I love designing stories. The craft of writing a novel delights me with its challenges. This journal will chart the Odyssey of growing an idea into a book.

All stories start with a concept, something that tickles your imagination. A friend on Twitter asked me, “What manner of eldritch rituals do you use to summon the Idea Sprites?” I’ve found the best method to get good ideas involves a pentagram, fluorescent scorpion blood, and beseeching elder gods. When that fails, the best I can recommend...