Author Shorts Question 2: Naming characters

I’ve started a new segment where I’ve asked a variety of authors to answer a few questions that I pose. Of course, I love a twist. All answers had to be no more than two sentences. Brevity presents a greater challenge. For me the process was delightful as well as insightful. I love that authors…

Otherworldly Words: Craven

#OtherworldlyWords returns with craven. Craven is the first in a group of words this month expressing fear or cowardice. In my opinion, the most interesting element in these words is how closely words for cowardice are tied to overall moral character. Many of the words make the leap that if you are a coward, you…

Let’s get fired up!

Way back in May, I mentioned that I was traveling. Well, my travels seem to be coming to an end. Delightfully! I felt like I needed to see something new and to recharge. I guess I needed to see more of life to feel like I was living. Maybe that’s not entirely true, but I…

Traveling Fool

For the time being, posts will be a bit sporadic. Right now, I’m a traveling fool. I’m on a quick tour of the US. As a writer and as a person, it was time to recharge, grab some new experiences, and enjoy some new scenery. I have traversed across much of the deep south of…

Otherworldly Words: Illusory

April Fools’ Day is long gone, but I still have one last word about trickery up my sleeve. Illusory is from a Latin derivative meaning to mock or ridicule. It’s a fitting end to this look at words of trickery, mockery, and deception—words that makes us fools.  Illusion can be thrilling, frightening, mildly entertaining, or, as is…

Writing about mental illness without being exploitative

In my novel Red Haze, I have a number of characters who are experiencing extreme situations and have extreme reactions. At its base, the novel is a murder mystery with a paranormal twist. But for the formula to work, the characters needed to react to trauma appropriately: anguish, rage, delusion. These emotions make every muscle…

Otherworldly Words: ideomotor effect

April Fools’ Day is long gone, but I’m still exploring words about trickery throughout the month. The ideomotor effect fits the bill. This term offers a scientific explanation, a Scully if you will, for such phenomenon as moves a Ouija board. (Other than a cheesy GIF.) Basically, the effect suggests that mental expectation involuntarily influences…