Writing Tips from the Master and Upcoming Dinner with Adam G., Future Editor

Many of you don't know this fact, and I'm not trying to be one of those weird fans, but if any writer has had a tremendous impact on my love of words, it has been Stephen King.  I have read all of his obscure works (I think), and most of his novels from the 80's and 90's.  I still read him on occasion, what with two kids and full-time job, I read more short stories now.

I believe Stephen King is a good human being because some of the public positions he takes on social issues like racism and sexism are amazing.  Every now and then, he will do a brilliant interview giving advice to amateur writers, like me. 

One such piece of advice is to set a regular writing goal.  To me that would have to be a weekly goal, and this past week, I fulfilled three.  I found a reader for "Wolf Trek" who has not read any of my work before; I contacted the editor and spoke to him face-to-face (and thanked him); and I have been thinking about the dialogue between the two brothers in the story.

Some ideas on the brothers:

What really differentiates the two?  After much though, I decided to give the younger one random "big" words to say because he is incredibly smart, and in real life, I love it when my son learns, and appropriately uses, a word far beyond what most people think a six-year old should comprehend, like fascism. 

In the story, the older boy I think will be more timid and unsure and, somehow in the dialogue, show more heart.  He could be almost like a metaphor of what the world is losing in that setting.  These are my thoughts, and I hope to translate that renewed goal setting into a regular writing schedule, which is another great bit of advice from the Master.  (I know this; all writers know this, but I tend to think about things and then sit down and write or as I say, word vomit.)

I am also excited because Adam could possibly come over for dinner.  He is vegetarian, and I love making vegetarian food because I used to be one.  I have the menu rolling around in my head, but I won't spoil the surprise for him, in case he reads this post.

His visit will also encourage my husband and I to "clean" the house, and I hope he doesn't mind the chaos that is our lovely home.  Having two small kids is like having regular tornadoes in the house that destroy at any moment; they leave you traumatized.   

And that is all I have because I have to get ready for work.  I am helping to organize a panel of speakers for November 1st, and I have to secure one of them a pre-paid parking ticket in downtown Chicago.  This is new territory for me and could very well end up being a horror story.

Here is to writing goals and the Master of Horror!  My hats off to Stephen King for living the dream.  The real dream, not that fake one. 

Oh, and Happy Halloween!  Keep your children and yourself safe!

Pictured above, from The Walking Dead, Michonne's survivor dog.