Write Dharma 3 - A Writer Writes, Always

Family and work have overtaken my time this past few weeks. With the end of summer and the passing of Conversion, it is time once again to re-dedicate myself to my writing. This month, IFWA begins a new year. Aside from new membership fees being due, a new Writing Contract will be written by all IFWA members.

My own goal is to finish up Jiang Shi this weekend. Aside from that, I want to write every day ... and when the brags come up next month, I want to be able to say I did just that. I will write even if it is for five minutes a day (fiction and this blog counts - my job is contract writing so that doesn't count - it's much too technical).

I am trying a new technique with Jiang Shi. I want it to read like a movie, so I am doing it as a screenplay first. After that is done, then I will make it into a short story. Wish me luck.

This week's Reason to Read: Heaven’s Net is Wide by Lian Hearn – When I was first introduced to Lian Hearn’s Tales of the Otori, I was quite skeptical. The first tale came across as being wish-fulfillment. But there were aspects of Ms. Hearn’s writing that kept me turning pages, least of which was her detailed descriptions of all things Japanese (even though this is set in a mythical Japan, the influence of Japan is clear).

The trilogy, which began with Across the Nightengale Floor eventually expanded with two more books - a sequel and a prequel. These two novels are bookends to the original trilogy. Now, the last book, Heaven’s Net is Wide, the prequel book, is available in paperback. If you have not yet entered the strange and mythical world of Hearn’s Three Countries, you owe yourself the trip.