Category Archives: Writing Life

Monday Musings: Insanity

Posted on June 6, 2022 by dbjackson

I spent this past weekend in Charlotte, North Carolina, attending ConCarolinas, a convention I attended every year from 2008-2019, and then missed for two years, once due to Covid concerns cancelling the event, and once due to diverticulitis knocking me … Continue reading →

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Professional Wednesday: Most Important Lessons — Dealing With the Slog, part I

Posted on June 1, 2022 by dbjackson

Just keep swimming Just keep swimming Just keep swimming… Yes, I am a Pixar fan. Sue me. My kids were the perfect age for the magical first generation of Pixar movies — Toy Story (1 and 2); Monsters, Inc., Finding … Continue reading →

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Professional Wednesday: Roger Angell, 1920-2022

Posted on May 25, 2022 by dbjackson

If you are not a baseball fan, and not a reader of The New Yorker, chances are the news of Roger Angell’s passing, at the age of 101, had little significance for you. But if you are familiar with his … Continue reading →

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Monday Musings: I’m Basically Ted from “How I Met Your Mother”

Posted on May 23, 2022 by dbjackson

Are you familiar with the TV show How I Met Your Mother, which ran on CBS from 2005-2014? Ah, good! [Puts out hand.] Nice to meet you. I’m Ted. For those unfamiliar with the show, it was a sitcom that … Continue reading →

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Professional Wednesday: Tending To Our Work Space

Posted on May 18, 2022 by dbjackson

About a month ago, I wrote a Professional Wednesday post about how I was somewhat stuck creatively. I felt stagnant, unable to kick myself into motion when it came to writing new material. Then, about a week ago, I posted … Continue reading →

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Monday Musings: Giving Clueless Advice

Posted on May 16, 2022 by dbjackson

This past week, I spent a good deal of time going through old magazines and books in my office trying to clear out some of the clutter. (More on that in Wednesday’s post.) For years, I have subscribed to a … Continue reading →

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Professional Wednesday: My Approach to Writing Book Reviews

Posted on May 11, 2022 by dbjackson

After publishing my review of Guy Gavriel Kay’s marvelous new book, All the Seas of the World (coming from Viking Press on May 17), the good people at Black Gate Magazine approached me about writing more reviews for them, something … Continue reading →

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Professional Wednesday: What We Can Learn About Writing From a Horny Bluebird

Posted on May 4, 2022 by dbjackson

I got you with the title, didn’t I? I thought I might. The horny bluebird in question lives in our yard and is so hopped up on testosterone, so eager to make himself THE player among breeding bluebirds in the … Continue reading →

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Monday Musings: The Power of Professional Friendships

Posted on April 25, 2022 by dbjackson

Coming off a fun, productive weekend at JordanCon in Atlanta, I find myself thinking about the power of professional friendships. I am fortunate beyond measure to have a wonderful life partner, children I adore, family (immediate and extended) who mean … Continue reading →

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Professional Wednesday: With Special Guest, E.C. Ambrose!

Posted on April 20, 2022 by dbjackson

Today, I am delighted to welcome to the blog my dear friend, E.C. Ambrose (a.k.a. Elaine Isaak). Elaine and I have known each other for a long time, and she is one of the truly good people in this business. … Continue reading →

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