author – Page 9 – Jonathon Mast: Author

What is my writing worth?

The first check I received for writing fiction amounted to $5. I didn’t cash it. It’s in a frame. Look! I got paid! I was so proud of that first check. My wife and I went out to dinner to celebrate. A sale! Since then, I’ve published a number of short stories in a numberContinue reading “What is my writing worth?”

The Work that Comes After the Writing

Writing is work. I wish it was only fun. There is real joy in creating stories, crafting mythologies, sculpting characters, and weaving storylines. There’s something magical in discovering surprises you laid for yourself. I actually do enjoy revising stories and shining them up. But if you intend to be successful as an author, it alsoContinue reading “The Work that Comes After the Writing”

Write EVERY Day?

Do you need to write every single day if you’re going to be a writer? Let me ask a related question: Must you go to work every single day to consider yourself employed? I really hope not! Personally, I value my “days off.” While I rarely get a day to do nothing, those days whereContinue reading “Write EVERY Day?”

The Martian Author

Come one, come all! I have a chronicle here that will be beyond your wildest dreams! Well, maybe not beyond yours, kid. You look like you have some pretty fierce imaginings. But for MOST people, it will be beyond your wildest dreams! You see, I collect authors. Well, not their bodies. Normally. You have toContinue reading “The Martian Author”

The Shopkeeper Mutters, “You Gotta Pay.”

You want one of these? You can’t afford it. You have any idea how much work it takes to deal with one of ’em? Trust me, it ain’t worth your time, your money, your energy. No, I ain’t blowin’ smoke in your face. Well, I am, but that’s cause my cigarette smoke’s gotta go somewhere,Continue reading “The Shopkeeper Mutters, “You Gotta Pay.””