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Home » Archives for February 2013

Archives for February 2013

A Great Hook!

By Tamela Hancock Murrayon February 28, 2013
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I’m at the Florida Christian Writers Conference today, so while I’m away, you can have fun!

When reviewing proposals, I have noticed one particular element can present a challenge. That element is the hook.

What does the hook do?

Just as its name suggests, the hook lures the editor to keep reading. Challenge is, the hook must be succinct. One sentence is ideal. For example:

When an only child marries a widower with seven children, her fantasies about family meet with reality, to comical results.

This hook shows the overarching conflict and lets the reader know the book is comedic. Readers who enjoy reading family humor will gravitate to this book.

Another example:

When a widow unearths secret computer accounts with communication between her deceased husband and two mistresses, she decides to meet with them both.

This hook tells readers the book is contemporary, and brings questions to the reader’s mind as to who the mistresses are and how they will react. Readers intrigued by emotional conflict and betrayal will gravitate to this book.

And:

When her parents send Mary from their home in the Wyoming Territory back to Boston to learn how to be a lady, she learns that taming high society tongues — and her new suitors — proves tougher than breaking a bucking bronco.

Readers of lighthearted historical romance will want to read this book.

Movies!

Are you a movie fan? If so, coupling well-known titles can be effective:

Star Wars meets Mrs. Doubtfire — in this story of a space alien who wants nothing more than a relationship with his children.

Gone with the Wind meets Rambo — when a modern-day warrior travels back to the Civil War to try to change the course of history.

Have fun!

Why not share hooks for your latest hooks with us?

Leave a Comment
Category: Book Proposals, Creativity, Get Published, Marketing, TamelaTag: book proposals, Get Published, Hooks

Get Thee to a Writers Conference

By Steve Laubeon February 27, 2013
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Guest blog by James Scott Bell

James Scott Bell is a bestselling thriller writer and long time friend. His most recent release is Don’t Leave Me. He is also the author of the #1 writing books, Plot & Structure and The Art of War for Writers. If you do not have them buy them today (He has five other must-have books on writing too.

__________

I am asked all the time by ambitious, …

Read moreGet Thee to a Writers Conference
Category: Conferences, Get Published, Guest PostTag: Get Published, Writers Conference

News You Can Use – Feb. 26, 2013

By Steve Laubeon February 26, 2013
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Buy Your Way onto the Bestseller List - Will the deceptive practices ever end? (The Wall Street Journal article link may not last without subscription so I linked to this blog instead.)

Instead of Physical Books at a Signing, e-book Vouchers - Let us know what you think of this new idea!

60% of All Audio Sold is Now Digital - Try to find the audio books section in your local store....this is …

Read moreNews You Can Use – Feb. 26, 2013
Category: News You Can Use, Steve

A Time to Mourn

By Steve Laubeon February 25, 2013
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by Steve Laube

This past weekend was a time to mourn. We attended two family funerals here in Phoenix. The first for my wife’s grandma, Izora Weed. An amazing woman who was 101 when she passed. The second was my wife’s Uncle Ken Merrick who brings to mind many fond memories.

It has been a tough year. The loss of far too many family friends (including another this past week). My father …

Read moreA Time to Mourn
Category: Personal, SteveTag: Mourn, Personal

Fun Fridays – Feb. 22, 2013

By Steve Laubeon February 22, 2013
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Have you ever had a similar, but virtual, experience while buying something online?
Very clever two minutes:

HT: Kim Moore

Read moreFun Fridays – Feb. 22, 2013
Category: Fun Fridays, Steve

Dear Editors

By Tamela Hancock Murrayon February 21, 2013
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Dear Editors:

When I first started writing, not for a letter grade in college, but in hopes of a paycheck -- or at least a byline -- I solicited you with many articles, devotionals, short stories, and book-length manuscripts. Each was posted with dreams of finding your favor. More often than not, you sliced those dreams with your pens of rejection.

And for that, I want to thank you.

Read moreDear Editors
Category: Editing, Get Published, Personal, Tamela, Writing CraftTag: Editor

Down in the Valley

By Karen Ballon February 20, 2013
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Imagine awakening one morning, not knowing where you are, utterly unable to move or speak. Imagine coming to the slow realization that you are in a hospital, and that the people all around you are looking at you and talking to you, but you can do nothing in response. Imagine doctors telling that, at the age of 43, you’ve suffered a stroke that has caused what they call “locked-in” syndrome, where …

Read moreDown in the Valley
Category: Book Business, Career, Craft, KarenTag: Career, Discouragement, perseverance

News You Can Use – Feb. 19, 2013

By Steve Laubeon February 19, 2013
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What Kind of Reader are You? A Diagnostic Guide - An article from The Atlantic. Share which kind you are in the comments below!

10 Tricks to Make Yourself a Dropbox Master - If you don't use Dropbox consider this article a nudge to use some form of cloud computing as a backup.
Lumio: A Modern Lamp With Infinite Possibilities - This is a link to a Kickstarter campaign for a very cool looking …

Read moreNews You Can Use – Feb. 19, 2013
Category: News You Can Use, Steve

Fun Friday’s – Feb. 15, 2013

By Steve Laubeon February 15, 2013
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I want one of these for next year's "Happy Pancake Day"!
One minute of ingenuity.

Read moreFun Friday’s – Feb. 15, 2013
Category: Fun Fridays, Steve

Happy Valentine’s Day!

By Tamela Hancock Murrayon February 14, 2013
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Today is St. Valentine's Day.

How appropriate for a literary agent who loves and represents lots of Christian romance novels!

Valentine's Day is a favorite in our house. As a newlywed, I bought a heart-shaped cake on our first Valentine's Day together to celebrate. Later, I bought a heart-shaped cake pan so I can bake a cake myself.  That first year I also cut my husband's sandwich for his …

Read moreHappy Valentine’s Day!
Category: Personal, TamelaTag: Personal
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