Did you know that a classical piano solo can tell a story? Watch this one unfold!
Archives for July 2017
Should I Use Song Lyrics in My Writing?
While catching up on newspaper reading, I ran across an article about movie soundtracks and how uneven they can be. The article’s author offered praise for some for adding atmosphere, while opining that the soundtrack took away from other movies. But what about books? Do song lyrics offer atmosphere, or add to characterization? In my opinion, song lyrics are more problematic than they’re worth, …
Glad to Join the Fun
A Self-Interview with Bob Hostetler It is an honor and a joy to join Tamela Hancock Murray, Dan Balow, and my long-time agent and longer-time friend, Steve Laube, as a literary agent with The Steve Laube Agency. So, for my first SteveLaube.com blog post, I took the time to sit down with myself for an in-depth, hard-hitting interview. Why don’t you start by telling us a little about yourself? …
Welcome to Bob Hostetler
I am excited to welcome Bob Hostetler as the newest agent with The Steve Laube Agency! Please give him a warm welcome. I’ve known Bob for years. First as a reader of his books, then as a fellow faculty member at various writers conferences, then as his literary agent. I’m guessing he lost his mind because he agreed to join us. His resume is incredible. A thirty-year veteran of the …
Fun Fridays – July 7, 2017
I’ve met some fast talking editors and authors…but none can match John Moschitta. The Guinness Book of Records “Fastest Talking Man.” First is the original Federal Express commercial that made him famous. Then is a fun interview with him reciting an entire Michael Jackson song in 20 seconds.
I Have to Stay Home from the Conference
As I mentioned in several recent posts about conferences, sometimes your best decision is to stay home. Not to worry! You can become a traditionally published author, or maintain your momentum, without attending a conference. Although I started writing books many years ago, I never went to a conference as an author. The first one I attended was an ACFW (then ACRW) conference, as a literary agent. …
Oh, What a Time I’ve Had
There are so many things about being an agent that I love. Finding new writers whose work resonated with, and moved, me. Building relationships with my amazing clients. The joy of working with them on their projects. Playing “matchmaker” and finding just the right publisher for them. Seeing publishers treat these wonderful writers with such enthusiasm and respect. Working with Steve, Tamela, and …
Revolutionary Books
Today is Independence Day in the United States. Much of the inspiration for the American Revolution and eventual structure for the new country came from a book, Common Sense by Thomas Paine, first published January 10, 1776. It is the best selling book in the history of the United States, other than the Bible. Certainly there were rumblings of rebellion before the book was published, but as is …
Gilead Publishing Reboots with a New Partner
It is exciting to hear that Gilead Publishing is back in business after an eight month hiatus. This fiction-only publisher lost their funding last Fall and had to suspend their operations while they sought out new partnerships. It is exciting to see that Dan Balow’s efforts have born fruit. One of the keys was securing a partnership with Kregel Publishing to handle all warehousing, inventory, …