Frequently, when I’m around non-writers, the question comes up, “What do you do, Henry?” And, for some reason, I hesitate before I say, “I’m a writer.” I think it’s because I know I’m going to get a deer-in-the-headlights look from the person who asked. Or, even worse, I’ll get …
Recent Blog Posts
I’m a Collector
I’m a collector. Not the pack rat kind who hoards things because you’ll never know when you might need it. Even though it’s been broken for ten years and you can’t get parts for it. Or you can’t remember what it is or what it’s for. I collect books, …
Where Did Riverbend Come From?
The Town of Riverbend Many readers have asked me about the town of Riverbend from my novel, Journey to Riverbend. Where it’s located? Is it based on a real town? What made me choose such a setting? When I first plotted the novel, I knew I needed a …
How to Stop Reading as a Writer
I love to read. I have ever since I first learned. Each book was like a Star Trek voyage, exploring strange new worlds, meeting fascinating new people. The Hardy Boys and Chip Hilton filled my early years. The Black Stallion is the one book that started me on …
The Rewards of Obedience
It is not what we do that matters, but what a sovereign God chooses to do through us. God doesn’t want our success; He wants us. He doesn’t demand our achievements; He demands our obedience. ~ Charles Colson as quoted in Mike Huckabee’s God Fruits Why is it hard …
Are You an Outliner or a Seat of the Pantser?
Someone asked me whether it’s better to be an outliner or a seat of the pants writer. The answer is a resounding and unequivocal YES. Actually, it all depends. I know writers who are uncompromising outliners and others (aka: seat of the pantsers) who see outlining as …
What Draft Am I?
Writers think in terms of drafts. Not those that come in around windows and doors in the winter. But those we write. One of the axioms among fiction writers is write the first draft completely before doing any editing. We know it’s going to be mostly junk but get it …
The End?
You’ve typed “The End” on your manuscript and you’ve sent it off, with great hopes and some trepidation, to prospective agents and publishers. And now you wait for their response. But, what do you do while you wait? A chocolate binge? Housework? Chores and fix-it-ups around the house—stuff that gets …
Your Story World
When planning a story there are several decisions a writer must make about things like characters, plot, and theme. Two other equally important decisions are: 1. Where does the story take place? The physical locations where the action will happen. 2. When does the story take place? The when also …
Know What You Write
Many of us have heard the statement, “Write what you know” so often it has become a cliché. It intimidated me the first time I heard. Write what I know? I don’t know all that much that would make a good story. To me, my life the opposite of …