction-writing maelstrom, maybe … Continue reading →

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The Literary Jungle

Posted on January 3, 2015 by midiguru

Moved, no doubt, by some forlorn quixotic impulse, last summer I hauled out a ten-year-old fantasy epic that was, in its original incarnation, quite hopeless. I put new tires on it, reupholstered the interior, considered but rejected dual carburetors, checked … Continue reading →

Posted in fiction, writing | 1 Comment