When writing a novel, one of the crucial elements in addition to a damn good plot, is substantial characters that incite a range of emotions from the reader. Does the villain truly make your reader want to jump into the book and murder him his/herself? Can you laugh and cry with the lead characters? Are... Continue Reading →
Afraid? No, not I
There is a wonderful poem of Dr. Maya Angelou that I don't come across very often but encapsulates my state of mind on good days, and manifests the hesitation that every writer has at the beginning of a project: Life Adventures don't frighten me ©FrogDiva Photography Shadows on the wallNoises down the hallLife doesn't frighten... Continue Reading →
Long-term goal: digital nomad
Let's face it, unless you have broken into the mass market and are selling books by the thousands, every writer has to keep a day job. This is the tragic reality that I face, with stacks of bills staring back at me from my desk. There is nothing I desire more than to simply have... Continue Reading →
On becoming an interesting person
I am going through my Elizabeth Gilbert phase at the moment, devouring her books and stories with great pleasure. For the past two months I revisited every possible Isabel Allende book (in Spanish) that I could get my hands on, in whatever medium. Then I switched over to Elizabeth Gilbert, whose personal style of writing... Continue Reading →
Innocence Interrupted
I am the type of writer who draws inspiration from life on the streets, no matter where I find myself in the world. Sometimes it is a lonely man in a cafe in Berlin. Or another day it will be the young lovers hiding behind the trees in Bangkok embroiled in a bitter disagreement. It... Continue Reading →
Short Story Series (MG #3): Mourn the Morrow
The Short Story Series were originally published on Through Frog Eyes as a collaborative effort between a guest photographer and my writing. I am relaunching the stories individually for all those who are new to the website and Marie Balustrade´s writing. The MG Series features guest photographer Manny Goloyugo from the Philippines for three stories.... Continue Reading →
Notes are not always written
My dual passion for photography and writing enables me to take notes in different ways. If I am on the go in a city with so many details and there is so little time to capture in all in my journal, then I take the camera shortcut. Certain photographs become the springboards for chapters in... Continue Reading →
Don’t give up the day job…
Don't give up the day job ©FrogDiva Photography That is one of the first rules when choosing to become a serious writer. How many millions of books were conceived and born in-between exam papers, mid-term projects, balance sheets, depositions, construction sites, or even intercontinental flights? Whatever the circumstances and reasons for embarking on a journey... Continue Reading →
First Professional Book Review is in!
I have dreaded this day from the moment I began writing Wings At Dawn. It is one thing to pour your heart and soul into a project and hold the final results in your hands, and another to sit back and wait for the public and critics to pass judgement. The encouragement of friends and... Continue Reading →
