Summer Reading Assignment

I've let you laze in the sun too long, if you are utterly in need of something to read, might I recommend 'George MacDonald' by C.S. Lewis?  I thought it would be something like a biography but find it is actually 365 short excerpts, mostly from MacDonald's sermons and some from his fictional works.  It reads far more like 'The Imitation of Christ' or 'The Pensees' than anything else, not light reading but very worthwhile!  Otherwise, the fairy stories by either Lewis or MacDonald are certainly worth the read.

The seventh day?

At last, everything has been updated and revised, now I can get back to life as normal (if there is such a thing).  I have not done anything with Amazon and am not planning to, I haven't even uploaded my newer books there because it is not really worth the effort.  It may be different with their KDP exclusive authors, which I am not, but selling 2 books a year is not worth formatting something for amazonian distribution when doing it once for smashwords gets it everywhere but amazon.  There is also quite a bit more flexibility/user friendliness over at smashwords, so that is where the bulk of my attention will remain.  I have nothing against Amazon, but they just make the whole process inconvenient and are rather indifferent to us foolish non-exclusive people; they also deal in many things besides books, which means it is just another line of merchandise to them and not a passion, as well as a business, like it is elsewhere.  I like rubbing elbows with my fellow obsessees!  Of course I know this bit of independent rebellion won't even register as a flea bite to them, it is not intended to, I just have limited time and have chosen to spend it elsewhere.  It is also ebook month or some such over at smashwords.com, my books as well as countless others are discounted or free, so go read something!

Just a hobby?

"I would not know how to advise a man how to write. It is a matter of talent and interest. I believe he must be strongly moved if he is to become a writer. Writing is like a "lust," or like "scratching when you itch." Writing comes as a result of a very strong impulse, and when it does come, I for one must get it out." ~C.S. Lewis

I came across the above recently and thought it very much to the point (is Lewis ever anything but?).  There seems to be a bit of a fad among the various 'author' type websites I occasionally frequent to have writers answer questions about their own experiences and insights for their fans and aspiring writers, the favorite question seems to be, 'how would you encourage aspiring writers or what advice would you give to budding authors?'  I have to agree with Lewis in this, any one can sit down and write something, but to truly be a writer I think the old greeks were not far wrong in their belief in the muses: it is just a great urge you get and you must put pen to paper and are not satisfied until you do.  Much like Jeremiah who said his bones were afire until he prophesied, whether he wanted to or not.  It is just something you must do, else it is just a hobby.

What I did on my summer vacation…the most unoriginal plot line ever!

Well, I have finally updated all of my major books, I still have to get to the Foibles, but they are short.  The Greylands and the Brethren books are all done.  Not that anyone will notice!  But if you do, enjoy!