Root Rot in Pacific Northwest Trees

by Nancy Penrose

Root rot is one of the most serious types of big tree diseases. The health of a tree with root disease will deteriorate over time until the tree eventually dies. The rot, which can also affect the butts of big trees, is usually caused by fungi.

Root rot is typically found in older trees or trees with damaged roots. Trees with root rot often have dieback, leaf loss and leaf discoloration. The tree’s growth is also stunted by the rot, both in height and diameter.

The three most serious types of root rot that can be found in Pacific Northwest trees are Annosus root rot, Armillana root rot and Laminated root rot.

Annosus rot is a fungus-based root disease. It affects many different types of big trees, including the western hemlock, mountain hemlock and white fir. Sometimes pines such as the western white pine, ponderosa pine and lodgepole can also contract the disease, as well as larch, spruce and Douglas fir. The fungus causes reduced growth, root and butt rot and tree death.

Certain types of trees with Annosus root rot will have a yellow and thinning crown. The tree’s cones will also look unhealthy. At the beginning of the infection, the fungi appears as a reddish-brown stain inside the butts and roots. As the disease progresses, the wood will become streaked with brown lines and small white flecks will appear on the surface of the inner bark. Sometimes pockets of white fibers with black specks will appear on the roots. In advanced stages of the disease, the bark will have white streaks and black flecks in areas of the wood that have become decayed. Armillaria is a root disease that, like Annosus rot, affects many different types of trees including oak and dogwood. The disease is caused by a white-looking fungus that infects the wood. It spreads through root contact and infection from spores.

Trees with Armillaria root rot (ARR) usually have mushrooms at their base. The mushrooms, which are part of the reproduction cycle of the fungi, generally appear towards the end of summer or during the fall. Conifers with Armillaria will also ooze resin. The only trees that are resistant to Armillaria root rot are birch and larch.

The fungus typically enters the tree through a wound, and grows into the roots. In trees infected with ARR, the fungus will appear between the tree’s bark scales and as stringy white and tan growth (called conks) on the base of the tree. Many times the tree will show no visual indicators of ARR for two to six years after infection and when at least half the root system has become infected.

The most serious type of root rot in the Pacific Northwest is laminated root rot, also called yellow ring rot. Laminated root rot can infect hemlocks and firs, as well as the western red cedar, larch and spruce trees. Pines can generally either tolerate or resist the infection.

Laminated root rot, a fungus infection, spreads when a diseased tree comes in contact with a healthy tree. Roots are either destroyed over a period of time causing the tree to uproot or fall during windy conditions, or the tree loses its ability to absorb nutrients and water. Small trees will die quickly from laminated root rot, while older big trees can last decades with the infection.

Signs of root rot include yellow crowns, thinning leaves, a reddish-brown stain on the central core of the tree and annual rings that separate.

If you are planning on buying a tree or transplanting trees, contact a big tree specialist to find out how to prevent root rot. Discussing tree diseases with a professional tree nursery experienced in landscape trees can help you avoid costly tree replacement later on.

Landscaping Project to Move Trees into Property Via Barge

Large Trees Transported to Private Property Owner for Landscaping by Big Trees Inc.

SEATTLE, WA: Big Trees Inc., (http://bigtreesupply.com/), a tree nursery and tree transplanting company in the Seattle area, recently undertook an unusual project which involves barging in trees to a lakeside property.

Due to limited access for the large trees requested for the project, a barge and crane were obtained for purposes of transporting the trees to the property. The company has now obtained all necessary equipment and the project will commence shortly.

The project involves a large number of big trees, including some 600 pound flowering Cherry trees, some Dogwood trees and numerous 12’ tall Arborvitaes for a total of 16 trees. In addition to the trees, several large soil and gravel sacks will be brought in as well for other aspects of the landscaping. The materials will be loaded in from the lakeside of the property by a barge and crane combination, which will be used to reach out and put the trees on the pool-side patio. The trees will then be brought to their respective locations for the landscaping project.

Nancy Penrose, owner of Big Trees Inc., stated: “The project is a bit out of the ordinary, but we’ve transplanted trees by boat before. Our team of tree transplant specialists are very familiar with all of the aspects of this project, so we expect it to come off very well. The owner requested this as a privacy screening project, but also to enhance the beauty of the yard which we certainly expect it will.”

Nancy Penrose is the owner of Big Trees Inc. (http://www.bigtreesupply.com), located in Snohomish, WA, in the Seattle area. The company is one of the largest tree nurseries in the Seattle area with over 120,000 trees available in over 300 varieties. They not only can deliver young trees but also mature trees in a wide range of sizes. Some types of trees available include spring flowering, deciduous, evergreen, and privacy trees. The company also does tree transplanting including large trees. Their blog can be seen at http://www.bigtreesupply.com/blog/

The Home Foundation Inspection Process

by Shawn Kyles

A home foundation inspection by a qualified expert is not only an important part of foundation maintenance, it can prevent the need for expensive repairs or foundation replacement. You’ll also get peace of mind knowing that your foundation is in good shape.

When you request an inspection, both the outside and inside of your home will be checked for evidence of foundation problems.

When looking at interior and exterior walls, the inspector will check for cracks, bowing, shifting and leaning. Cracks are evaluated based on location, size and direction. Not all cracks in bricks, plaster, masonry, drywall or plaster are an indicator of structural damage. Sometimes the cracks are the result of normal house settling. However, poor soil conditions and other factors can contribute to excessive settling, which can lead to foundation problems. For this reason, soil conditions will also be looked at, along with slopes and drainage.

The inspector will also determine if the foundation is straight by looking down the length of the foundation wall from each corner. Doors and windows will be inspected to ensure they open and close properly.

Basements and crawl spaces will be entered and assessed to determine if the posts and supports are straight and secure.

Concrete slabs will be evaluated for chips, cracks, flaking and shifting, including sidewalk, patio and garage slabs. Floors above the basement or crawl space will be checked for sloping, sinking and other types of displacement. Chimneys will also be inspected for cracks, broken bricks and tilting.

Your foundation inspector will look for any areas where water has entered the building. Water is a foundation’s worst enemy. Any standing water near or on the foundation (or even the roof) could mean trouble. If there is evidence of a moisture issue, your inspector will look for the cause of the problem.
The inspector will take notes on anything that has been found, summarize the findings and make cost-effective recommendations on any repairs that are needed. Even when the damage seems severe, there may be ways to correct the problem instead of replacing the foundation.

The ability to diagnose not only existing but potential foundation issues is critical. Identifying the underlying cause of the situation is also vital. When a foundation problem isn’t properly addressed, it can result in more costly repairs later on.

Choosing the right foundation inspector for your property is important. Look for someone with extensive home foundation inspection experience. A foundation expert who has conducted thousands of inspections will know how to properly evaluate your home and property. Many times foundation damage isn’t obvious. A professional will not overlook even the smallest indicator of a foundation problem.

If you are aware of any type of foundation damage, request an inspection as soon as possible. Foundation issues don’t disappear over time, they usually get worse. In between inspections, record any foundation changes you are aware of, such as a crack growing in size. Keep you drain spouts debris-free and stay alert for even minor structural damage.

Unhandled Mold Infestations Can Create Severe Health Problems

Mold Remediation Company Advises Public to Address Signs of Mold Infestation Immediately

LOS ANGELES, CA: Building Cleaning Services, (http://buildingcleaningservices.net/) a Los Angeles mold removal specialist company, is urging the public to rapidly handle mold at the first sign of infestation in a home. Unchecked mold growth can lead to serious health problems, according to the research of the company. Taking fast action to clean up the mold is of primary concern for the sake of all building occupants.

Mold is a problem in many buildings which can lead to health problems, according to such organizations as the US Environmental Protection Agency, “When moisture problems occur and mold growth results, building occupants may begin to report odors and a variety of health problems, such as headaches, breathing difficulties, skin irritation, allergic reactions, and aggravation of asthma symptoms; all of these symptoms could potentially be associated with mold exposure.”

Similar statements have been made from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Institute of Health, as well as many State health departments.

Ellen McCrady, an independent mold investigator from the Abbey Newsletter, stated: “When people are made sick by mold, it's a whole new ball game. You do not catch mold spores from other people the way you do germs. You catch them from buildings, or the materials you work with. The longer or more intense your exposure, the sicker you get. What makes you sick is usually not the organisms themselves, but the airborne toxins and allergens they produce. You may become so sick that you have to go to bed, but your doctor will probably not know how to diagnose you and you may look healthy to your friends. Even if you do get diagnosed, your medical insurance will probably not cover your treatment expenses. If you lose your job and your health, and sue the landlord to get the money for medical expenses and loss of income, chances are very small that you will win in court, because it is virtually impossible to prove to a jury that your health was damaged because of mold in the building. Juries need the equivalent of a smoking gun, and so far, there is no foolproof way to connect a moldy building with a sick person. Even after you think you have recovered, you have not gained immunity, as you do after you have had chickenpox or measles; in fact, you may be more vulnerable to future exposures than you were to start with, just as you would be after exposure to other common toxins, such as lead.”

Building Cleaning Services urges the public not to tolerate mold signs in buildings, but to act immediately to handle the mold. Allowing the mold to continue puts everyone who uses the building at risk. Building Cleaning Services has years of experience in the mold removal field and many successful projects of helping people with mold infestation in Los Angeles. One man from Santa Monica said, “They explained what was going on, and they were always available and responsive whenever I needed to get ahold of them. Best of all: in my case, their remediation work was so effective, there was no remaining trace of mold that could be detected when the post-remediation testing was done. As I understand it, it's rare and unnecessary to have a zero reading in order for the remediation to be considered adequate, but they managed to deliver a zero reading for me and you can't get better than that. I would use them again.”

Building Cleaning Services' other reviews on Yelp can be seen at www.yelp.com/biz/building-cleaning-services-glendale

BCS provides water damage handling and mold removal services for the Greater Los Angeles area, and other areas of Southern California. Established in 1997, they have over a decade of experience as a company with fast service, high professionalism and work ethic. BCS is certified by the Institute of Inspection and Cleaning and Restoration and Environmental Testing & Technology. To learn more, visit http://www.BuildingCleaningServices.net, or call 818-953-7100 or e-mail bcs@buildingcleaningservices.net.


EPA quote: http://www.epa.gov/mold/append_b.html
CDC referrence: http://www.cdc.gov/mold/faqs.htm
NIH referrence: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/molds.html
State referrence (Washington): http://www.doh.wa.gov/CommunityandEnvironment/Contaminants/Mold.aspx
State referrence (New York): http://www.health.ny.gov/publications/7287/
Quote from Ellen McCrady from The Abbey Newsletter: http://cool.conservation-us.org/byorg/abbey/an/an23/an23-7/an23-702.html

Foundation Damage Can Cause Stucco Cracks

Construction Company Offers Repair of Stucco Damage to Homeowners

LOS ANGELES, CA: Julian Construction, Inc., (http://julianconstruction.com/) a foundation construction and foundation repair company working in Southern California, has had 10 years of experience inspecting and repairing stucco damage in homes and are seeking to raise public awareness on how and why it should be repaired.

Portland cement plaster (Stucco) is a very common finish for buildings, often employed because of its durability and non-prohibitive cost of manufacture. The substance is used to finish many buildings, but Julian Construction has noted that poor installation can cause damage in the plaster: “Damage can occur whether on older installations or poorly installed newer ones. Installation or dismantling of drywall, plaster repair and stucco repair may be needed as part of a leveling or foundation replacement project.”

Additionally, the Portland Cement Association stated: “Although cement plaster provides a hard, durable cladding, it is not intended to resist building movements, such as those from settlement or the expansion of wood frame members as a result of moisture intrusion. Portland cement plaster can deteriorate for a variety of reasons, including inadequate design details, poor installation, or the use of improper materials. In many cases, damage results from water infiltration into the building structure either through cracks, through the roof, around chimneys, or through window and door openings. Water that gets behind the plaster can cause wood lath to rot and metal lath and nails to rust, and can cause plaster to delaminate from the substrate. Cracking in plaster is usually shrinkage-related or the result of external loads, such as ground settlement or inadequate stiffness of the backing. Common causes of cracking are improperly placed control joints, improper lath installation, and inadequate curing.”

Julian De La Torre, founder and owner of Julian Construction, stated: “There are a number of things which can happen to stucco which cause it damage, from bad installation to foundation problems spreading to affect other areas of the house. It should be repaired, and it does not have to be a costly operation. What is needed is a professional inspection to determine exactly the scope of the damage, then a professional and fast repair by a contractor with experience in stucco repair.”

Julian Construction owns its own company and is built on a “no middlemen” model – no salesmen, no subcontractors. When you work with Julian Construction you get the principals of the company and workers of Julian Construction under your home. The result is the highest quality work at affordable prices. They can be contacted by phone at 323 733-3377, by fax at 323 733-4477 or via their website, www.julianconstruction.com. You can see tips and advice about home foundations on their blog, at http://julianconstruction.com/blog/


( Quote used in press release: http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=2&ved=0CDwQFjAB&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cement.org%2Fdocs%2Fdefault-source%2Ffc_mat-app_pdfs%2Fstucco%2Fis526.pdf&ei=XEWnU5vCBaaO8gGEqIG4CA&usg=AFQjCNHNxvCb6sfeJLUGBJ5ZfnAN2bRwNQ&sig2=JEKenZp3_faqtqVzrzjywA&bvm=bv.69411363,d.cWc )

California Drought Affecting Home Foundations

State-Wide Drought Is Bad News For Home Foundations Says Construction Company

LOS ANGELES, CA: Julian Construction Inc., (http://julianconstruction.com/) a foundation repair and general contractor company, has been keeping track of the 2014 California drought but more specifically the effects of the drought on home foundations. The shrinking and expanding of soil, according to the company, causes damage most evident as cracks in the foundation of a home. The present drought stands to cause significant damage to home foundations across the state.

According to a recent news report from USA Today: “So far, California is enduring its hottest year on record, contributing to the state's worst level of drought in the past 40 years, according to a report from the National Climatic Data Center released Thursday morning. Through the first five months of the year, "temperatures in California have been about 5 degrees above average," said Jake Crouch, a climate scientist with the center in a conference call with reporters. The warmth in California has contributed to the drought that's now encompassing the entire state, according to the weekly U.S. Drought Monitor released Thursday.”

The company’s chief building safety inspector, Shawn Kyles, stated: “Foundations can suffer from excessive moisture as well as greatly reduced moisture levels. The soil expanding and contracting causes movement of the home’s foundation which damages it as time goes on. Homeowners should be aware of the effects of this drought and the soil contraction it is bringing. A proper foundation inspection will disclose if any foundation damage has occurred as a result of the lowered moisture levels.”

Julian De La Torre, founder and owner of Julian Construction, stated: “Most people think only if they have moisture or drainage problems that it will affect their home. But this drought could be just as bad and may cause worse foundation problems than we normally see. Each homeowner should take responsibility to see that any foundation damage is addressed for the sake of the safety of the home.”

Julian Construction owns its own company and is built on a “no middlemen” model – no salesmen, no subcontractors. When you work with Julian Construction you get the principals of the company and workers of Julian Construction under your home. The result is the highest quality work at affordable prices. They can be contacted by phone at 323 733-3377, by fax at 323 733-4477 or via their website, www.julianconstruction.com. You can see tips and advice about home foundations on their blog, at http://julianconstruction.com/blog/

( Quote from USA Today: http://www.usatoday.com/story/weather/2014/06/19/california-drought-el-nino/10868531/ )

Water Damage In a Building is Capable of Causing Mold Infestation

Mold Infestation Appearing In an Area Must be Handled At Once For the Safety of All

LOS ANGELES, CA: Building Cleaning Services, (http://buildingcleaningservices.net/) a Los Angeles mold remediation and environmental cleaning company, warns homeowners and business owners that any water damage in a building must be addressed immediately so mold is prevented from growing. Visible mold can appear within 72 hours on a water damaged surface, or within 24 hours in the case of “black water” from sewage waste. Mold must be removed at once for the safety of all the building’s occupants.

According to a study released from Kansas State University: “Molds require moisture. Moisture can come from water leaks, flooding, capillary movement (wicking from one area to another), high relative humidity, and condensation. The moisture may be in the host material, on its surface, or in the form of humidity in the air. Relative humidity levels above 70 percent appear to be optimal for fungal or mold spore growth. A lower relative humidity level reduces the rate of mold growth as the mold goes dormant but does not stop growth and development entirely. In fact, at low relative humidity levels, there is increased spores released into the air. Materials that are exposed to a constant leak or have been soaked and not dried thoroughly can support mold growth. Some molds can take hold and form a new colony in one or two days on damp materials. When the relative humidity is low, the temperature is too high or too low, or the organic material is gone, molds go dormant. But when the relative humidity gets high, they can regenerate."

Building Cleaning Services has worked tirelessly to increase the public’s awareness on the importance of watching for and handling Los Angeles mold infestations. One of the first things to watch for are the signs of water damage and other factors that lead to mold infestation. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states: “Dampness is a problem in buildings because it provides the moisture that supports the growth of bacteria, fungi (i.e., mold), and insects. In the presence of damp building materials the source of water incursion is often readily apparent (e.g., leaks in the roof or windows or a burst pipe). However, dampness problems can be less obvious when the affected materials and water source are hidden from view (e.g., wet insulation within a ceiling or wall; excessive moisture in the building foundation due to the slope of the surrounding land). Office buildings, schools, and other non-industrial buildings may develop moisture and dampness problems from roof and window leaks, high indoor humidity, and flooding events, among other things. For this Alert, we define "dampness" as the presence of unwanted and excessive moisture in buildings [AIHA 2008]. This can lead to the growth of mold, fungi, and bacteria; the release of volatile organic compounds; and the breakdown of building materials.”

The procedures for addressing a mold infestation are precisely laid out, and when used by experts can fully handle the problem. Building Cleaning Services has had many successful Los Angeles mold remediation operations, just like this one from a client in Pasadena: “Mold sucks. It’s stressful, painful, troublesome and you want it out. BCS takes care of all this, makes you feel good about it and hands you back your home and peace of mind. They were honest, friendly, efficient and straight-forward. Roger handled all the details, Kathy the accounting. Both couldn’t be more productive and professional. Hope I never have to see them again, but if anyone needs to get their life back in order after some mold has been discovered, BCS will do it right.”

Building Cleaning Services' other reviews on Yelp can be seen at www.yelp.com/biz/building-cleaning-services-glendale

BCS provides water damage clean up and mold removal services for the Greater Los Angeles area, and other areas of Southern California. Established in 1997, they have over a decade of experience as a company with fast service, high professionalism and work ethic. BCS is certified by the Institute of Inspection and Cleaning and Restoration and Environmental Testing & Technology. To learn more, visit http://www.BuildingCleaningServices.net, or call 818-953-7100 or e-mail bcs@buildingcleaningservices.net.

“Tiny Fairy Makes Big Show!” Thumbelina

Springtime Ballet by California Contemporary Ballet
Presented at Glendale Community College, June 27th, 28th and 29th


Los Angeles, CA--You would never suspect that the black and chrome Harley-Davidson Softail Deuce parked in front of California Contemporary Ballet (http://www.CalBallet.com) in La Canada, would belong to the composer of a new ballet. When Dwight Bernard Mikkelsen, of Lakeview Terrace, walks into a rehearsal with long hair, tattoos, an earring, jeans, leather boots and a denim vest covered with patches, he looks oddly out of place among the leotard clad, leggy ballerinas.

California Contemporary Ballet and its Artistic Director, Aerin Holt, enlisted Mikkelsen to compose this ballet which debuted in June 2013. The story of Thumbelina by Hans Christian Andersen was one of Holt’s favorite fairy tales. “I have always dreamed of creating a ballet from the story”, says Holt. Since its sold-out premier in 2013, the company has been buzzing about whether the ballet would be seen again. But after the show’s success last spring and constant requests for the ballet to return, Holt was persuaded to present the ballet for a second time this June.

For Mikkelsen, a professional composer for films and many classical artists, creating the musical score for Thumbelina required his creative energies for five months. He composed the music for a fairly traditional orchestra: 9 Woodwinds, 11 Brass, 3 Percussionists, Timpani, 2 Harps and a large String section. Mikkelsen says, “Of all possible venues, ballet is my preference. And working with Aerin makes it even more delightful. Her realizations are always surprising, yet when I look back, they appear inevitable and perfect. Then there are the CCB dancers! My, oh my! They are, one for one, light, lithe, strong and committed, and their characters are always wholly convincing."

Holt says, “I think it is a very fortunate situation when a choreographer and composer work so well together. He has a knack for composing music that breathes movement.”

Ms. Jaclyn Stryker, a resident of La Crescenta, is returning to the starring role as the tiny fairy, Thumbelina. Ms. Stryker, a professional dancer who has enjoyed roles with companies locally and in San Francisco, honed her technical skills as Holt’s remarkably gifted dance student. Jaclyn is now one of California Contemporary Ballet’s leading performers. Ms. Stryker will be on stage throughout the entire ballet, as she encounters both friend and foe, based on the story’s characters.

Ms. Stryker will face a toad who steals her away to a swamp, and a swarm of nasty beetles. She meets a match-making mouse performed by Julia Houser, a La Canada resident and graduating senior at Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy. She also meets a spider that performs high in the air on an aerial net, performed by professional dancer Alyssa Thompson from Canyon Country. Finally, she will dance with a Swallow, performed by Kelinda White of Los Angeles, who whisks her through the air to a handsome Prince, performed by Nicholas Zerman of Altadena.

The ballet begins with a witch, performed by dancer Tina Yedgarian of Glendale, and ends with the Vale of the Fairies created by collaborating choreographer, Lynn Bryson Pittenger of North Hollywood. As a young dancer, Pittenger was personally selected by George Balanchine to join the ranks of New York City Ballet where her professional career began. Pittenger clearly helps to deliver the final message of the ballet where soloist ballerinas, dubbed the “Fairies of Good Character,” represent the qualities which Thumbelina calls upon from within, as she is forced to confront and ward off adversity. And by doing so, Thumbelina earns her acceptance into the fairy kingdom.

Throughout the ballet, Mikkelsen’s music creates themes for each character. “He is brilliant at expressing the emotion required for ballet characters. What I attempt to do with movement, he does with music to help the dancers create their roles”, says Holt.

In addition to the music, choreography and characters, the ballet features large sets created to maintain a tiny fairy-like perspective. This includes 12-foot-high flowers, 5-foot-high toadstools, and the large tulip from which Thumbelina is born. The tulip operates by means of a hydraulic system, enabling its petals to open at the appropriate moment. To boot, these large sets were offered as a donation, giving Holt the impetus needed to go forward with her production and demonstrating that a tiny fairy can make a big show!

With a melding of contemporary dance, classical ballet and aerial arts, this ballet is a sure springtime bet for the entire family. Thumbelina by California Contemporary Ballet premieres at Glendale Community College (1500 N. Verdugo Road, Glendale, California) on June 27th at 7:30pm, June 28th at 2pm and June 29th at 2pm. Tickets are $20-$30 at www.CalBallet.com Group ticket prices are also available. Call 818-583-7406.

Structure And The Novel—The Climax

by Susan Mary Malone

Loved this from Literary Agent Lucienne Diver’s (The Knight Agency) recent FB post: You know when you hit that point in writing your novel where you just want to say, “And then more stuff happens, the end”?
Surging into the climax, the Supreme Ordeal, is not the time to feel that way. LOL. Rather, the energy you’ve built up while writing the bridge to this point should have your adrenaline surging like a mad rush over Niagara Falls. Because that’s what the climax of a novel is—plunging your reader over a thousand-mile-high waterfall.

It doesn’t matter in what genre you’re writing, whether Fantasy or Horror, Romance or Literary, Mainstream or Christian. Trust a novel editor on this. This is the crux of your novel, where everything comes together, although not in a tied-up sort of way—that’s for the next section, denouement and resolution. But where all of the action and discovery, all of the angst and trials and tribulations and self-realization and, well, everything, merges into one big giant fat boom.

That doesn’t necessarily mean the boom is actually a bomb going off, though such may happen. It can be running the final race, attacking the enemy, surging over the falls in a hand-made boat, staring that bottle of bourbon smack in the eye and pouring it out. It’s the culmination of everything you’ve led your reader up to for seventy-plus-thousand words. It’s the raison d’etre for why said reader has followed your folks all this time.

And, as with all things fiction, it’s both internal and external. The outer blowing-up-of-things mirroring the inner fight. But this does not mean analysis. By now, your reader knows well the Achilles’ Heel of your Protagonist, what the villain is after, and what happens if said Protagonist doesn’t save the day. What we don’t need here is any sort of pausing in the action to wax philosophical about how we got to this point, what it all means in the cosmic scheme of things, and the hero’s place in it. Remember, when the tiger is racing to pounce, we don’t stop and think of the history of tigers, or what sort of gun we’re shooting him with. Rather, we shoulder the gun, aim, and shoot. If successful, we have time for all that analysis later. No, right now what we need is for things to blow smooth up.

Even in Literary fiction, we can have a literal blow up. In my latest novel, I Just Came Here to Dance, we meet with a fiery climax. Who knew. Conversely, even in an action-oriented Mystery, such as Kevin Don Porter’s Missing, the climax can rather be scary-cold, that feeling in silence of oh-my-god, we’re all gonna die!

The main thing is this climax must fit the book you’re writing. All that book development; that painstaking time of carefully crafting your characters, plot, plot points, etc.; having the fortitude to push though that point of “and then more stuff happens, the end;” setting your hero up with his most supreme ordeal—the thing that requires all that he’s learned so far—requires a huge emotional happening.

And one where the reader says in the end, Wow.