Distractions From the Craft

Greetings Dear Readers,

Nothing is so discouraging as the things of everyday life that attempt to distract us from our craft. If it is not household errands or maintenance needs it is getting lost in the necessary research required to do the writing. I thought that I would offer a few tips for writers that I have gleaned over the years. I cannot promise you success if you do these things, but I can promise productivity. Some of this comes from Stephen King's "On Writing." The rest is experience and research I cannot recall.

• Read "On Writing" by Stephen King. Read it again.
• Read every day - you must continue to grow if you are going to reproduce.
• Write every day - a writer writes
• Pick a time every day that you will write and only vary it when totally necessary.
• Choose an amount of writing you will do during each session and stick to it. Increase this until it becomes your practical creative limit. I write 5000 words a day (Say thankee Sai King).
• Pick a genera and stick to it. You can dabble in other things for fun but only after you get done with work.
• Have a first reader; someone who will be honest with you but kind and gentle; someone you trust.
• Have a good editor; someone who has no interest in anything but fixing your poor spelling, bad grammar, and plot holes.
• Have a first circle; a group of people who are not fans and will give honest feedback on your work.
• Submit something for publication every week; yea verily every day if possible. It does not matter how much you write if no one reads it.
• Know that you are worth a decent paycheck. Never undersell yourself or your work.
• Pick a date to quit your day job if you have one, and work toward it.
• Watch your diet and exercise. If you allow a job that involves sitting to steal your health you will not be able to accomplish as much and you will not look good on the dust jacket of your book.
• Find a writer's conference that has a track record of helping writers.
• Get an agent when you feel you need one.
• Set up a web site and blog to showcase your work.
• Never quit.
• Let me know when you get published.

I have other ideas but will save them as they require further development and more space to properly teach.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

The Idea Factory

Greetings Dear Readers,

Authors are often asked where they get their ideas. The answer to that is as varied as the writer being asked. Twice in the last week I been ambushed by a new book idea and had to pour the first chapter and outline from my brain before I could rest.

I almost always write in the mornings but these ideas have both burst forth as night, keeping me up past my bedtime. I am not sure where the writing is taking me but as its humble servant I will follow. The Idea Factory, deep down in my brain, is an evil beast. Unless I listen to the Idea Factory it howls, kicks, and screams like a petulant child. Lately the factory has been suggesting things that I would not normally write. Keep in mind that the Idea Factory's form of suggestion is to cut off all higher brain functions until I meet its demands.

After some polish I will post a tidbit of the new stuff and you can give me feedback. In the mean time, I have other things to attend. So I have a challenge for you folks out there. You tell me where writers get their ideas. I will post the results later.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Some Things are Free - E-Sword Bible Software

Greetings Dear Readers,



There may not be a free lunch but thanks to Rick Meyers and his work the Bread of Life is free. In an age where prices rise and everyone wants to make a buck, Mr. Meyers and created and maintains and excellent web site that offer free Bible software. The link to the right will take you the the e-Sword web page. Here you will gain free access to a free download of the Bible software as well as many translations of the Bible, commentaries, dictionaries, study aids, maps, and other important works of Christian literature. Rick Meyers accepts donations but makes it very clear that his software is free and is not to be sold to anyone. My intent is to thank him for his efforts and encourage you to take advantage of this easy to use packaging of vital literature.

I personally use it daily for study and research. I find it easy to use and invaluable. Thanks Rick.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Snow and Circuses

Greetings Dear Readers,

With a fresh four inches of snow on the ground and a winter day settling in around me, I dove into this morning's writing with passion. The craft is work and the work is what we craft. I was disappointed to see little interest in the offer of a preview of my new novel but that is not why I write.

I reread some of RJ's notes on my last book and they really pumped me up to push the world in which Foster Father and The Praetor are set. Many of the characters in those books still have things to say. Some of them are calling rather loudly for my attention and I will head them. As I work on Magi, The Judas Scroll, and A Tale of Two Thieves, it is necessary to monitor my continuity carefully. I am trying to do so without be to repetitious. Yet another high wire act for the constant writer. I intend to finish at least two of these this year and hopefully the second volume of Sheetrock. Let me know which title piques your interest and I will post a snippet.


Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Welcome Back

Greetings Dear Readaers,

I trust that you Holy Day season was joyus and restful. Thanks to my Wife, Sons, and wonderful inlaws I had a great Christmas and adventurous new year. I am currently filling out my spring tour schedule. On the top of my list is setting up a visit to RJ's wonderful students.

I have started a new book and am going to send hints about it to the first five people who post on this blog entry. Be sure to include your email address in the post.

An adventurous part of the Holy Days was that a couple of days before Christmas, Beorn, our male ferret separated his right front elobe. After spending most of the day at our WONDERFUL Vet, his joint was reset and splinted. He was supposed to wear this splint for fourteen days. Instead he pulled it off on Christmas Eve. To our joy he is just fine. We kept him caged until after the first to protect him from himself. He still favors the leg occastionally but otherwise is his same enegetic self. I am thankful to God for the Christmas miricle of a healthy ferret. It may be the best gift my beloved wife received.

Be sure to take the time to learn something new this year. I am returning to something I used to do. I was once a competative archer and my beloved Avalon gave me a bow for Christmas. We are going to shoot together.

Welcome back.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Taking Some Time Off

Greetings Dear Readers,

I will be taking a couple of weeks off to enjoy the Holy Days with my family. Be sure to let me know of any interesting Christmas adventures that you encounter.

Be sure to take the time to cheer up shop stewards and sales clerks. You will be surprised how good it feels to make these busy vital workers of the retail industry smile. They do so much so that we can give to others, why not give a little joy and patience back to them?

I am off to wrap gifts and get ready for our annual open house. Here is another glimpse of our Ferret family for you to enjoy.

Wishing you joy in the journey and a Merry Christmas,

Aramis Thorn

Who Were The Magi?

Greetings Dear Readers,

As I am working on my new novel, Magi, I find that the information available about the amazing people who looked to the heavens to understand man and the divine is more complex than first imagined. It is a real mystery as to their origin, rise to power, and ultimate disappearance so many centuries ago.

There exist many stories about them. Hopefully mine will entertain when completed. Let me know what you want to learn about the star led Wizards who sought out the Christ child to make him known as King.

Post comments or send me an email with your questions about the Magi and their history. I will try to let you know if your questions contribute to my book.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

The Salvation Army Needs Your Help

Greetings Dear Readers,

Please join my in helping the Salvation Army. They do wonderful things with the donations they collect through their kettles at Christmas time. Each year they depend on volunteers to "Bell Ring" for them at the kettles placed throughout each city. Each year shifts at these kettles go un-manned and donations are not collected.

Why not start a new tradition by signing up for few two hour shifts over the next few weeks. You will feel wonderful for doing it and the rewards will go on for those served by the Salvation Army for the next year. You can find kettles in your area that need help at www.ringbells.org . After you "Bell Ring", post on my site to tell about your experience.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Thanksgiving Aftermath

Greetings Dear Readers,

This year we were blessed to spend the day with my Mother and Father in law at their beautiful home. Dinner was excellent, though we felt the absence of my sons as one is in Georgia and the other had to leave for work before dinner. The rest of the family enjoyed the meal and each other. Bezel, my youngest son, called and put a lovely smile on the faces of my in-laws. All and all we had much to be thankful for.

So often over Thanksgiving week we are inundated with ads telling us that we have to be out early to this or that store or we will be left out of some great consumer value.

This year I went to a local retailer at five in the morning to take in the sights and sounds of Black Friday first hand. The rushing and grabbing amazed me. No one seemed happy or to be finding joy in the purchasing of supposed gifts. As I walked around the store, I began to sing Christmas songs. People would catch my eye and smile. Employees would look over at me as if I had offered them a raise. Whenever anyone needed to get by my, I quietly waited for them to pass.

After an hour of spreading good cheer, I returned home to collect family members so that we could go back to the same store and Bell Ring for the Salvation Army. We sang Christmas carols, smiled at busy shoppers, and did our best to start the season off right for anyone who would allow us. I spent Black Friday stress free instead of looking for the cheap, new, and exciting. It was a day well spent and I am excited about the building Christmas season. Take some time to read A Christmas Carol or to volunteer for the Salvation Army (www.ringbells.org).

On a completely different note, I wanted to mention my thankfulness for the three ferrets that inhabit our home. They especially bring my wife much joy. Here is Beorn in his regal splendor. Yes, he is sticking his tongue out at you. He does this often when he wants out of his cage. We adopted him and his two playmates, Solstice and Padfoot from the local humane society. All three were strays that needed a home and they agreed to live with us as long as we let them be in charge of everything. It is working out so far.

Enjoy the Christmas season as it approaches and tell me what you like most about Christmas or share with me one of your Christmas memories.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Giving Thanks

Greetings Dear Readers,

As you know this week is Thanksgiving. I have so much to be thankful for this year. I have a wonderful family. My writing is entering a better phase. I have an editor who is excellent and supportive.

Try this week to find things to be thankful for. Even if you are not where you want to be, you can be thankful that change is always possible. I find that my problems seem much smaller when I focus on all the good things in my life.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving Holiday and try not to over eat.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn