So you may think writing is an easy game. You finish that first draft which is wonderful, indeed. I shall repeat myself again - there is nothing more satisfying than see your work in print. You are successful.
It isn't a matter of being published, or acquiring fame and fortune. You have completed something that others only talk about. "Oh, I'm going to write this book, and it will make me a wealthy man!" Because it is not handed to them on a silver platter, they give up instead of facing the reality.
I never expected this, which is why I have come as far as I have. I merely set goals, and pursued them one by one.
I don't push my characters, I let them live their own lives, make their own decisions - and in this world of reality, do we oftentimes disagree with others intent on doing?
I suppose what I am trying to say is set goals and let the rest run its course. You would be surprised. Of course, my writer friends aren't too surprised, for they are there time and time again - I respect them, no matter the genre.
I propose your first line of action is seeing your words in print - along with the mistakes. However, those with an open hearts and minds will look beyond any mistakes, and look for the story.
The story is the key to unlock the war of words.
Perhaps I have rambled too much.
Please, check out this short blob, for you may be enlightened. Only from simple words from from a guy like me.
I could move on, but I would probably bore you...
MS

Michael Shorde's Simple Observation

I just recently published a new book, and over the course of things it reminded me of just how difficult it can be. In fact, I believe this is why new writers give up so early in the game. I came close to that; I merely wanted to get something published, no matter how meaningless simply to leave my mark on the world. I remember my wife's words:
Why don't you write a book, honey. I know you can...
So I ended up writing my first novel, and before the pages had cooled, I was already starting another book. This one was much more difficult, as I had tons of research. I couldn't start right from the beginning, it had to be bits and pieces - I can them fragments and they inevitably end up somewhere in the book.
I am merely reflecting on my achievements, and looking forward to more of the same. You can accomplish anything if you set your heart and mind to it. The satisfaction is wonderful - to know that you have created something from your own two hands.
All this is why I respect other writers. They stick to it, no matter the genre, and go for the gold. For this, I applaud you. Know that someone is paying attention, and your efforts are not in vain. I am taking a break from my own writing (only for a few minutes), and thought I would share this thought with you on this day of remembrance. Have a great day and stay safe.
MS

A Season of Drake - the only vampire tale I have ever written. Yet, I have started a new one, a series no less. I have found it gratifying, exciting, and I am sure many of you will enjoy the adventures of Drake. He is powerful, and has compassion. Look forward in the future for more of Drake, for more is yet to come. And don't forget about his partner in crime, Thad. This will prove to be tales not to be forgotten. Take heed, for Drake will once again gain the advantage over the hunters, so powerful is he. Look for it in the future.....
DR/MS

Here I am once again. My opinions, my insights, my writing. I still work with David, especially after what happened to him which could have cause death. Now, he is struggling to finish several books, and he has allowed me to include some work of my own. 
David has always been a gracious person in that respect. I hope soon to collaborate with Paul DeThroe with a totally horrific tale. Between the two of us we can create something sinister. And so, I hope Paul reads this, for we shall create something all will love. Hang in there, for this soon will pass.....
MS

The Art of Selling other People's Work

Has this ever happened to you? You put  your trust in someone, send the something to read, and they turn around and sell it. Now, they are putting themselves at risk, since I own the copyright on everything I publish. 
So now, do I not have trust in relationships, I do not have trust in people. Period. Maybe some you can understand me. Trust is hard to come by, hard to give away. Once again, I gave my trust to someone, and they betrayed me. 
Most of you know who I am, and that's fine with me - I have some many good friends here. 
But I have to say, be careful of whom you put your trust into, because in the long run...well.
Ok, this is a negative blog, But I am going to speak my mind, blast it. 
You all know what I am talking about, so no more talk.
I am simply angry, but not at you.

Just some thoughts on writing..

Hello, Michael Shorde here. I must say, I am quite pleased David has decided to include me in his next anthology with The Lost Book. It is an honor, especially coming from a teacher like David Rhodes. He has a lot say when it comes to writing, too much to include all of it here. 
You know, I was supposed to be teaching him, yet he has turned the tables on me. Even his first draft work amazes me, but when he gets down to brass tacks it is a totally different story. For one, he likes to let the characters dictate what and how something is going to happen. Fictional characters telling the story.
Of course, I know many writers do this, but he takes it one step farther. Now, you must realize, as his best friend, I cannot reveal all his secrets. I can say this - his imagination has run wild. He has so many scattered tales, he oftentimes does not know where to turn first. 
I urged him to turn to revising and editing before he had too much to handle (which he already does.) Thank goodness he took my advice, but it was not just me - suddenly, he met someone who creates the most fantastic covers, and that, I think really urged him on. 
He has been working himself to the bone to finish a lot of work, and we all owe him cheers for that. When he decided to make A Season of Drake into a series, I was taken aback. A very good decision, if I must say so. And he will do it, too. I know he has already been working with his proofreader, Cindy, on an excellent location for this next story.
As you may know, this is the one and only vampire tale David has ever written. It may just turn out to be much more, yes, much more. However, I must mention that this was Dominic Drake's idea - after all, he is the one living the story. Again the character dictates to the writer what is going to happen. This is just the tip of the iceberg. 
So please, as I have been teaching David, he is suddenly teaching me and many others. He is a good writer to listen to, a good one to follow. I can say no more at this time, but bear in mind, there is a lot more going on inside that brain of his than we know.
Listen, and pay attention to your dreams.....