This little guy and his brother appear to be orphans about 8 weeks old. After several attempts he took an almond out of my hand. We found the two of them tottering around our tree crying pitifully–maybe there will be a squirrel in my next book. What would Beatrix Potter do?
If you’re writing fiction you will hear, sooner rather than later, a lot of advice about beginnings. It will make you tremble. It is enough to keep even the bravest writer from every touching finger to key. You will read features like Poets and Writers “Page One” with anxiety rather than delight as the worry worm niggles [...]
When I told members of my writing group that the new novel I’m writing, the one they’ll be commenting on, is Steampunk, I was met with blank stares. So what is Steampunk? Think The League of Extraordinainry Gentlemen, think Golden Compass, Victorian Industrial Revolution or Dystopian with a touch of steam, craftsmanship, fantastical machines and wonder. [...]