BooksofJobe.com

Coastal Transmissions From an Oregon Transplant

Blog

  • Publication and Promotion

    Here we go again…the topic of publication and self-publication. I started the blog so sure I was going to self-publish, it’s not even funny. Then I reconsidered. Then I reconsidered again. And again. Now I’m just as undecided as I ever was. It’s not the “stigma” some people put on self-publication that bothers me. I… Read more

  • …Or is it?

    Sometimes, it doesn’t take much to change your perspective. Sometimes it just takes three little words. I was just sort of brainstorming about my work in progress today, trying to figure out which way the story was going to turn at one point. I thought of something pretty out there, and then I thought, ‘oh,… Read more

  • N is for No Boundaries

    As I’ve mentioned before, my tastes tend to run toward the dark and demented. Be it books, movies, music or art, the stranger and darker it is, the more I like it. The two novellas I’m revising are not full on horror, but they both have some twisted elements to them. The novel I’m writing… Read more

  • Morphine – My Appreciation Of A Criminally Under-appreciated Band

      I still remember the first time I heard Morphine. It was the summer of 1998. My girlfriend put on their CD, Like Swimming. It instantly grabbed my attention, and never let go. I was stunned by it. I play guitar, and found myself fascinated by this power trio that didn’t even have a guitarist.… Read more

  • Lying To The Audience – Use Of The Unreliable Narrator

    As I was thinking about a future project the other day, I began to consider having the story told by an unreliable narrator. Not necessarily in a huge, plot-twisting, Fight Club sort of way, but definitely to mislead the  reader somewhat. I’m hesitant, though, because it’s a tricky thing to pull off. But when it’s… Read more

  • Killing Characters and Playing God

    In writing the two novellas I’ve finished rough drafts for, I noticed something interesting: I barely wanted any characters to survive. I’ve had to show restraint because I want to kill off nearly every character I create. A couple of them were untouchable, but I would still briefly consider offing them anyway. I think some… Read more

  • Just Keep Writing – Something For The Other Writing Noobs

    There was a time, about 6 or 8 months ago, when I had finished the rough draft of my first (well, technically second, but who’s counting?) novella, and I didn’t know what to do next.  I had revised it a few times right off the bat, but I knew I couldn’t just keep reading it… Read more

  • Improvisation – Writing Off The Cuff

    Quick wit is a good thing to have. The ability to think on your feet can come in very handy, impress people, and can get you out of some sticky situations. What I’m focusing on, though, is improv as it pertains to writing. When I’m thinking of a new story, I try to plot it… Read more

  • H is for Horror (& Pizza)

    I love pizza. I can’t say unequivocally it’s my absolute favorite food, but it’s definitely up there. But the thing is, for every beautifully made, artisanal pie utilizing only the finest ingredients, there is a greasy pizza with too much cheese, or the sauce tastes a little funny, or in the case of a local… Read more

  • G is for a Gibson ES-125 – My Pride and Joy

    This is my guitar. There are many like it, but this one is mine. OK, OK, enough with the Full Metal Jacket schtick. I have heavy musical influences on both sides of my family. On my dad’s side, I got an intense love and appreciation for all kinds of music, namely the blues and rock… Read more