I need new business cards. If you’re a writer, whether you’re published or not, business cards are important. Even before you’ve sold a book, you need to be carrying your cards with you. If you attend a writers’ meeting or conference, a business card is a must. You simply never know when you might meet […] [ ... ]
I’m basically an optimist. I think that helps in the writing profession. Writers get so much criticism, most of us would probably quit if we weren’t optimists. We start with the notion that the stories running around in our heads are ones others would enjoy reading (or hearing). Optimism takes shape with the belief that […] [ ... ]
Writers need editors, people who read a manuscript looking for errors. For some the editor works for a publishing house, for others it may be someone they hire, or it could be another writer, a critique group/partner, or simply someone strong in spelling and grammar. We writers need these “other eyes” to catch the typos, […] [ ... ]
Does it ever get easier? I can’t speak for all writers, only for myself, but the answer to that question is “No.” I’ve had 27 books published (a small number compared to many writers), but I still have to submit query letters and synopses, and I still have to wait… and wait… and wait for […] [ ... ]
Yesterday I attended a local writers’ meeting where one of the members mentioned her experience with an agency that had sounded promising until she received an e-mail mentioning that they wanted her to pay X number of dollars and they would help her get her ms into publishable form. Now, I’m aware that many agents […] [ ... ]
Are we there yet? We’ve heard that question from our kids and sometimes from our spouse. Whenever I teach a class on writing, I hear a similar question: How do you know when you’re finished? What the writer is asking is how do you know when the story you’ve written is the best it can […] [ ... ]
Others have given summaries of the LIM conference held last weekend (Feb. 1-3) in Chicago, so I’ll just touch on a few points. If you’re on Facebook, do a search for the Love is Murder page. 245 pictures were posted covering the three-day conference. Pictures do tell a story. On Friday, there were Master Classes […] [ ... ]
Thursday a cold front will hit the area where I spend my winters. That means the temperature is expected to drop from 80 degrees to the high 60s. Brrrrr. Right? Wrong, of course. So what am I doing tomorrow? I’m getting on a plane and heading north to Chicago where it truly will be cold. […] [ ... ]
Thursday night my presentation for the class I’m “teaching” on Publication will include promotion ideas. I’m listing the usual: a website, business cards, joining social groups, press releases, etc., but as I looked over the list, I started wondering how many are worth the time and effort. The website, yes. I believe every writer needs […] [ ... ]
This month I’m teaching a continuing education class for writers who want their work published. I say teach, but I’m really more of a guide. I see my job as two-fold: one part is to warn these writers of the ways they can be taken by unscrupulous agents and publishers; the other is to make […] [ ... ]
“I’m looking for a distinctive voice.” Writers often hear agents and editors say the above, but what do they mean? What is voice? We all know what an audible voice is. When I receive a phone call, I can usually tell within seconds which of my friends is on the line. It’s a combination of […] [ ... ]
In the last six months I’ve entered three (3) contests. In each case it was a spur-of-the-moment decision. In one case I received a letter in the mail, let it sit around for a bit, and finally decided “Why not?” In the other two cases, emails I received prompted me to take the plunge. In […] [ ... ]
Two more days and we’re heading north. I’m going to miss the sunshine and constant warmth, but it will be great to be close to family and friends. And don’t feel sorry for me, I’m leaving one beautiful location to go to another beautiful location, and soon it will be summer…days of sunshine and warmth. […] [ ... ]
Being a writer is a hurry-up-and-wait business. Either you set deadlines for yourself, or, because you’re under contract, you have deadlines set for you. So you push yourself so you make those deadlines, and then you send the story off . . . and you wait. You wait for the agent or editor to say […] [ ... ]
1) The best thing you can do to sell your book is write a REALLY GOOD BOOK. a) Word of mouth is your best sales tool. 2) Advertising (in whatever form you choose) is going to be 99% on your shoulders. 3) You need to organize your time so you don’t spend too much […] [ ... ]
Thursday I’ll be heading for Muncie, Indiana, for the Magna cum Murder conference. Magna cum Murder XVII October 28-30, 2011 This conference is for fans as well as writers so there’s less emphasis on the writing process (How to) and more on the creating process (Why? Where do you get your ideas?) The panel I’m on […] [ ... ]
Every so often I’m asked to read and critique someone’s work. What most want to know is: Will this story sell to a publisher? And beyond that question is: Will this book be a best seller? It would be nice if I or anyone could answer those questions. I know I can’t. I can point […] [ ... ]