T. Allen Diaz's Blog, page 3
March 6, 2013
The Joy of Writing
I had a blog half written. And, then, like often happens when I write fiction, I realized I was writing in the wrong direction. Maybe someday we'll talk about the business side of writing that is taking all of my time in one frustrating bite after another. But not today.
Today, we're going to talk about writing and all of its joys....well, some of its joys.
When I was a child, I spent many a day alone in my backyard, dreaming up some fantasy or adventure. Sometimes it took place in the stars. Sometimes it was a rewrite of history. Sometimes I was even a character, but not usually.
Years later, those daydreams and fantasies stayed with me. And I began to see elements of a great story in other people or the news or from characters in history. I am fascinated by the conflicts into which people are drawn, especially people of principal. I'm captivated by the choices those people are forced to make and the price they pay for making those choices.
What if you had to chose between the life of your spouse and the life of your child? How would making such a choice affect you? I know, terrible question. But, the joy of writing, and the thing I think I enjoy most, is the fact that I get to set the rules and put these people in situations where we can ask: "what would I do there?" or "how would that affect me?"
The story gives us a chance to explore many things, often things we wouldn't want to face in real life. It gives us a chance to think about what makes us tick and why we do what we do.
It is a long held truth that character is what makes a story compelling. I believe that. And, I hope that you love these characters as much as I do,. They are the reason you keep turning the page and coming back for more. I try to make my characters flawed and human. I want them to be relatable.
I want you to empathize.
I had a blog half written. And, then, like often ha...
I had a blog half written. And, then, like often happens when I write fiction, I realized I was writing in the wrong direction. Maybe someday we'll talk about the business side of writing that is taking all of my time in one frustrating bite after another. But not today.
Today, we're going to talk about writing and all of its joys....well, some of its joys.
When I was a child, I spent many a day alone in my backyard, dreaming up some fantasy or adventure. Sometimes it took place in the stars. Sometimes it was a rewrite of history. Sometimes I was even a character, but not usually.
Years later, those daydreams and fantasies stayed with me. And I began to see elements of a great story in other people or the news or from characters in history. I am fascinated by the conflicts into which people are drawn, especially people of principal. I'm captivated by the choices those people are forced to make and the price they pay for making those choices.
What if you had to chose between the life of your spouse and the life of your child? How would making such a choice affect you? I know, terrible question. But, the joy of writing, and the thing I think I enjoy most, is the fact that I get to set the rules and put these people in situations where we can ask: "what would I do there?" or "how would that affect me?"
The story gives us a chance to explore many things, often things we wouldn't want to face in real life. It gives us a chance to think about what makes us tick and why we do what we do.
It is a long held truth that character is what makes a story compelling. I believe that. And, I hope that you love these characters as much as I do,. They are the reason you keep turning the page and coming back for more. I try to make my characters flawed and human. I want them to be relatable.
I want you to empathize.
Today, we're going to talk about writing and all of its joys....well, some of its joys.
When I was a child, I spent many a day alone in my backyard, dreaming up some fantasy or adventure. Sometimes it took place in the stars. Sometimes it was a rewrite of history. Sometimes I was even a character, but not usually.
Years later, those daydreams and fantasies stayed with me. And I began to see elements of a great story in other people or the news or from characters in history. I am fascinated by the conflicts into which people are drawn, especially people of principal. I'm captivated by the choices those people are forced to make and the price they pay for making those choices.
What if you had to chose between the life of your spouse and the life of your child? How would making such a choice affect you? I know, terrible question. But, the joy of writing, and the thing I think I enjoy most, is the fact that I get to set the rules and put these people in situations where we can ask: "what would I do there?" or "how would that affect me?"
The story gives us a chance to explore many things, often things we wouldn't want to face in real life. It gives us a chance to think about what makes us tick and why we do what we do.
It is a long held truth that character is what makes a story compelling. I believe that. And, I hope that you love these characters as much as I do,. They are the reason you keep turning the page and coming back for more. I try to make my characters flawed and human. I want them to be relatable.
I want you to empathize.
February 23, 2013
No Accomplishment is Achieved Solo.
I have had a vivid imagination ever since I can remember. I’ve always had a fascination with history and people. I love wondering at what makes people tick and why events in our history turn out the way they do. Procythian Reign is a product of some of these fascinations and I really hope that you enjoy the story.
I got this far with the help of many friends and family. And I am very grateful for all of those who have inspired and mentored me over all of these years. I have not forgotten all that you’ve done to help me achieve this goal:
Charles Haught is my oldest friend. We talked endlessly about this book as it was being written, and he was the superficial inspiration for Louis Clabar. But, it is his loyalty and friendship during the darkest days of my life for which I am most grateful.
Paul Merritt McClamma spent eight years as my captain at Engine 7. He is an amazing fire officer and even more amazing friend. He is the first to read this manuscript and has been very supportive. And, most importantly, he was there with me in the darkest times in my life and I am very grateful for that.
John Nieves is a poet and creative writing professor who has provided editorial insight for Procythian Reign. His support and kind words have given me hope that I might be on to something. Thank you for helping me.
Earl Emerson is a retired lieutenant with the Seattle Fire Department. As the most commercially successful firefighter and novelist I know, he has been an inspiration to me. I am very grateful for the time that he took to answer the questions of a brother firefighter from the other coast. Thank-you very much for your time.
My mom and dad worked hours on end to provide two spoiled kids with more than we deserved, I didn’t always appreciate that as a child, but I do now. And, I’m very grateful for all of your love and support and for teaching an adolescent daydreamer that he could be anything that he set his mind to being.
Grace, Mia, and Jake are my kids. They bring a joy into my life and are the brightest lights in my life. I have enjoyed sharing as much of Procythian Reign with you as I could and wish that I could share more of it, but not for a while. Jake, thanks for your help on the trailer soundtrack.
Melanie is my lovely fiancé. I am still adjusting to love and support which is so foreign to me. You not only believe in me as an artist, but also as a firefighter and person. I am so lucky to have found you, and I love you very much!
Alvin Epps http://alvinepps.com/ is the incredible talent who provided the cover art. Steven Barclay of eBook Fabricators formatted this book for distribution. http://ebookfabricators.com/ You have both been great, and I’m grateful to have worked with you both!
But, it would be impossible for me to succeed as an independent author if not for the support of others who’ve come before me in this trade. I could try to name you individually, but I would be sure to forget someone. Just know that I’m grateful to you all for the advice, the retweets, and guidance you’ve provided. This is still very much a work-in-progress and I am learning much about the business and marketing end of writing fiction.
Procythian Reign would not be possible without the help of each and every one of you. Thank you, all.
I got this far with the help of many friends and family. And I am very grateful for all of those who have inspired and mentored me over all of these years. I have not forgotten all that you’ve done to help me achieve this goal:
Charles Haught is my oldest friend. We talked endlessly about this book as it was being written, and he was the superficial inspiration for Louis Clabar. But, it is his loyalty and friendship during the darkest days of my life for which I am most grateful.
Paul Merritt McClamma spent eight years as my captain at Engine 7. He is an amazing fire officer and even more amazing friend. He is the first to read this manuscript and has been very supportive. And, most importantly, he was there with me in the darkest times in my life and I am very grateful for that.
John Nieves is a poet and creative writing professor who has provided editorial insight for Procythian Reign. His support and kind words have given me hope that I might be on to something. Thank you for helping me.
Earl Emerson is a retired lieutenant with the Seattle Fire Department. As the most commercially successful firefighter and novelist I know, he has been an inspiration to me. I am very grateful for the time that he took to answer the questions of a brother firefighter from the other coast. Thank-you very much for your time.
My mom and dad worked hours on end to provide two spoiled kids with more than we deserved, I didn’t always appreciate that as a child, but I do now. And, I’m very grateful for all of your love and support and for teaching an adolescent daydreamer that he could be anything that he set his mind to being.
Grace, Mia, and Jake are my kids. They bring a joy into my life and are the brightest lights in my life. I have enjoyed sharing as much of Procythian Reign with you as I could and wish that I could share more of it, but not for a while. Jake, thanks for your help on the trailer soundtrack.
Melanie is my lovely fiancé. I am still adjusting to love and support which is so foreign to me. You not only believe in me as an artist, but also as a firefighter and person. I am so lucky to have found you, and I love you very much!
Alvin Epps http://alvinepps.com/ is the incredible talent who provided the cover art. Steven Barclay of eBook Fabricators formatted this book for distribution. http://ebookfabricators.com/ You have both been great, and I’m grateful to have worked with you both!
But, it would be impossible for me to succeed as an independent author if not for the support of others who’ve come before me in this trade. I could try to name you individually, but I would be sure to forget someone. Just know that I’m grateful to you all for the advice, the retweets, and guidance you’ve provided. This is still very much a work-in-progress and I am learning much about the business and marketing end of writing fiction.
Procythian Reign would not be possible without the help of each and every one of you. Thank you, all.
I have had a vivid imagination ever since I can remember....
I have had a vivid imagination ever since I can remember. I’ve always had a fascination with history and people. I love wondering at what makes people tick and why events in our history turn out the way they do. Procythian Reign is a product of some of these fascinations and I really hope that you enjoy the story.
I got this far with the help of many friends and family. And I am very grateful for all of those who have inspired and mentored me over all of these years. I have not forgotten all that you’ve done to help me achieve this goal:
Charles Haught is my oldest friend. We talked endlessly about this book as it was being written, and he was the superficial inspiration for Louis Clabar. But, it is his loyalty and friendship during the darkest days of my life for which I am most grateful.
Paul Merritt McClamma spent eight years as my captain at Engine 7. He is an amazing fire officer and even more amazing friend. He is the first to read this manuscript and has been very supportive. And, most importantly, he was there with me in the darkest times in my life and I am very grateful for that.
John Nieves is a poet and creative writing professor who has provided editorial insight for Procythian Reign. His support and kind words have given me hope that I might be on to something. Thank you for helping me.
Earl Emerson is a retired lieutenant with the Seattle Fire Department. As the most commercially successful firefighter and novelist I know, he has been an inspiration to me. I am very grateful for the time that he took to answer the questions of a brother firefighter from the other coast. Thank-you very much for your time.
My mom and dad worked hours on end to provide two spoiled kids with more than we deserved, I didn’t always appreciate that as a child, but I do now. And, I’m very grateful for all of your love and support and for teaching an adolescent daydreamer that he could be anything that he set his mind to being.
Grace, Mia, and Jake are my kids. They bring a joy into my life and are the brightest lights in my life. I have enjoyed sharing as much of Procythian Reign with you as I could and wish that I could share more of it, but not for a while. Jake, thanks for your help on the trailer soundtrack.
Melanie is my lovely fiancé. I am still adjusting to love and support which is so foreign to me. You not only believe in me as an artist, but also as a firefighter and person. I am so lucky to have found you, and I love you very much!
Alvin Epps http://alvinepps.com/ is the incredible talent who provided the cover art. Steven Barclay of eBook Fabricators formatted this book for distribution. http://ebookfabricators.com/ You have both been great, and I’m grateful to have worked with you both!
But, it would be impossible for me to succeed as an independent author if not for the support of others who’ve come before me in this trade. I could try to name you individually, but I would be sure to forget someone. Just know that I’m grateful to you all for the advice, the retweets, and guidance you’ve provided. This is still very much a work-in-progress and I am learning much about the business and marketing end of writing fiction.
Procythian Reign would not be possible without the help of each and every one of you. Thank you, all.
I got this far with the help of many friends and family. And I am very grateful for all of those who have inspired and mentored me over all of these years. I have not forgotten all that you’ve done to help me achieve this goal:
Charles Haught is my oldest friend. We talked endlessly about this book as it was being written, and he was the superficial inspiration for Louis Clabar. But, it is his loyalty and friendship during the darkest days of my life for which I am most grateful.
Paul Merritt McClamma spent eight years as my captain at Engine 7. He is an amazing fire officer and even more amazing friend. He is the first to read this manuscript and has been very supportive. And, most importantly, he was there with me in the darkest times in my life and I am very grateful for that.
John Nieves is a poet and creative writing professor who has provided editorial insight for Procythian Reign. His support and kind words have given me hope that I might be on to something. Thank you for helping me.
Earl Emerson is a retired lieutenant with the Seattle Fire Department. As the most commercially successful firefighter and novelist I know, he has been an inspiration to me. I am very grateful for the time that he took to answer the questions of a brother firefighter from the other coast. Thank-you very much for your time.
My mom and dad worked hours on end to provide two spoiled kids with more than we deserved, I didn’t always appreciate that as a child, but I do now. And, I’m very grateful for all of your love and support and for teaching an adolescent daydreamer that he could be anything that he set his mind to being.
Grace, Mia, and Jake are my kids. They bring a joy into my life and are the brightest lights in my life. I have enjoyed sharing as much of Procythian Reign with you as I could and wish that I could share more of it, but not for a while. Jake, thanks for your help on the trailer soundtrack.
Melanie is my lovely fiancé. I am still adjusting to love and support which is so foreign to me. You not only believe in me as an artist, but also as a firefighter and person. I am so lucky to have found you, and I love you very much!
Alvin Epps http://alvinepps.com/ is the incredible talent who provided the cover art. Steven Barclay of eBook Fabricators formatted this book for distribution. http://ebookfabricators.com/ You have both been great, and I’m grateful to have worked with you both!
But, it would be impossible for me to succeed as an independent author if not for the support of others who’ve come before me in this trade. I could try to name you individually, but I would be sure to forget someone. Just know that I’m grateful to you all for the advice, the retweets, and guidance you’ve provided. This is still very much a work-in-progress and I am learning much about the business and marketing end of writing fiction.
Procythian Reign would not be possible without the help of each and every one of you. Thank you, all.
