On August 9, 1996, a fire swept through the cabin, my summer residence at Camp Bauercrest in Amesbury, Massachusetts. Along with a guitar, clothing, computer, and many writings, my first completed novel went up in flames. Twenty years ago, flash drives and backup files were not on my mind.

When the fire destroyed my writings, knowing it was time to start again, I had to make a decision. Do I try to rewrite the novel, now incinerated, or start from scratch? I decided to start anew. I also decided to take a different approach. I read up on successful authors and effective writing techniques. The familiar theme that stuck with me was very simple. Write. Write. And write some more. Like playing a melody on the guitar, or mastering a free throw on the basketball court, practice and repetition hone your skills. Continue reading »