Wednesday, September 19, 2007

The Writing Environment

I just got back from an idyllic week in far northern Maine where I isolated myself and cranked out the next installment of the novel I'm currently working on. I find that I'm most productive if I place myself in isolation, away from phones, internet and television. The lake by which I spent 5 terrific days was ideal. In fact, the only radio stations I could pull in were in Quebec and French speaking. I had nothing left to do but write!

Writing is possibly the single hardest thing one can do. It's a solitary endeavor and, no matter what anyone says, it's hard! Trying to write at home is really difficult. I find myself constantly interupting myself to check email, surf the net (under the lame excuse of doing research) and dealing with home issues. It's easier today than it was when my wife was still alive. She always seemed to think that if I was at home I was available to whittle away at her ever-present list of Honey-dos. (I must admit though that I'd gladly tackle that list today if I could have her back.)

I have of late been rather productive. I completed a piece for an up-coming anthology called: My Teacher Is My Hero and am closing in on the end of the novel...speaking of which.

It's time for me to stop avoiding it and get back to work.

Mystery-Man

Monday, August 20, 2007

I'm Back!!!!

I haven't been on the blog for quite sometime as my summer has been extremely full, what with my grandson's busy baseball schedule and trying to sell one novel and finish another. I did however get a short story published in Mouth Full of Bullets (http://www.mouthfullofbullets.com) and was happily surprised when the editor, B. J. Bourg chose it as the cover story. If you haven't yet stopped by MFOB, you should. It's a quality magazine with a lot of good stories. I won't mention the fact that it's free.

I've also been busy working on the New England Chapter of Mystery Wroter's of America. We're implimenting a number of new changes and its been wild and wooley. Also I'm serving on the planning committee for the annual New England CrimeBake. A writer/reader conference sponsored by the New England Chapters of Myatery Writers of America and Sisters In Crime. It will be held over the Veteran's Day weekend (November 10 through 11) and this year we've changed our venue to the Hilton Hotel in Dedham, MA. The conference features pitch sessions with agents, terrific panalists and this year Lee Child will be our keynote speaker. To show you the quality of our keynotes the list includes such well known writers as Robert B. Parker and Janet Evanovich. I'd really like to see you there. Check it out at our website, http://crimebake.org/index.htm.

Well time to get back to the writing thing... I got a novel to finish.

Wednesday, February 28, 2007

A/VOCATION

I submitted short stories for over twenty years before I had my first sale. Since then, I've placed over four hundred stories, articles, and poems with more than a hundred publications.
Still, the questions I'm asked never change.
"Do you enjoy writing?"
As much as one can enjoy an obsession.
"Have I read anything you've written?"
I don't know. What have you read?
"What did you think of [insert title here]?"
Just because I write doesn't mean I use "Books In Print" as a reading list.
"If you write, why aren't you rich?"
Now THAT's funny.

by
Stephen D. Rogers

Stephen D. Rogers has written and published over 400 short stories. He makes his home in Massachusetts and is currently Vice-President of the New England chapter of MWA. You can learn more about Stephen and read some of his work at: http://www.stephendrogers.com

Tuesday, February 27, 2007

Hey Writers

Welcome.

The intent of this blog is to discuss and comment on all things related to writing.

Let me introduce myself. Obviously, writing is my passion. I have published a number of short pieces and am shopping a novel at this time. I live in New England and am active in the New England writing community. I try not to restrict my writing to a particular genre, but always seem to migrate back to mystery/thriller.

I am a member of the Mystery Writers of America and serve on the board of director of the New England chapter. I'm on the planning committee for the Mystery Writers of America New England's (MWANE) annual writer conference, the New England Crimebake (if you haven't attended one you should. It is becoming the premier conference in the northeast and focuses on the craft--regardless of genre).

Look here for articles and items of interest to writers, including any number of guest bloggers.

So, welcome in and feel free to comment.

Mysteryman