Michell Plested's Blog, page 24

The Shepherd’s Crown – A Review

Terry Pratchett has long been a favorite author of mine. Once I discovered him (in my early 20’s) I couldn’t get enough of his books. Of his 41 Discworld books, I have read 41, most several times. This, is book number 41. There will be no book 42 as Sir … Continue reading →

Writing Process

I have seen and heard the question asked, “How do you write?” The answer I hear most often is, it depends on the writer. Some writers are planners, some discover their writing as they go. For me? The best answer I can give is, “It depends.” For example, when JR … Continue reading →

Kickstarting the Creative Process

Before I begin, let me just say, this post has nothing to do with Crowdfunding/Crowdsourcing projects. Instead, it is all about getting stalled creativity going again. Let me set the stage a little here. I published my campfire story, Scouts of the Apocalypse: Zombie Plague back in July. When I … Continue reading →

Book Trailer for Scouts of the Apocalypse

Jeffrey Hite created an awesome book trailer for Scouts of the Apocalypse. It would really help me out if you could share it with everyone you know everywhere you can (not a small ask, I know). Thank you in advance (and here is the link: https://youtu.be/LunPb-lhYpY)

Strong Characters

I’ve been thinking about the movie John Carter (Disney) a fair amount the last few days. I happened upon it on television the other night and decided to watch it again. I was immediately reminded of how much I liked the movie and how I generally loved Edgar Rice Burroughs … Continue reading →

Distancing your work from someone else’s work

In June I released my book, Scouts of the Apocalypse. Scouts is a book that started as a campfire story probably six years ago and has been one that I’ve long wanted to see in print. As you might imagine, I was pretty happy to have it finally available. It … Continue reading →

Creating Worlds

One of the things I truly love, whether it is in books, movies, comic books or whatever, is when the property hits a certain tipping point and stops being a collection of material and becomes a living breathing entity. Several such properties come to mind (and might make what I’m … Continue reading →

Doldrums

Every once in a while, and for me it is usually the beginning of summer, we experience a drop in productivity or energy or motivation to do the things that are important for us. In my case, I think it happens when it does because I’ve just finished a major … Continue reading →

The Occasional Misfire

I consider myself to be a good speaker. I have done many book readings, presentations and convention panels where I have received positive feedback. I am able to (usually) think on my feet. So, when I was asked to both participate in and moderate on a panel about humour at … Continue reading →

Experiences vs. Perception

Have you ever heard the phrase, corrupt politician? How about shady used car salesman? Or maybe you’ve been told not to trust Carnie (Circus) Folk because they smell like cabbage and have small hands. Or perhaps you have started a new job and your co-workers have told you to watch … Continue reading →