Category: sparks1524

Travel Log: Falling for Water – the Forgotten Falls!

(Silverdale, Washington; May 4, 2021) – I was sitting down to film my video on waterfalls when I was struck by a thought! Seriously, you can see the bruise on the side of my head. I wrote eloquently earlier today about the six waterfalls I visited here in Washington State.  Straight up, I goofed.  I … Continue reading Travel Log: Falling for Water – the Forgotten Falls!

Travel Log – Falling for Water!

(Silverdale, Washington; May 4, 2021) – Waterfalls wash away strife and care, the rushing cataract mesmerizing the eyes even as it soothes the soul. As I near my departure from Washington State, I wanted to share a few more memories of the amazing places we have here.  I’ve found much solace, wonder, and water droplets … Continue reading Travel Log – Falling for Water!

Photo Finish: Mount Baker and Glacier Peak!

Mount Ranier is the tallest, Mount Adams contains the most volume, and Mount St. Helens is the grumpiest, but Washington State boasts four more active volcanoes. Two of them, Indian Heaven and West Crater are not nearly as well known because they aren't stratovolcanoes and don't possess the classic volcano shape. Indian Heaven and West … Continue reading Photo Finish: Mount Baker and Glacier Peak!

Just My Thoughts: Momentous Triumphant!

(Silverdale, Washington; April 23, 2021) –  The pandemic has impacted everyone across the globe.  Our nation has been riven by fear, strife, super-spreader events justified by politicians and media pundits who preferred to advance a political agenda at the expense of safety, and the loss of time with loved ones…if not the loss of the … Continue reading Just My Thoughts: Momentous Triumphant!

Blogger’s Notebook – Going Video, Part 3

(Silverdale, Washington; April 1, 2021) – The de-camping process has begun.  I’m just over 30 days from packing up and moving out of Washington State. I think, therefore, it’s time to present part 3 of this three-part series on going video! Parts one and two discussed the basic equipment and software you’ll need.  Part 3 … Continue reading Blogger’s Notebook – Going Video, Part 3

Blogger’s Notebook – Going Video, Part 2

(Silverdale, Washington; March 25, 2021) – I must apologize for my absence from the blogosphere.  Due to my impending move from Washington State to Tennessee in May, I had to sideline several projects, including this blog, to finish up editing on my forthcoming novel, The Norfolk Murders. In retrospect, I might have done better to … Continue reading Blogger’s Notebook – Going Video, Part 2

Photo Finish: Aquariums!

Aquariums are one of my favorite places to visit. Here's a look at some of the best images I captured in North Carolina, Virginia, and Tennessee. Animals are difficult to photograph, even when in artificial habitats, but the results one can get through patience, creativity, and blasting out a number of exposures will stack the … Continue reading Photo Finish: Aquariums!

The Writer’s Craft – How to Kill Your Story 101, Part 3

(Silverdale, Washington; Feb. 11, 2021) – Writers have an opportunity to create stories and franchises which can thrive for decades, attracting a broad coalition of fans through innovative, exciting tales featuring innovative, exciting characters. Conversely, writers can turn their success into a disastrous recreation of the Hindenberg’s immolation by betraying their core philosophy, ignoring source … Continue reading The Writer’s Craft – How to Kill Your Story 101, Part 3

The Writer’s Craft – How to Kill Your Story 101, Part 2

(Silverdale, Washington; Feb. 4, 2021) – Careless writers can sink their entire franchise with all the subtly and grace of the Titanic smacking an iceberg if they betray their foundational philosophy, ignore source material, and spit in the face of established canon. This three-part series will examine each of those, with today’s focus being the … Continue reading The Writer’s Craft – How to Kill Your Story 101, Part 2