Image by Zoltan Matuska from Pixabay It’s no secret that writers can be pretty particular about their writing tools. Some might call it an obsession or fetish, but the pens, pencils, notebooks, and other implements authors have used to create their most famous works can be endlessly fascinating. I must admit, I, too, have my own peculiarities regarding writing tools. Take notes, and save your pennies to purchase these writing instruments for yourself (even if you aren’t a writer) In this post, we’re looking at pencils and two famous authors who used two particular pencils. Vladimir Nabokov Vladimir Nabokov preferred the Eberhard Faber Blackwing 602 for outlining his novels on index cards. The Blackwing 602 is a pencil noted for its soft, dark graphite, unique flat square ferrule, and replaceable eraser. It was manufactured by the Eberhard Faber Pencil Company from 1934–1988, then by the Faber-Castell pencil company from 1988–1994, and by Sanford from 1994–1998. The pencil initially sold for 50 cents each. After it was discontinued, single original pencils were found on eBay for over $40, with some older (and rarer) ones sold for over $100. Originals are becoming increasingly rare. As of 2012, a different pencil using the same name began being manufactured by Palomino. I don’t have the disposable income to purchase and own the original Eberhard Faber Blackwing 602 pencil, but I have the second best: the Palomino Blackwing 602 . That’s not to say that I write a lot in pencil; I prefer writing my rough drafts with fountain pens. But, a pencil does come in handy from time to time, and to write with a similar pencil as Nabokov or Steinbeck adds a bit of nostalgia and reverence. Also see: https://blackwingpages.wordpress.com/no-ordinary-pencil/ https://www.gentlemanstationer.com/blog/2017/10/18/pencil-review-the-original-palomino-blackwing John Steinbeck John Steinbeck was a pencil addict Steinbeck started his writing sessions with 24 pencils. He adored the famous Blackwing pencil but also favored the Mongol 480 No. 2 3/8 F . It’s been said he used 300 pencils to write East of Eden and 60 for The Grapes of Wrath and Cannery Row . I own a few Eberhard Faber Mongol 480 pencils, not the original vintage pencils, but the newer manufactured model. My pencils may not be the exact pencils that Steinbeck used, but to experience the similar sensation with a similar pencil is worth the extra cost of the pencil. I would like to hear your thoughts. Leave a comment in the Comment Box at the bottom of the page. Dale Thele Bestselling Fiction Author Stories with an LGBTQ+ Twist corrupting readers since 2008 Don't miss another blog post! Get new blog post notifications and new book/story releases sent directly to your email. Click here to subscribe .

CHASING UNICORNS , book #3 of the Shane Davison Chronicles Series was released on March 9, 2023, in both Kindle and Paperback. Three days later, the novel hits Amazon’s Best Selling List. All three of the first Shane Davison Chronicles Series novels have been Amazon Best Sellers. Shane settles into the “normal” life he’s always craved, unaware his reality is about to turn messy and complicated; split between his own budding romance while being supportive of a co-worker’s gay teen son Dexter. Homophobia lies, and misunderstandings lead Dexter into a dark place, a dimension Shane may be powerless to save the teen. All the while, Shane has his hands full with his new beau, Michael. A relationship that on the surface seems to be going swimmingly, but underneath the sunny veneer, lurks chilling secrets. Inspired by actual events. CHASING UNICORNS video book trailer: Learn more about the SHANE DAVISON CHRONICLES SERIES: https://www.dalethele.com/chronicles Details about CHASING UNICORNS: https://www.dalethele.com/chasingunicorns CHASING UNICORNS is now available to purchase in Kindle or Paperback from Amazon https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BRZTG538/ CHASING UNICORNS is rated: ADULT - profanity, adult situations, drug use, smoking, drinking, dysfunctional family situations, violence, homophobia I would like to hear your thoughts. Leave a comment in the Comment Box at the bottom of the page. Dale Thele Bestselling Fiction Author Stories with an LGBTQ+ Twist corrupting readers since 2008 Don't miss another blog post! Get new blog post notifications and new book/story releases sent directly to your email. Click here to subscribe .

Image by Erika Wittlieb from Pixabay The very first novel-length manuscript I ever wrote was entitled AUF WIEDERSEHEN-JOURNEY TO GOODBYE . The manuscript was penned in 2011. It was a gay love story between a gay guy named Shane Davison and this other gay guy by the name of Michael, which took place between December 2008 and March 2009. However, the actual years were never mentioned in the manuscript because the story wasn't time sensitive. Beta readers took a swipe at the manuscript shortly after it was written. They found it lacking something, but they couldn’t put their finger on what was missing. As a result, I shelved the manuscript for the time being. In late 2012, I rewrote the manuscript and added two teenage boys, one gay and one straight, they had been best buds since childhood. I wove the boys' story into the Shane and Michael love story. This made for a livelier read. However, I wasn’t happy with the manuscript, and it was shelved again. In 2017, I dusted off the dormant manuscript and had an author friend read it. She found the dual stories interesting, but it made for a lengthy read. She said something was missing-even though it was a long manuscript. After studying the manuscript, she decided the story was missing the backstory to better understand Shane's character. She asked if I’d considered making this manuscript a part of a series. The thought was overwhelming, and I again shelved the manuscript. Over the next four years, I considered writing a series but didn’t know where to start the series and where to end it. Would there be a theme? A reason for a series? And other questions, along with personal doubts that I could actually write an entire series. In 2021, the idea for the Shane Davison Chronicle Series came to me. A six-novel series following Shane’s life, showing that a gay man’s life isn’t all that different from a straight man’s life. I organized my thoughts and wrote a short blurb of what each of the six books might look like. The first book would focus on Shane’s turbulent high school years while taking peeks into his past. Book two put Shane at college. The third book would be where I’d put the Journey to Goodbye manuscript. However, there was a problem, Journey To Goodbye was written as a story taking place from December 2008 - March 2009, a time of cell phones, computers, texting, and chatrooms. Much of the original manuscript was composed of emails and chats in chatrooms. This wouldn’t work in the proposed series because the time period for the third book would be December 1979 – March 1980. The technology found in the manuscript wasn’t there during the end of '79 and the first of the 80s. In 2022, I modified the original Journey To Goodbye manuscript from texts and emails to phone calls and answering machines, so the story would coincide with the available technology of the 1979 - 1980 time period. The title was changed to CHASING UNICORNS from JOURNEY TO GOODBYE. Back in 2017, the Auf Weidersien was dropped from the title because the German was too much for a book title. The newly revised manuscript contained dual storylines, so a new title was needed to accommodate both stories. The journey took ten years to develop the Shane Davison Chronicles series . It started from a manuscript of a gay love story and grew into what would become a six-novel series, releasing one new novel each year. In 2021, Shane Davison was introduced to the world in the first published novel of the Shane Davison Chronicles , it was entitled CLIPPED WINGS . In 2022, Shane returned in the second novel, BLURRED LINES . In March 2023, after numerous revisions, additions, and a new title, Shane returned in the third novel of the series, CHASING UNICORNS . There are three remaining novels to be written in the series, the next novel's working title is FINAL CHAPTERS , which is a work in progress, with a projected release in March 2024. The remaining two novels are yet to be titled and written, but they will surely include Shane’s shenanigans as he continues his journey through life. Since the first novel of the series was released, Shane has developed a worldwide following and the first three novels have each earned an Amazon Bestselling status. I would like to hear your thoughts. Leave a comment in the Comment Box at the bottom of the page. Dale Thele Bestselling Fiction Author Stories with an LGBTQ+ Twist corrupting readers since 2008 Don't miss another blog post! Get new blog post notifications and new book/story releases sent directly to your email. Click here to subscribe .

Image by John-Gerhard Stolz from Pixabay The world of writing is facing a new and unexpected challenge. With the recent rise of AI (Artificial Intelligence) programs specifically designed to write stories, what does this mean for the future of authors? It’s a question that has been at the forefront of conversations in bookstores, coffee shops, and beyond, as people realize that their livelihoods could be drastically changed by these new programs. For many authors, it was something they never expected to face; an entity that can create stories with a few simple clicks where once there were only hours upon hours of work. But still, the question remains: how much will this impact authors? Will it mean the end of their jobs as we know them? What kind of stories will these AI programs be able to create? It’s no secret that Artificial Intelligence has already made its way into many industries around the world. From medicine and finance to more creative fields such as motion picture production, AI has been making waves across all areas. But when it comes to writing, it may very well be the tipping point–or it could be just another tool in an author’s arsenal. After all, technology is ever-changing, and new advances are happening every day. So while AI programs may become more advanced over time and begin producing even better stories than before, there are also new ways being created to use such technology wisely. For example, some authors have started using AI programs to help them brainstorm ideas or find interesting plot points. Others have used similar systems to help automate mundane tasks like fact-checking or formatting documents so they can focus on more important aspects like crafting compelling characters and narratives instead. At its core though, creativity is something still very unique to humans–for now at least. While some might argue that computers will eventually take over this aspect as well one day, many authors would disagree; citing their own experiences in developing intricate worlds filled with memorable characters and plotlines which simply cannot be replicated by machines alone yet. Whether you believe in its potential or not, there’s no denying that Artificial Intelligence is here to stay—and with it comes a whole host of possibilities for writers everywhere. The future holds many unknowns but one thing we do know for sure: authors will definitely remain relevant in whatever form our storytelling takes next. Lastly, did an AI program create this blog post or did an actual human write it? I'll leave that up to you to decide because I'm not telling. I would like to hear your thoughts. Leave a comment in the Comment Box at the bottom of the page. Dale Thele Bestselling Fiction Author Stories with an LGBTQ+ Twist corrupting readers since 2008 Don't miss another blog post! Get new blog post notifications and new book/story releases sent directly to your email. Click here to subscribe .

Image by kalhh from Pixabay The kind of "magic" we're discussing today is the writing kind of magic. There won't be any white bunnies popping out of silk top hats or colored scarves appearing in thin air. This post is about the magic that comes from writing, or rather, where that special magic happens. Buckle up because we're going inside the world of a fiction writer. This is where the "magic" happens. Actually, this photo was taken several years ago, but I can assure you little has changed. I believe the only change was the desk clock was switched out for a vintage 1960s mechanical electric swinging girl clock. (You can see the clock in the next photo) Very little changes on my desk, except for the many layers of dust that collect between writing manuscripts. The desk is not dusted during the writing of a manuscript. Once the final manuscript has gone to print, then the desk is thoroughly dusted and cleaned. That works out to one annual cleaning, based on the fact that I'm producing one novel each year. This is where I point out some unique features of my writing space. Nowadays, most people no longer use a desk mat with blotter paper. Take a gander at what's under the laptop. You got it! It's a leather desk pad with refillable blotter paper. The pad protects the desktop from ink stains and it offers a smooth writing surface when I'm writing with fountain pens. Yep! I use fountain pens even when I'm not writing a manuscript. Here are additional items I wish to point out about my workspace: A. Under normal circumstances, a wire letter tray sits where the easel stand (looks like the top portion of a music stand). Actually, the easel is holding my handwritten rough draft so that I can transpose it into my digital editor on my laptop. Only the rough draft is handwritten, all other drafts and rewrites are done digitally. (sorry to disappoint) B. From the calendar, you can see that this photo was taken in 2021 (no, I do not keep old outdated calendars on my wall) I was probably transposing BLURRED LINES in this photo. C. These are sticky notes that I use each day to record the total word, page, and chapter count when I wrap up my writing session for the day. Each notepad is dated and placed on top of the previous day's notepad. This gives me a running count of my progression with that particular manuscript. Look to the right, near the letter "B" and you can see that I'm also working on a second manuscript at the same time. D. Of course, no writer's desk is complete without a coffee or tea mug. During the time I was working on BLURRED LINES , I was drinking coffee. Since then, my taste has switched to hot tea - herbal, but mostly caffeinated tea. As for the desk, it's actually the left side arm of a much larger Steve Silver desk. I didn't have the space, nor the dollars to purchase the entire ensemble. It wouldn't have mattered anyway, because the ensemble was discontinued and all that I wanted of the set was this side table which I purchased at a deep discount, being that it was an orphaned piece, and it had a few dings because it had been on display. I was also able to procure the matching wheeled 2-draw filing chest that fits under the desk. I wasn't able to locate the matching rolling banker's chair, but no worries, there were plenty of inexpensive wooden desk chairs available to complement the desk. As I've often mentioned before, I write the rough draft by hand with a fountain pen in a cheap college-ruled composition notebook. The notebook pictured above is the handwritten rough draft of FINAL CHAPTERS , the 4th novel of the Shane Davison Chronicles Series , due to be released in 2024. The manuscript was written exclusively on the right-hand page. The left page was left intentionally blank for notes and afterthoughts. Usually, the afterthoughts are written in pencil and on the left page. Sometimes I use different colored pencils to jot my notes. The reason I do this is that when I get into the "zone", I write as fast as possible to unload everything onto the paper. Later, sometimes days later, I get an idea that I missed when writing the draft, so I add those notes on the left page opposite the page that coordinates with the notes. Then, when the rough draft is completed, I begin transposing the manuscript to digital format for easier editing and rewriting. The cheap composition notebook(s) are kept in leather hand-sewn notebook covers (until the manuscript has been transposed). I find this gives the rough draft a special quality—a measure of worth. After all, the rough draft is the basis of what will eventually become a novel or a story. Giving value to the rough draft isn't much different than pampering one's child—the rough draft is my baby. One day, it will mature into a full-fledged novel, a novella, or a short story. I'd appreciate hearing your comments. Leave your thoughts in the Comment Box at the bottom of the page. Dale Thele Bestselling Fiction Author Stories with an LGBTQ+ Twist corrupting readers since 2008 Don't miss another blog post! Get new blog post notifications and new book/story releases sent directly to your email. Click here to subscribe .

Photo by Pendemonium As someone who loves fountain pens, I'm always on the lookout for new ones to try. Recently, I came across the REFORM Quick Tip fountain pen online at Pendemonium , and decided to give it a try. Background The REFORM company was founded in Heidelberg, Germany in the late 1930s. They started out by supplying parts to other German manufacturers and were one of the first companies to use injection molding. While they became a large company, it wasn't until the early 1960s they began branding their own pens. Unfortunately, the company stopped trading in 1999. However, their fountain pens are of good quality and have good nibs with some flex. They are ideal fountain pens and will become more collectible as time goes on. The Pen The REFORM Quick Tip fountain pen is constructed of ivory and cream plastic with a black metal clip. It has a FINE anodized steel nib and came with a standard short cartridge with blue ink. It was made in Germany, but I'm unsure of its production date. Photo by Pendemonium Weight The main quality I love about this pen is how lightweight it is. It's probably the lightest-weight fountain pen I own. The lighter the weight of the fountain pen, the less fatigued my hand gets. I can write for longer sessions with lightweight fountain pens. Ink The pen came with one cartridge, but I might continue to use cartridges with this pen since I have a lot of them. I prefer my pens to be eye droppers or use converters, so I can choose the brand and shade of ink I wish to use in my pens. I'm not a big fan of cartridges, but it seems fitting for this particular pen. Photo by Pendemonium Conclusion Overall, I'm really happy with my purchase of the REFORM Quick Tip fountain pen. It's a great lightweight option for those who are just starting out with fountain pens or for those who want a simple, basic writer. Plus, it's always fun to add a new pen to my collection! I'd appreciate hearing your comments. Please leave them in the Comment Box at the bottom of the page. Dale Thele Bestselling Fiction Author Stories with an LGBTQ+ Twist corrupting readers since 2008 Don't miss another blog post! Get new blog post notifications and new book/story releases sent directly to your email. Click here to subscribe .

Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay Why A Year Between Each Shane Davison Chronicles Series Book Release? The Shane Davison Chronicles Series has a planned 6 novels. Did you notice the “magic” word? Planned. The series has not been written yet, only planned . That is the number one reason why there’s an entire year between novel releases. But why does it take a whole year to write a novel? That’s a Good Question If I were named Jack Kerouac , I could type an entire novel entitled On The Road in three weeks on a scroll of continuous, 120-foot tracing paper sheets cut to size and taped together. Or maybe my name is J. R. R. Tolkien and I could produce a novel entitled The Lord of the Rings in twelve years. I’m neither Kerouac nor Tolkien, and the length of time I require to complete a novel falls somewhere in between. Years in the Making It took ten years for an evolving manuscript to eventually become an idea for a series. The working title for the manuscript was: Auf Wiedersehen: Journey To Goodbye . The manuscript took on several rewrites and revisions over the course of ten years before the idea of a series was suggested by an author friend. A Series Comes to Mind Once I decided a series was the route I wanted to take, I had to come up with a plan of how the series should unfold, how many books would it encompass, what is the purpose of the series, and so on. That’s when the idea came to me to write a series of stories that follow the life of a gay man, from childhood into adulthood. I also wanted to write the series in a way that would allow the reader to step inside Shane’s head and become a silent character in the novels. Point-of-View I knew right off the bat that I wanted the series to be written entirely from Shane’s perspective and in his voice. This point-of-view is limiting for the reader because no matter what happens, the reader only knows whatever Shane allows the reader to know. This goes against the old saying, “ There are three sides to every story: your side, my side, and the truth ”. In Shane’s Chronicles , the reader only gets one side of the story—Shane’s side. This point-of-view of storytelling can make for an interesting read. The reader is left speculating on what is actually true and what is Shane’s truth. Start of a Series The first novel in the series, Clipped Wings , was a story I’d struggled for fifty years to find a way to tell the story. It was a story that had haunted me for my entire adult life, mostly because actual events inspired it. How was I going to go about telling that story so that it would sound believable, even though much of it happened as written in real life? When I began the rough draft, I let Shane tell me his story. As if he was sitting in the same room with me, he told the story I couldn’t because it was entirely from his perspective. I wrote as fast as I could as Shane told me the story of his turbulent high school years, sprinkled with backstories of his childhood. Before I knew it, I had a stack of college-ruled composition notebooks filled with Shane’s words, handwritten by fountain pen. That’s where Shane’s story starts, in the first novel: Clipped Wings . For one year, I edited, rewrote, revised, and rearranged text until I had a finished novel. The first novel was published and released in March 2021. Second Novel I then moved on to the second novel of the series, which would be entitled Blurred Lines . The story of Shane’s college experience. I gave myself one year to complete that book. From the rough draft to the first rewrite and many many edits and revisions, the novel was published and released in March 2022. Third Novel Then, I spent the next year revising the original Auf Wiedersehen: Journey to Goodbye so that it would chronologically fit into the series. Shane is four years older and has built a life for himself. The novel was published under a revised title: Chasing Unicorns . It was released in early March 2023. Fourth Novel Currently, I’m working on novel number four of the series, with the working title of Final Chapters . The story picks up a few years later. Shane shares a condo with his boyfriend, when out of nowhere, all hell breaks loose, toppling Shane’s perfect life. One Year at a Time I devote an entire year to writing the next novel in the series, making sure each installment is up to my exacting standards. Writing a novel is no easy task – it involves hours of researching, plotting, and crafting characters with unique personalities and motivations. To do that, I complete a 5-page profile on each character. In addition, it takes time to craft a believable plot line and create interesting scenarios that keep readers hooked until the end. Topping off this process is the important task of adding detail to every scene. Intimate descriptions bring these settings alive in ways only words can do. I want my readers to find themselves fully immersed in each setting as if they were standing there themselves. As such, I must ensure to capture every detail perfectly before releasing my work into the world. What’s more, while I craft my stories one chapter at a time, there are entire separate projects to juggle in parallel - everything from editing drafts, revising the manuscript, formatting the manuscript for publication, and creating marketing campaigns all need attending to before any book goes on sale. It’s no wonder then that despite this complex process taking place behind each book’s release date, fans eagerly await the next installment once they’ve finished devouring the latest one. And those same fans will be rewarded when Shane Davison returns in the fourth novel ( Final Chapters ) – coming in spring 2024. I'd appreciate hearing your comments. Leave your thoughts in the Comment Box at the bottom of the page. Dale Thele Bestselling Fiction Author Stories with an LGBTQ+ Twist corrupting readers since 2008 Don't miss another blog post! Get new blog post notifications and new book/story releases sent directly to your email. Click here to subscribe .

Image by Pixabay Authors and Their Characters When an author writes a manuscript, they become vested in the characters and their varied personal stories that make up the manuscript. The characters become a part of the family, and when the time comes to say goodbye to the manuscript, it can be an emotional moment for the author. When the author types those last words, they bid a final goodbye to the characters and put them to bed for the last time. Personal Connections As an author, I become attached to my characters, some more than others. The characters may be a part of a short story, novella, novel, or even a book series. For example, there was Ezra from the interior story of MASKED IDENTITIES . Not long after publication, I felt Ezra had an unfinished story. Giving Ezra a voice to tell that story was when the concept of MASKED IDENTITIES—THE REVEAL (no longer available in print), came to be. It was the logical conclusion of the historical interior story that Megan read in her grandfather’s library. Ezra’s voice became a short story and was later permanently added to the ending of the novella MASKED IDENTITIES . Other characters, like Ryan Tanner, the kid from the novelette “FIRST TIME”, included in the anthology NAUGHTY GAY ADULT BEDTIME STORIES . Ryan struck a note in me as I wrote “FIRST TIME”. The story was told entirely from his teenage perspective. Although I wasn't familiar with a "Ryan" in real life, he just grew on me as I wrote the manuscript. I suppose my most profound character connection has been with Shane Davison, the antagonist/protagonist of the Shane Davison Chronicles Series . This is probably the strongest connection to any character I've had in my writing career. I say this because "Shane" is a composite of myself and other people in my real-world experience. Also, Shane tells his story (throughout the entire series) from his own personal perspective, which has created a bond between the fictional character and me. In writing the series, I spend a great deal of time inside Shane's head, which has led to a strong connection between both of us. Another character which whom I have a connection is Dexter ( Shane Davison Chronicles Series ) He's a young son of a co-worker at Dillinger’s Department Store. Shane and Dexter became friends, and their relationship grew and morphed as circumstances in their lives changed. Dex started out as a kid, full of curiosity about the world, and through their combined histories and as the series continues, Shane became a real-life guncle to the kid. Saying Goodbye As I conclude each manuscript, I have to say goodbye to these characters who have become more than words on paper, but individuals with feelings and dreams. Saying so long is easier with some than with others. Sometimes, while lying in bed at night, a character's voice whom I left behind when their story was finished echoes in my mind. I’ve often caught myself wiping a tear from my eye after hearing those voices. Moments like that are when I’m assured that these characters who I’d grown an attachment aren’t gone forever. They’re beside me as I write exploits of new characters—characters who will eventually join the ghosts of previous manuscripts. I'd appreciate hearing your comments. Leave your thoughts in the Comment Box at the bottom of the page. Dale Thele Bestselling Fiction Author Stories with an LGBTQ+ Twist corrupting readers since 2008 Don't miss another blog post! Get new blog post notifications and new book/story releases sent directly to your email. Click here to subscribe .

Jinhao 86 Resin Fountain Pen The Pen The Jinhao pen is a writing tool that looks very similar to the vintage Parker 51. It has a chrome cap, a plastic body, and a hooded stainless steel nib. However, Jinhao has made some improvements to the pen's inner workings. They replaced Parker's Aerometric filler system with a converter, which allows for a larger ink capacity. The Jinhao pen writes very well and is available in a variety of colors. Best of all, it only costs a few dollars! Jinhao 86 Resin Fountain Pen Hooded Nib The Cap & Clip The Jinhao 86 cap is made of a heavy metal, making the pen top-heavy when the cap is posted, unlike the lightweight chrome cap of the Parker 51. The pocket clip is a copy of the iconic Parker pocket clip. If you're new to pens, you might mistake the Jinhao for a Parker 51, but the JINHAO engraving on the base of the cap distinguishes the two brands. Jinhao 86 Resin Fountain Pen Parts The Company Jinhao pens are made by the Shanghai Qiangu Stationery Co., Ltd in China. The company was established in 1988 and combines Chinese culture with Western elements in their designs. They manufacture all of their pens in their factory and distribute them worldwide. In conclusion, the Jinhao pen is a budget-friendly writing tool that writes well and looks great. It's a great option for anyone who wants a quality pen without breaking the bank. Conclusion I enjoy the light weight of the pen and the hooded nib, and it writes like a fountain pen many times its modest price. The price of a fountain pen does not always equate to the quality or performance of the pen. Don't walk away from an inexpensive fountain pen just because of its price. If you like the look, the feel, and the exquisite manner in which it writes--that's all that should matter. I'd appreciate hearing your comments. Please leave them in the Comment Box at the bottom of the page. Dale Thele Bestselling Fiction Author Stories with an LGBTQ+ Twist corrupting readers since 2008 Don't miss another blog post! Get new blog post notifications and new book/story releases sent directly to your email. Click here to subscribe .

Image by Pixabay My Story When I write a book, I create a story that is mine to tell. I write to entertain my readers and take them on a journey to another place or time. My goal is to give them a momentary escape from reality. I want my stories to be a springboard for readers to jump into an alternate reality, even if it's just for a brief time. The Reader's Story Once my book is published and available for purchase, the story is no longer mine. When someone buys my book and starts reading it, they make the story their own. The reader visualizes characters and places differently than I did when I wrote the story. They have a different concept of the tale I created. Even though they are reading the same words I wrote, their minds create a different picture than the one I saw. An Example Have you ever read a book and then talked to someone else who read the same book, only to find out that they saw the story in a completely different way than you did? That's exactly what happened with my novel, CLIPPED WINGS . I asked some friends who read the book to tell me who they thought the antagonist was. To my surprise, each person had a different answer! Even though they all read the same words, they each had a different idea of who the bad guy really was. Why Do People See Stories Differently? So why do people see stories differently? There are a few reasons. First of all, everyone has their own experiences and beliefs that shape the way they see the world. This means that when they read a story, they might interpret things differently than someone else who has had different experiences. Another reason is that stories can be open to interpretation. Sometimes, authors intentionally leave things vague or ambiguous so that readers can come up with their own ideas about what's happening. This can be a good thing because it allows readers to connect with the story in their own way. What Does This Mean for Readers? If you're a reader, this means that you should always keep an open mind when you're reading a story. Don't assume that your interpretation is the only one that's valid. Instead, try to see things from different perspectives and consider how other people might see the story. It's also important to remember that just because someone else sees a story differently than you do, that doesn't mean they're wrong. Everyone's entitled to their own opinion, and that includes their interpretation of a story. What Does This Mean for Writers? If you're a writer, this means that you should embrace the fact that people will see your story in different ways. Don't worry too much about making sure everyone understands your story exactly the way you intended. Instead, focus on creating a story that's open to interpretation and allows readers to connect with it in their own way. In the end, the fact that people can see the same story in different ways is what makes reading and writing so interesting. It allows us to connect with stories in our own unique way and to see the world from different perspectives. So the next time you read a book or write a story, remember that there's no one "right" way to see things. The Magic of Books That's the magic of books. No two people interpret stories in the same way. The reader molds the words to fit their perception of reality, even though the book may be pure fiction. It's amazing how a bunch of typed pages bound together by a cover can be perceived in so many varying ways. I'd appreciate hearing your comments. Please, feel free to leave your thoughts in the Comment Box at the bottom of the page. Dale Thele Bestselling Fiction Author Stories with an LGBTQ+ Twist corrupting readers since 2008 Don't miss another blog post! Get new blog post notifications and new book/story releases sent directly to your email. Click here to subscribe .

The Set This vintage porcelain china cup and saucer set is decorated with a pink rose pattern. It is in very good condition, but there are some minor brown marks on the inside of the cup. The set is very lightweight and came with a gold-plated demitasse spoon. The cup handle is a bit awkward to hold, and some people think it might be a ladies' tea set because of the flowery pattern. But, I must disagree, unless the set was made especially for the bearded lady at the circus. The History The Etsy seller who sold me this set didn't know much about its history. There are no marks on the set, but the seller claims that there was a paper description stuffed inside the cup when they acquired it. The paper provided an approximate age for the cup. WHY I BOUGHT IT I purchased the cup and saucer set about 6 years ago because it is distinctively different from my other mustache cups and saucer sets. This pair made a delightful addition to my collection. I'd appreciate hearing your comments. Please leave them in the Comment Box at the bottom of the page. Dale Thele Bestselling Fiction Author Stories with an LGBTQ+ Twist corrupting readers since 2008 Don't miss another blog post! Get new blog post notifications and new book/story releases sent directly to your email. Click here to subscribe .

Image by Gerhard Bögner from Pixabay One Approach to Writing The title may seem strange, but when it comes to writing a book, there are no set rules. Each writer has their own unique process, from planning to execution. The process is as personal and varied as the writers themselves. Following someone else's writing process step by step can stifle your creativity and lead to the dreaded Writer's Block. So, let's take a closer look at my approach to writing a book. Generating Story Ideas My ideas often come to me in dreams, as if I'm watching a movie on a big screen in a theater. Other times, ideas randomly pop into my head. Regardless of their origin, I make sure to jot them down and store them on my laptop. These ideas could be a title, a plot, or even just a random scene. While not all of these ideas may develop into full-fledged stories, they serve as a pool of inspiration that I can draw from in the future. First and Last Chapters Once I have a basic idea for a story, I begin by writing a rough draft of the first and last chapters. At this stage, I have no idea how the story will unfold from point A to point B. I simply focus on bringing the first and last chapters to life on paper. Of course, these chapters may undergo numerous revisions before the final manuscript, but they serve as the starting and finishing points for my story. Planning (or Lack Thereof) Let me be clear: I do not meticulously plan out my books or stories. I am what writers refer to as a "Pantser"—I write by the seat of my pants. While most writers are "Plotters" who meticulously plan their books, I prefer to let the story unfold organically. Some may argue that this approach is risky, but for me, it allows for a more spontaneous and authentic writing experience. We'll delve deeper into this later. Characters Every story or book features characters. Initially, I don't plan my plot step-by-step, so I only know the main characters and not the incidental ones. To visualize my characters, I conduct model searches on Google, trying to find their likenesses as I imagine them in my mind. Once I have an actual photo of my character, I create a character profile that includes physical descriptions, likes, dislikes, personal history, childhood, memories, and more. I strive to know each character as if each is a real, live, breathing person. Writing Now comes the exciting part—writing the complete rough draft. I have a general idea of where the story begins from the two rough draft chapters, the beginning, and the end. I start writing from where the rough draft's first chapter ends. I prefer to handwrite my rough drafts using a fountain pen and college-ruled composition books. I clear my mind and allow my characters to guide the story wherever they want, hoping it will eventually align with my originally written last chapter. Sometimes, the characters surprise me with unexpected plot twists that lead to a completely different ending. A prime example of this is the conclusion of my upcoming book, FINAL CHAPTERS . The characters completely caught me off guard with a double plot twist. I hadn't planned it, nor did I anticipate it. That's the beauty of writing in a freestyle manner—the story takes on a life of its own, presenting plot twist opportunities that were never planned or conceived before I started writing. First Rewrite Once the rough draft is complete, I transfer the entire manuscript into a digital editor, my personal preference being Open Office. While transposing, I may make some minor changes here and there, but my goal is to keep the manuscript as faithful to the original as possible. Second Rewrite During this stage, I digitally edit the rough draft, smoothing out the story and refining the dialogue, among other things. First Edit At this point, I add action tags, work out descriptive passages, and other storytelling details. Additional Edits Subsequent edits will focus on different technical writing aspects. The number of additional edits depends on the concentration of technical issues. I dedicate each edit to one specific technical issue. Finished Book No matter how many edits and rewrites I do, I always manage to find technical errors that were missed. A missing word here, an extra period there, and so on. However, throughout the entire writing experience, there is no way to describe the feeling I get when I open the cardboard box delivered to my door, containing my published book. Final Thought Now you have a basic understanding of my book or story writing process. This approach works for me, but I'm not claiming it to be the best method for everyone. What works for me may not necessarily work for you. So, now that you have this knowledge, forget what you just read and write your book or story in your own unique way. I'd appreciate hearing your comments. Please, feel free to leave your thoughts in the Comment Box at the bottom of the page. Dale Thele Bestselling Fiction Author Stories with an LGBTQ+ Twist corrupting readers since 2008 Don't miss another blog post! Get new blog post notifications and new book/story releases sent directly to your email. Click here to subscribe .