Stephen Lawrence Brayton's Blog (114)

In my almost forty-seven years I've matured in the ways of language. Somewhat. To hear me speak, maybe your thoughts would differ. Let's agree I've tried to think about language and the words, or rather, their correct usage, before I speak. Do I still say 'gonna' and 'sorta'? Sure, and I also tend to speak faster than some people, namely my students, can comprehend. But I'm working on it and I think…

This is the first in a series of life skill blogs. These will tie in the aspects I teach in my taekwondo classes. Sometimes there will be a connection to writing, sometimes not. I think it will be up to the individual to relate these to his/her  specific situation, whether writing or other activity. I hope you will enjoy these and, as always, I invite comments.

What can be said about…

On this cold and snowy May morning (yes, you read correctly. Snow on the ground here in Iowa. In May), I am so glad to get into my transporter, hop down to pick up this week's featured author and travel to Hilton Head, South Carolina. On the beach as the sun is just below the horizon. The sky is aflame with pink…

Finally, a warm day. Spring has been a long time coming. So, on this fine Friday morning, as I’m preparing to head to the tournament, I have to make a stop and pick up this week’s featured author. Where are we going? Where else…

On this early Friday morning, the blustery wind blowing flurries of snow (yes, I know spring is supposed to be here), I’m contemplating this week’s blog. Looking for ideas, I surf the Internet, read a chapter or two of the book in front of me, and finally check email.

One of the messages interests me, then…

Last week I started discussing a tournament I attended in Columbia, Missouri over Easter weekend. I mentioned that while I may compete in the various tournaments, the fun part for me is judging.

Let me explain for those who have never seen a martial arts tournament a little of how ours operates. Multiple competitions occur in the same ring. Forms, weapons, sparring, and combat sparring (with…

Last weekend, Easter weekend, I attended a tournament in Columbia, Missouri. In this week's blog, I'd like to share some of my thoughts about the experience.

This is the first of many blogs to come that go down a different path. I want to explore another area of my life, my martial arts background, a little more. I would like to explore the many aspects of martial arts, some of the life…

I’m sitting at my computer this early Friday morning trying to think of the perfect blog for this week, when suddenly this woman breaks through the door, pounds up the steps, pushes me out of my chair, and before I know what’s…

“I can't remember the last time I wasn't at least kind of tired.”

I know what you mean.

Last year, my taekwondo instructor and I discussed his training for his upcoming test for his 7th Degree Black Belt. He mentioned his commitment to practicing his form, a daily exercise routine, and always looking toward the goal. Only recently before that conversation I had begun a new exercise regimen to…

Many moons have passed since I’ve fired up the transporter for an author interview. So this cool March morning, I dust off the controls and zip over to pick up this week’s featured guest. She was a nice change from some of these pushy authors…

I finish up Will Lavender’s seminar with the last five aspects to plotting the puzzling thriller.

1. Play fair with the evidence. Don’t hide evidence to later be revealed as always having been there.

Don’t cheat. No baseball bat lurking in the corner that you didn’t mention in chapter 3 which shows up in chapter 23. The protagonist has to have all the evidence before the final solution. Mentioning Queen again, he did this with the readers. Before the final couple…

Last week, I expanded a little on Will Lavender's presentation of plot aspects. In the second half of his seminar he focused more on thrillers and the ten aspects of this genre.

1. What’s the large puzzle and what are the smaller pieces/puzzles/evidence?

You have to have the main puzzle – the game played by the murderer and his threat to blow up a major building if he's not paid a…

A late post this week because I was off to Black Belt Camp on Thursday.

Once again, I must admit I didn't write the basic points to this blog. I did, however write the details under each point. This blog is credited to author Will Lavender, who I met at the 2012 Killer Nashville conference. He presented this seminar on plot fundamentals.

I enjoyed this seminar even though I'm a…

“Obituaries would be a lot more interesting if they told you how the person died.”

At first I thought this was a little insensitive to the dead person's surviving family. Do the grandsons really need to read about grandma getting run over by a reindeer? Then I thought: lighten up, these truths are supposed be light-hearted fun.

With the last truth I discussed how much detail to put into a…

“MapQuest really needs to start their directions on step 5. I'm pretty sure I know how to get out of my neighborhood.”

I agree. Actually, I use MSN Maps and always skip ahead to the point in the trip that is unfamiliar. For those of you planning on using any of these programs, they're pretty handy. Take into account, however, how the mapping system is designed. Is it going to give you the fastest route or…

Because I know you've been sitting on the edge of your seat for a week, here's the second part to help those who are planning to attend writing conferences in the future and want to be on a panel.

6. Depart from Your Script. You want to be prepared, but realize that the best panels take on a life of their own. Your notes and any questions you may have been sent ahead of time…

Unfortunately, I can't claim this blog as my own. This was written by a wonderful woman named Beth Terrell who helps out with the annual Killer Nashville writers' conference held every August in...you guessed it, Nashville, TN. In 2012, a week before the conference, she sent along this message to all of the authors scheduled to be on one of the panels. I thought it a wonderful message and one…

I was asked to participate in another of The Next Big Thing. I was recently involved but thought it would be a good opportunity to help promote one of my works in progress. Unfortunately, I am unable to tag other authors, but if anybody would like a future tag or to be highlighted in…

“Was learning cursive really necessary?”

Answer: no.

Harken back to those early years of learning cursive. Why did we learn it? Why was it invented in the first place? You have basic block letters and printing is just as good and even better in some cases for legibility.

Cursive was invented, in…

An early post this week as I’ll be away from my computer tomorrow.

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“How the hell are you supposed to fold a fitted sheet?”

Answer: Only my mother knows.

Actually, and forgive me if I sound sexist, most females know. It’s the same with wrapping Christmas and birthday presents so that all sides are even, no paper is torn and…