The author series continues, sharing the knowledge (often hard-won) from published authors as they tell us what they would tell their pre-published selves. This month's featured author is the talented John DeDakis, who gives an entertaining conversation between his pre-published self and his post-published self.
Reading, wRiting, and Roaming with Author Valerie Biel
May 25, 2023
What Recent Publishing Controversies Say About the Industry
5 Common Mistakes People Make When Checking for Plagiarism
What to Do if Your Amazon KDP Account is Suspended or Banned
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What Recent Publishing Controversies Say About the Industry
Nathan Bransford unpacks the latest industry news (aka scuttlebutt) at literary agencies and how the norms of the industry are changing. This is a good summary of what’s been happening lately.
https://nathanbransford.com/blog/2023/05/what-recent-publishing-controversies-say-about-the-industry
5 Common Mistakes People Make When... Continue Reading
May 18, 2023
Throughout 2023 writing instructor and pre-published author Tracey Kathryn (T.K.) Sheffield and I will be offering a blog series on plotting from the beginning developmental stage through the messy middle and all the way to the end, including editing advice on how to fix plot problems in a completed manuscript.
In Part 1, Tracey lists wonderful resources that are great for those that are new to writing or looking for a new approach to plotting in: "Plotting a Novel: Resources for Those Just Starting Out."
In Part 2, Tracey discusses how to use plotlines, tropes, and conflict to test your story ideas: "... Continue Reading
May 11, 2023
The author series continues, sharing the knowledge (often hard-won) from published authors as they tell us what they would tell their pre-published selves, and NEW FOR 2023, what they always do to help make book launches successful. This month's featured authors are the dynamic duo, Jeff and Victoria Nania. Jeff is the author of the Northern Lakes Mystery series and Victoria (also an author) supports the publishing side of their venture. We get double the awesome advice below!
Jeff & Victoria’s Story
Jeff & Victoria believe the best writing comes from life experiences—those in which they get their “feet wet”—thus, Feet Wet Writing was formed. Jeff draws upon careers in law enforcement and conservation to weave together thrilling mysteries set in... Continue Reading
May 4, 2023
I’m pleased to share a lovely piece on persistence and believing in yourself by author Amy Laundrie. I particularly needed this message today, so I hope it also encourages you perhaps today—or in the future—when you need this sort of boost to keep going!
You must keep sending work out; you must never let a manuscript do nothing but eat its head off in a drawer. You send that work out again and again, while you’re working on another one. If you have talent, you will receive some measure of success - but only if you persist. - Isaac Asimov
Believe in Yourself
An elderly neighbor died. Soon after, large garbage bags appeared outside her home. Her family must have had the arduous task of cleaning out her possessions. It’s hard enough to deal with the loss of a loved... Continue Reading
May 3, 2023
Throughout 2023 writing instructor and pre-published author Tracey Kathryn (T.K.) Sheffield and I will be offering a blog series on plotting from the beginning developmental stage through the messy middle and all the way to the end, including editing advice on how to fix plot problems in a completed manuscript.
In Part 1, Tracey lists wonderful resources that are great for those that are new to writing or looking for a new approach to plotting in: "Plotting a Novel: Resources for Those Just Starting Out."
In Part 2, Tracey discusses how to use plotlines, tropes,... Continue Reading
April 27, 2023
45 Writers’ “Rules for Writing”
The 10 Awful Truths about Book Publishing
Kobo Offers Kobo Plus in the US/UK
New Section Dedicated to All Things AI
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45 Writers’ “Rules for Writing”
Emily Harstone from Authors Publish compiled this list of lists – featuring 45 authors and the rules they have set forth for writing. Tips from great writers like Elmore Leonard, Neil Gaiman, George Orwell, Annie Proulx and more. https://authorspublish.com/45-writers-rules-for-writing/
The 10 Awful Truths About Book Publishing
This is a seriously depressing list of stats from a senior editor at Berrett-Koehler Publishers... Continue Reading
April 20, 2023
A conversation with authors Valerie Biel & T.K. Sheffield
Throughout 2023 writing instructor and pre-published author Tracey Kathryn (T.K.) Sheffield and I will be offering a blog series on plotting from the beginning developmental stage through the messy middle and all the way to the end, including editing advice on how to fix plot problems in a completed manuscript.
In Part 1, Tracey lists wonderful resources that are great for those that are new to writing or looking for a new approach to plotting in: "Plotting a Novel: Resources for Those Just Starting Out... Continue Reading
April 13, 2023
The author series continues, sharing the knowledge (often hard-won) from published authors as they tell us what they would tell their pre-published selves, and NEW FOR 2023, what they always do to help make book launches successful. This month's featured author is Sheila Lowe, a professional handwriting analyst and the author of the fictional Claudia Rose series whose main character is a handwriting expert!
Long before her first book was published, bestselling author Sheila Lowe was a handwriting analyst. Her study of handwriting and personality began in high school. Later, she branched into forensics. A certified forensic document examiner, she testifies in court cases. Upon returning to school, she earned a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in... Continue Reading
April 3, 2023
Celebrating the Release of the Sean McPherson Series Book Three
To celebrate the release of Impervious, the third book in the Sean McPherson series, I’m so pleased to feature an interview with author Laurie Buchanan. I love this series so much (see my review below.) The stories are mainly set at the Pines & Quill writing retreat in the Pacific Northwest where ex-cop Sean McPherson as gone to heal after his partner is killed by a sniper. In this idyllic location, Sean works in the Zen-like capacity of groundskeeper and all-around handyman—that is until the peace is violently shattered and his investigative skills are needed once again.
Now in book three, friends and family have gathered for the union of Sean McPherson and Emma Benton. But just as the festivities... Continue Reading
