This response from J KIRSCH strikes me as so profound that I am reproducing it here:
This post brings up an interesting conundrum: why does fiction sometimes equal or transcend the ability of nonfiction to touch someone? People see a headline or a paragraph and are able to distance themselves from a real tragedy. On the other hand have that person read their favorite novel in which they lose a major character and they feel real sadness. Continue reading
Filed under Characters, Mystery, Suspense, Writing style
Life is precious. That’s my best response to the unanswerable question, “What place does murder have in fiction?” A few thoughts— Continue reading
Filed under Conflict, Mystery, Suspense, Writing style
I recently completed the twenty and a half novels of the Master and Commander series by Patrick O’Brian. (O’Brian died before completing the last.) A pastor’s daughter recommended them and after a few pages, I got hooked. Continue reading
Filed under Characters, Writing style
I enjoy Tom Clancy’s novels. I broke out my old paperbacks and now find myself in the middle of the second book.
In a previous post, I compared plot-driven to character-driven novels. Continue reading
Filed under Characters, Suspense, Writing style
Let’s talk about action and suspense.
I’m taking it as given that suspense is legitimate fodder for a modern novel. Continue reading
Filed under Conflict, Suspense, Writing style
Here’s what I plan to do on this site: I will raise an array of important life issues of interest to many of you and ask for your opinion. I will not talk about breakfast cereal. To focus my posts, I’ll use characters and situations from my upcoming novel, The Gamemaker’s Father.
Filed under Welcome, Writing style
Controlled Design Management – Part 1
Controlled Design Management – Part 2
Controlled Design Management – Part 3
Controlled Design Management – Part 4
How Hyperlocal Social Economies Evolve
Investors Losing Patience with Pivots
Millennials are Becoming Obsolete–Already!
Chicago–the Best Incubator in America?
Driving Value When Funding Runs Low
The 10 Commandments of Startups
Your Business and Your Children
The Hidden Danger in Your Data
Underestimating the Competition
The Girl in the Black Leather Pants
The Apprentice Meets Digital Boot Camp
Fear of Failure Is Not an Option
The Secret World of 3D Printing
Fascination of a Thought Leader
If We Build it, They Will Come
Shark Tank Meets The Apprentice
The Gamemaker's Father 