Hello World!

I published my first blog post in 2006 to expose the inhumane method that one small town used in euthanizing animals. City officials rejected the offers of the local vet to humanely euthanize the animals and took the less expensive route of shooting them in the head with a .22.

I began blogging as an activist, but much has changed over the decades and I am still writing that same blog, now titled Twin Buttes Spinone. Over the years I’ve hosted other blogs but none with the passion that I have for bird dogs and now, with writing.

I didn’t take this blog lightly and only after months of consideration did I decided to publish The Unconventional Writer. After all, what did I have to offer that others didn’t? The answer came from a Writers and Authors social media group that I joined, seeking inspiration, support, and above all, resources and help in publishing.

What I found was a group of self-publishing writers who were posting, in my opinion, misleading information. Sure, they were published authors and don’t get me wrong, I buy my share of vintage press and self-published books. I respect those two put their money where their mouth is and overlook literary and editorial mistakes for the sake of a good story. I find these books raw and refreshing. While members of this group used all the right buzz words, in their posts and comments that I saw many reasons they did not have publishers.

Having been a member of the Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild since its inception, that probably more than anything, inspired me to transition from amateur to professional. My other career – the one that provides a paycheck – includes a heavy dose of technical writing so I’m no stranger to editing.

I don’t claim to be an expert in any stretch of the imagination, rather, a fellow practitioner who is subject to the same struggles we all face. If I can help you from making mistakes by sharing mine or provide a forum in which you can share yours, so much the better. And as always, I’m open to suggestions, comments, and criticisms.

I hope you’ll join me, and I look forward to posting my next article: When is Writing Writing?