Just a quick update....
I have been working on 'Enter the Wolf' - the sequel to 'The Coming of the Wolf' almost daily but life has kept me busy. So, I will not be making my self-imposed deadline of Halloween for the sequel. I am close, but still not ready to send it to my test readers. Soon....I hope.
On a related note, I am always amazed at how 'easy' people think writing is....several people at work can't believe that I haven't finished the sequel yet. I guess they just don't realize how much time really goes into writing a novel. On a side note, that is heart-warming because they are anxious to read the sequel.
Oh well, time to head off to my day job. Have a good day everyone!
Monday, October 31, 2011
Monday, October 17, 2011
MS Word and Synonyms
Okay...I have to rant for a moment.
To any who know me, I like to write on the computer. The words seem to flow more easily when I'm sitting at the keyboard. Maybe its partially that I hate the sight of my own handwriting but that is a completely different subject.
Back to my writing....I have tried several different programs but I really like MS Word. Overall, its a good program. When I am writing, I don't always have a dictionary or thesaurus handy but MS Word has a built-in thesaurus function and many times that's all I need to find the right word that I am looking for. However, the other day while writing a new chapter in 'Enter the Wolf' - I needed a different word for slave. And what did MS Word suggest you might ask? Nothing...nada. Knowing that the word serf was similar but not exactly what I wanted either, I tried that. What what my suggestion? Nothing....nada.
The American Heritage Dictionary defines a Thesaurus as: A book of selected words, a dictionary of synonyms are related words. That same dictionary defines a synonym as: A word having the same or similar meaning as another word. How do you think the dictionary defines serf? 1) a member of a feudal class of people in Europe, bound to the land and owned by a lord. 2) a slave And the definition of slave? 1) One bound in servitude as the property of a person or household
My point is, why wouldn't MS Word at least give me the word 'serf' when I went looking for a synonym for 'slave'? I'm not mentioning several other synonyms I found for 'slave' in a printed thesaurus I had lying around. Could it be that Microsoft is trying to be politically correct? I have to think so... but why? Why would a company as large and global as Microsoft worry about being politically correct in a thesaurus function in a writing program?
Words are only tools. It isn't any particular word that is politically incorrect, it is how people use those words. Which is something wonderful when you think about it. Words can be used for good or ill. It all depends on the speaker or the writer. So...how have you used your words today?
To any who know me, I like to write on the computer. The words seem to flow more easily when I'm sitting at the keyboard. Maybe its partially that I hate the sight of my own handwriting but that is a completely different subject.
Back to my writing....I have tried several different programs but I really like MS Word. Overall, its a good program. When I am writing, I don't always have a dictionary or thesaurus handy but MS Word has a built-in thesaurus function and many times that's all I need to find the right word that I am looking for. However, the other day while writing a new chapter in 'Enter the Wolf' - I needed a different word for slave. And what did MS Word suggest you might ask? Nothing...nada. Knowing that the word serf was similar but not exactly what I wanted either, I tried that. What what my suggestion? Nothing....nada.
The American Heritage Dictionary defines a Thesaurus as: A book of selected words, a dictionary of synonyms are related words. That same dictionary defines a synonym as: A word having the same or similar meaning as another word. How do you think the dictionary defines serf? 1) a member of a feudal class of people in Europe, bound to the land and owned by a lord. 2) a slave And the definition of slave? 1) One bound in servitude as the property of a person or household
My point is, why wouldn't MS Word at least give me the word 'serf' when I went looking for a synonym for 'slave'? I'm not mentioning several other synonyms I found for 'slave' in a printed thesaurus I had lying around. Could it be that Microsoft is trying to be politically correct? I have to think so... but why? Why would a company as large and global as Microsoft worry about being politically correct in a thesaurus function in a writing program?
Words are only tools. It isn't any particular word that is politically incorrect, it is how people use those words. Which is something wonderful when you think about it. Words can be used for good or ill. It all depends on the speaker or the writer. So...how have you used your words today?
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
My Author's Website
Okay, I finally got around to making my author's website. It isn't perfect but its up and running.
I figured since I had it listed in front of The Coming of the Wolf, I needed to get it done. Check it out: http://www.aemccullough.com/
I figured since I had it listed in front of The Coming of the Wolf, I needed to get it done. Check it out: http://www.aemccullough.com/
Sunday, September 25, 2011
My Blogging Habit
Okay...honestly, I don't have a blogging habit (yet).
I tend to check and post on my blog sporatically. Usually when I have been writing and feel the need to connect with my readers. Hopefully, there are a few of you out there following this blog. Not sure, but I'm going to assume so. Yes, I know the old saying about 'assuming' but even so, I find it slightly liberating to think that someone is following my blog :-)
Update time on my writing:
-- Enter the Wolf
The sequel to 'The Coming of the Wolf' is progressing slow. Its different working on a sequel. I catch myself referring to the 1st book (since its already in print) to make sure that I have my facts correct. After all, the 1st book has been thru numerous revisions over the years. The cover is complete and I have about 84K words written on it atm. Still targeting late October for release <fingers crossed>
-- Lost Lands: the Game
Another fantasy novel that I'm working on is progressing nicely. Its is completely different from my 1st book which makes it fun to work on. If things go perfectly, I would like to have this one ready by Christmas.
-- The Last Spartan
A Sci-Fi novel that I worked on alot last year. It is already about 3/4 done and I have just recently dusted it off. Sometimes my mind needs a break from the fantasy realm and this is the novel it came up with. I am excited about working on it again. I can't wait to finish writing it. In a perfect world, it will be ready by Thanksgiving. Of course, I haven't even considered what my cover would be for it.
Just a brief update for anyone out there reading my blog. More info to come soon and maybe even some teasers.....
I tend to check and post on my blog sporatically. Usually when I have been writing and feel the need to connect with my readers. Hopefully, there are a few of you out there following this blog. Not sure, but I'm going to assume so. Yes, I know the old saying about 'assuming' but even so, I find it slightly liberating to think that someone is following my blog :-)
Update time on my writing:
-- Enter the Wolf
The sequel to 'The Coming of the Wolf' is progressing slow. Its different working on a sequel. I catch myself referring to the 1st book (since its already in print) to make sure that I have my facts correct. After all, the 1st book has been thru numerous revisions over the years. The cover is complete and I have about 84K words written on it atm. Still targeting late October for release <fingers crossed>
-- Lost Lands: the Game
Another fantasy novel that I'm working on is progressing nicely. Its is completely different from my 1st book which makes it fun to work on. If things go perfectly, I would like to have this one ready by Christmas.
-- The Last Spartan
A Sci-Fi novel that I worked on alot last year. It is already about 3/4 done and I have just recently dusted it off. Sometimes my mind needs a break from the fantasy realm and this is the novel it came up with. I am excited about working on it again. I can't wait to finish writing it. In a perfect world, it will be ready by Thanksgiving. Of course, I haven't even considered what my cover would be for it.
Just a brief update for anyone out there reading my blog. More info to come soon and maybe even some teasers.....
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Hard at work on the sequel
Greetings.
Even with the excessive heat and my busy schedule this summer, I'm hard at work on the sequel. It is titled: Enter the Wolf (Tales of the Wolf - Book 2)
I am just shy of 70k words in and feel that it is coming along fine. Hawkeye is still trapped underground atm but things are happening around him. I'm always amazed when the story takes a turn that I hadn't planned out but its also enjoyable when it happens.
More later....back to the keyboard.
Even with the excessive heat and my busy schedule this summer, I'm hard at work on the sequel. It is titled: Enter the Wolf (Tales of the Wolf - Book 2)
I am just shy of 70k words in and feel that it is coming along fine. Hawkeye is still trapped underground atm but things are happening around him. I'm always amazed when the story takes a turn that I hadn't planned out but its also enjoyable when it happens.
More later....back to the keyboard.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
The Paperback is available on Amazon
Its official. The paperback version of The Coming of the Wolf is now available on Amazon. Of course, it is still available on my Createspace eStore and eBook format also on Amazon. Next, I will be targeting Barnes and Nobles and a few other distributors. Self-Publishing is different. Its fun in its own way but my love is writing. But, it is all part of the game. :-)
For those of you who have already bought my book, thanks. Please post reviews on Amazon or make some comments on here or Facebook. I am always striving to improve my writing and feedback is important. Thanks, Drew
For those of you who have already bought my book, thanks. Please post reviews on Amazon or make some comments on here or Facebook. I am always striving to improve my writing and feedback is important. Thanks, Drew
Monday, June 6, 2011
The Coming of the Wolf - print version is for sale!
The proof from Createspace came in and it looks GREAT!
I have approved it and the printed version is now for sale on Createspace and pending on Amazon.
The Coming of the Wolf
The link will take you to my eStore.
Get your copy today....and let me know if you enjoyed it.
Thanks,
Drew
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Thursday, June 2, 2011
The Coming of the Wolf is offically for sale!
Its official. My novel is for sale in eBook format at Amazon. I hope to have the print format reviewed and approved by the weekend.
If you have an eReader, check out my book and let me know what you think; good, bad or indifferent. As a new author, I am always open to criticism. I might not take it but I am open to it. :-)
Of course, I'm still juggling my real life job and writing. Working a different schedule over the summer but it will be fun and more fodder for stories. More to follow soon.
If you have an eReader, check out my book and let me know what you think; good, bad or indifferent. As a new author, I am always open to criticism. I might not take it but I am open to it. :-)
Of course, I'm still juggling my real life job and writing. Working a different schedule over the summer but it will be fun and more fodder for stories. More to follow soon.
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