Author Archives: dbjackson

Writing-Tip Wednesday: On Writing Every Day

Posted on February 19, 2020 by dbjackson

We’ve all heard it said — usually with authority and condescension and a certain righteous certainty. A real writer writes every day. If you want to be a professional writer, that’s what you have to do: Make it a habit, … Continue reading →

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Monday Musings: Getting the Most Out of a Convention

Posted on February 17, 2020 by dbjackson

I am just finishing up a very nice weekend at Boskone, a terrific regional convention in Boston. This was my second Boskone, and I feel that I am starting to know people at the con, and also to be known. … Continue reading →

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Photo Friday: Snow Pics!

Posted on February 14, 2020 by dbjackson

Last weekend, we had a rare double dose of snow here in southern middle Tennessee. The first snow was a dusting, but the second was one of those magical snowfalls, heavy and sticky, that coats everything it touches. As soon … Continue reading →

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Writing-Tip Wednesday: Self-Editing Techniques

Posted on February 12, 2020 by dbjackson

We know the shapes of our narratives, and we also know our own voice and style. So our stories are likely to make sense to us, regardless of whether they make sense to others. On Monday, I wrote about my … Continue reading →

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Monday Musings: Learning to be an Editor

Posted on February 10, 2020 by dbjackson

I’m pretty good at diagnosing both narrative trouble spots and problematic wording. Over the years, I’ve had tons of practice, having found plenty of both in my own work. As I’ve mentioned here before, I am coediting an anthology, Galactic … Continue reading →

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Photo Friday: Rain-fed Streams

Posted on February 7, 2020 by dbjackson

Sometimes we take photos for the sake of art, other times to commemorate events – times with loved ones, special occasions, etc. And on occasion we snap pictures simply to document something unusual. This week’s Friday Photos are of this … Continue reading →

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Writing-Tip Wednesday: Finding an Agent

Posted on February 5, 2020 by dbjackson

Agents – good ones – understand contracts. They are fluent in legalese, and not only can they spot troublesome clauses in a written agreement, they can also improve terms on less contentious but equally important clauses. It is worth finding … Continue reading →

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Monday Musings: Superbowl and the Reach of Sport

Posted on February 3, 2020 by dbjackson

I find the entire spectacle obscene. The money spent on those television ads alone, if put to different purpose, could improve the lives of millions who desperately need to have their worlds made better. And yet, it is as American … Continue reading →

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Photo Friday: Reflections (Also Not the Last of the Year…)

Posted on January 31, 2020 by dbjackson

Anyone who is familiar with my photography knows that I love to play with reflections: the imperfect rendering of a sky or mountain or forest on the surface of a lake, the echo of coastal cloud formations in wet sand. … Continue reading →

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Writing Tip Wednesday: A Rose By Any Other ‘Nym…

Posted on January 29, 2020 by dbjackson

Poor sales for one novel can drive down orders for the next one or even convince booksellers not to stock that next effort at all. And so, sometimes authors have to restart careers by switching names and starting over. With … Continue reading →

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