Tag Archives: writing

Give Me a Break

I don’t know about other authors, but I have been inundated with emails from people wanting to help me publicize my books. Here are some of the examples of the pitches. This person used the wrong name. Hi Collin, I … Continue reading

Posted in Scratch Pad | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

150th Anniversary of the City of Allen

On April 25, 2026, Allen, Texas celebrated its 150th anniversary with a day-long event. It marked the date in 1876 when the residents of the town filed a map of the town with the State of Texas. Ebenezer Allen I … Continue reading

Posted in Scratch Pad | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

YouTube Interview by Samantha O’Daniel

Please see my YouTube interview about writing. Order the print copy of Ebenezer Allen – Statesman, Entrepreneur, and Spy Order the E-book copy of Ebenezer Allen – Statesman, Entrepreneur, and Spy

Posted in Scratch Pad | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Writing During the Current Crisis

Stay-at-home restrictions, whether they be from governments or personal decisions, provide opportunities to write.  The time saved from commuting and leisure-time activities can be used to create new stories using various formats and media. While this suggestion may seem inappropriate, … Continue reading

Posted in Scratch Pad | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Learning How to Write

For readers who are considering writing a novel, biography, memoir, how-to guide, history, etc., I think the best way to get started is by taking a writing class. That’s how I began my journey. I prefer onsite classes rather than … Continue reading

Posted in Scratch Pad | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Some Thoughts to Improve Writing

Crossword Puzzles I like to do crossword puzzles. As an author I learn new words and their definition and correct spelling.  They are a good way to add to your vocabulary. Read Aloud Function in Microsoft Word I have been … Continue reading

Posted in Scratch Pad | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Adjectives

An adjective is a word that modifies a noun or pronoun to make it more specific. Adjectives are a writer’s best friend. They help describe a person, place, or thing to allow a reader to form a mental picture of … Continue reading

Posted in Scratch Pad | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

McFarland Books on Sale

In recognition of the company’s 40th anniversary, McFarland will be running a website promotion June 10 through June 30 covering ALL books. All website book orders will be discounted by 25%. For those of you familiar with my Civil War … Continue reading

Posted in Scratch Pad | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Fashion Tips for Writers

Writers seem to adopt a variety styles once they become authors. Just because you enter the realm of published writers, doesn’t mean you have to: Wear your hair in a pony tail (men) Let your grow down to  your waist … Continue reading

Posted in Scratch Pad | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Ebenezer Allen – Statesman, Entrepreneur, and Spy

I am happy to announce that the unredacted edition of Ebenezer Allen – Statesman, Entrepreneur, and Spy has been delivered to a potential publisher. The edition is 443 double-spaced pages with over 90 illustrations, and 700 footnotes.   Now I … Continue reading

Posted in Scratch Pad | Tagged , , | Leave a comment