Been a while

02-18-09 - Sorry I've been busy writing and not paying attention
to the blog. Everyone says you should be making an entry at least
every two or three days.
I just about completed my short story - novella. Needs some editing
but I'm happy with it. I also added several chapters to the novel and
it is flowing pretty good. I always like to finish up a chapter before
quitting and have a clear idea what will come next, so it is easy to
get restarted.
I'm enjoying the research for the novel especially on colonial
governments in the Caribbean and how sugar was grown and processed
in the 18th Century. A horrible existence for the slaves who did all
the work and suffering so the Europeans could have their sweets.
Leaving for Florida on Friday so will not be doing much writing for
a week or two. I will be working seriously on my short story called
"The Substitute". Stay tuned.

A new poem!

02-04-09 Here's a new poem I've been working on - hope you like it!

Cap’n Jack
By Dave Miles Copywrite 2009

Off to the east, a blood red moon blazes a sinister light.
The glass is down, and the wind is up, the devil means to fight.
No sleep for thee, you scurvy souls, no fear can make it right
An evil omen, warns Cap’n Jack, will taunt us all this night.

Upon the tilting deck we lean, the ocean’s grip is tight.
Keep faithful to the course we steer, because the devil wants to fight.
Pray hope for thee, you simple swabs, and for your wretched plight.
Use all your skills, pleads Cap’n Jack, to save our souls tonight.

We struggle on past light of dawn which has refused to break
Now rollers pour over our sinking ship, we’re caught in a devils lake.
It’s no easy life you sorry coves, for the sea will always take.
Man the pumps, orders Cap’n Jack, or suffer in Jonah’s wake.

Saint Elmo’s fire roars up our mast, glowing like burning coals
The ship is done and the time has come for the devil to collect his tolls.
He’ll count the losses of your closest kin then add them to his roles.
So say your prayers, warns Cap’n Jack, and save your mortal souls.

Super Bowl is Over!

And it's back to work. I pretty much wasted the writing opportunities
this weekend but I did go see Slum Dog Millionaire. I don't know what
one has to to do with the other, but.... I have a request to post one of
writings and if I can figure out how to do it, I will.
I'm really fighting white out on a new article I'm writing. It is really
different from my usual stuff but I need to stretch my writing style and
see if I can introduce a little more dimension into my characters. It is
tough do that with a historic novel unless you want to be James Michener.
Easier to do it in intimate short story with focus on developing one or
two characters. I'll keep at it.