Life-Transforming Fiction

God Told Me So

Several years ago, a colleague asked me to take a look at a collection of writings he had compiled over the years. He said he intended to put them into a book someday. I cringed. This man was not a writer and may not appreciate an honest critique of his work. I smiled and agreed to meet with him again soon to discuss his project.

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Diary Of A Crazy Writer

Writing Pains

Last month, after having a mole removed from the bottom of my foot, I wrote about an epiphany I had regarding writing—that I am a die-hard writer. I thought the story would end with the last paragraph of that article, but it didn’t. Goes to show what I get for thinking.

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Quantum Marketing

Go Crazy

Last month I reconnected with Mark Effinger, a friend from junior high. I had moved away after eighth grade and lost touch, but I’ve thought of him often through the years. I loved his mantra, with which he signed my yearbook: GO CRAZY! It’s good advice, especially when it comes to marketing. Crazy gets noticed. Mundane is forgotten. Crazy creates buzz. The norm is swept away like dust. Crazy keeps you in the mind of readers, editors, and agents.

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Character Therapy

Psychology of Motivation Reaction Units

This month marks a departure from my Character Stereotypes series. I hear the moans of disappointment. But it’s been a year, and it’s time to move on to other things. The first thing up for analysis is Dwight Swain’s motivation reaction unit (MRU). I’d like to present the psychology of it and why it works so well.

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