You probably have not noticed the new link to “Forum” at the top of the page. The administrators of the Time-Wasters Guide have been kind enough to create a little spot for me on their forum, to allow my throngs of fans to discuss my work.

I started on writing the actual screenplay today. Got a bit over five pages done. Considering that the complete screenplay is only going to run around 44 pages, that’s a pretty big chunk.

I’ve got a basic outline of the plot for my screenplay. And it has occurred to me that I can cheat on my writing resolutions by making it the outline for a novel, too. Pretty sneaky, huh?

I finished writing “The Nuclear Option” today. Here’s another bit from the story:

Smith chuckled; the privacy veil made the sound sterile and impersonal. “Don’t be so sure of that — politicians need upgrades, just like everyone else. Have a little faith in human nature.”

“If I had faith in human nature, I wouldn’t be upgrading it,” said Harry.

Here’s a taste of what I wrote today, part of a science fiction short story called “The Nuclear Option”:

“The nuclear option really only replaces the need to plug in to recharge the system. It doesn’t mean you never need to eat. There’s only so much the synthesizers can do, and if you don’t replenish the raw materials occasionally your body’ll start cannibalizing itself and you’ll have vitamin deficiencies.”

“How long can I go without food?”

Harry thought a moment. “Based on the Army’s studies, you can go six weeks without food, no problem. After that, the health effects start, but nothing serious for another—”

“Six weeks should be good enough.”

Sorry, I’ve been watching too much Smallville. BYU’s newspaper, the Daily Universe, ran a story today about writing groups. The reporter and a photographer came by my Thursday night group, so I’m quoted in the article. (I am not, however, in the photograph.)

You can read the story here. (The web version appears to have some typos that were corrected in the print version.)

2-5pm
83 N Harrisville Rd
Ogden, UT 84404
(801) 399-2090

4-6:30pm
29 S Main St
Logan, UT 84321
(435) 752-3055

No, I’m not turning fifty. But my family and I spent Christmas and New Year’s in Hawaii.

The weather was great most of the time we were there. The beach in Kailua was great. We also went to the Polynesian Cultural Center, the Arizona Memorial, and the U.S.S. Bowfin.

Pictures are here.

I’ve decided on some writing goals for 2006, aimed at increasing my output:

1. I will submit Heir of the Line.
2. I will submit at least one short story every month to a pro market.
3. I will write one new short story (averaging at least 3000 words) each month.
4. I will write a new novel. I will outline it in January and then I will add at least 9000 words each month until it is finished.
5. I will write a screenplay. I will outline it in January and then I will add at least ten pages each month until it is finished.

How did I do on last year’s writing resolutions?

Not so good. I finished the novel behind schedule and didn’t really submit it anywhere, but at least I finished it. And I didn’t finish eight short stories, but I did finish six.