With the new year coming, we always think about what we’re going to do differently. I’ve discussed resolutions before, but now I’ll speculate on where things may be going next for me as a writer. Presently, the sequel to Mystical Greenwood is is in the hand of beta readers, and Fae Corps is aiming toContinue reading “Where Do I Go from Here?”
Category Archives: Editing
How to Format Your Manuscript (Video)
If you missed my presentation on manuscript and book format last month at the Maryland Writers’ Association Annapolis chapter, here it is on YouTube: It was a hybrid meeting, both in-person and online, and it was my first time recording a presentation on Zoom. Here’s the handout: How to Format Your Manuscript Notes For thoseContinue reading “How to Format Your Manuscript (Video)”
The Hidden Gems Author Podcast
Many thanks to Craig and Roland of The Hidden Gems Author Podcast for featuring me in their 89th episode! I discuss with them the challenges I’ve had to face as an author due to my Asperger syndrome. You can also listen to the episode on Podbean! If you’re an author with a writing-related subject youContinue reading “The Hidden Gems Author Podcast”
Plot vs. Pants vs. Plants
It’s a question that all writers get asked at least once, including me. Some writers plan everything out in advance. Others make it up as they go, writing off the seat of their pants. It’s one of those things where writers seem to fall into one of two camps, it seems, similar to print vs.Continue reading “Plot vs. Pants vs. Plants”
A Few Things Happening
A few things have been happening over the past month. To start, many thanks to author and blogger Sally Cronin for featuring a blog post I did last year in her archive series: Smorgasbord Posts from Your Archives 2023 #Potluck – #Writing – Great Ideas: Search and Find by Andrew McDowell The holiday anthology featuring myContinue reading “A Few Things Happening”
Holiday Story in Upcoming Anthology
I’m happy to announce to you all that a short story of mine is appearing in an upcoming Christmas anthology by Mystic Publishers, Inc. this year! The story is called “The Red House,” and has its origins in my high school years of writing. Like pretty much all of my writing attempts from back then,Continue reading “Holiday Story in Upcoming Anthology”
Tempus Fugit
Time is a curious thing. I’ve found when we focus on time, it seems to drag on at a snail’s pace. Yet when we do not pay attention to it, it flies right past. When it comes to fiction, time can play an interesting function. Stories and novels can take place from anywhere to theContinue reading “Tempus Fugit”
Marie Sinadjan Interview
Many thanks to singer, songwriter, and fellow fantasy author Marie Sinadjan for the opportunity to be interviewed on her blog: Author Spotlight: Andrew McDowell P.S. I’ll be giving my Importance of Names presentation once more, at the Cumberland Chapter of the Maryland Writers’ Association on the 20th at 7:00 PM EST via Zoom. If youContinue reading “Marie Sinadjan Interview”
The Hero’s Journey: Departure
Anyone who’s an ardent Star Wars fan will know of Joseph Campbell’s The Hero with a Thousand Faces and how it influenced George Lucas. He outlines similar steps within what is known as the hero’s journey, which has been found in ancient myths, folktales, and modern fantasy/science-fiction stories. I received my copy one Christmas andContinue reading “The Hero’s Journey: Departure”
Readers’ Wants
Back when I did my first blog post, I talked about what I called the “Misery Complex” (in reference to Stephen King’s famous novel), and how writers’ and readers’ wants can clash. Granted, not all fans are crazy and obsessive about authors and fictional characters, like Annie Wilkes, but there is no denying that onceContinue reading “Readers’ Wants”
Andrew McDowell 