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A New Social Network for Authors

By Thomas Umstattd, Jr.on July 6, 2021

Are you tired of getting distracted every time you log in to one of your Facebook author groups? Are you sick of feeling discouraged by the spammers and trolls who lurk in the depths of the group? Are you hesitant to trust the information shared in Facebook groups because you don’t know if it’s reliable?

Do you wish there were an easier way to connect with other authors and industry specialists without the hassle of traditional social media?

We have a solution for you: AuthorMedia.social. AuthorMedia.social is a new social network developed by Thomas Umstattd Jr. to solve some of the shortcomings of Facebook groups.

You can read an in-depth description of why AuthorMedia.social is right for you in this blog post..

You can listen to this episode A New Social Network for Authors on Christian Publishing Show.

A New Social Network for Authors

By Thomas Umstattd, Jr.on July 6, 2021

Category: The Writing Life

The Pledge of Allegiance

By Steve Laubeon July 5, 2021

Since this is still Independence Day weekend in the United States, I thought it would be appropriate to present an amazing short, but powerful, presentation about our “Pledge of Allegiance.” It was given by the grand comedian Red Skelton on his show in 1969. The text of this speech is below the video for you to appreciate. While listening you may think, But those are not the right …

Category: Personal

Fun Fridays – July 2, 2021

By Steve Laubeon July 2, 2021

With July 4th this weekend, we in the United States celebrate Independence Day. Today, be stirred by this rendition of “The Star Spangled Banner” by 7-year-old Malea Emma Tjandrawidjaja. (By they way, this little girl debuted at Carnegie Hall at age 5.) Sung before a 2018 Los Angeles Galaxy soccer match, it became a viral sensation, viewed millions of time. I’d like to watch it …

Category: Fun Fridays

Should I Time My Novel’s Release to a Past Event?

By Tamela Hancock Murrayon July 1, 2021

Novelists often ask me about timing their stories to the anniversary of a significant historical event. As with most questions, no definitive right or wrong answer exists. Here are a few thoughts. Does the event capture the public’s imagination? Since most Americans make yearly plans for the July 4th holiday, that event can offer perennial plots for novelists. But to time a novel to celebrate the …

Category: Book Proposals, Marketing, Pitching

In Your Time (A Writer’s Prayer)

By Bob Hostetleron June 30, 2021

Heavenly Father, you make everything beautiful in your time (Ecclesiastes 3:11). I submit to your timing. I await your timing. I desire what you will, as you will, when you will. That goes for my writing, too. I long to touch lives with my words … in your time.I want to write passionately, effectively, impactfully … in your time.I yearn to think and …

Category: Encouragement, Faith, Inspiration, Theology

To Comma or Not to Comma?

By Steve Laubeon June 28, 2021

I came across this entry in Eats, Shoots & Leaves by Lynne Truss. The book is a classic on punctuation. (Although based on British English usage, it is still a great book.) On his deathbed in April 1991, Graham Green corrected and signed a typed document which restricts access to his papers at Georgetown University. Or does it? The document, before correction, stated: “I, Graham Greene, …

Category: Book Business, Contracts, Grammar, Language, SteveTag: commas, Grammar, Language, punctuation

Fun Fridays – June 25, 2021

By Steve Laubeon June 25, 2021

Today’s video has over 100 musical movie clips pulled together to make a very fun expression of “I’m So Excited!” Shout the names of the dancers or the film as you see each one! (If you cannot see the embedded video in your newsletter email, please click the headline and go directly to our site to view it.)

Category: Fun Fridays

Imagining Your Reader

By Dan Balowon June 24, 2021

Most mass communication originates in solitude. Before delivering a public speech, pressing the Post button on a text-based article or blog, delivering an audio podcast or webinar, or taping a video, the creator of the material sits alone and ponders what they will communicate. During this alone time, a content creator should also be thinking of an audience. For authors, since you are rarely …

Category: The Writing Life

The Back Cover Blurb

By Tamela Hancock Murrayon June 23, 2021

Even in the age of online shopping, the back cover blurb is essential in helping a customer choose a book. When a reader decides between two books, the one with the best back cover copy often wins. When referring to the back cover, the reader wants to know the following: What does this book reveal? Why should I care? Nonfiction Of course, nonfiction covers a wide swath, including instructional, …

Category: Book Proposals, Pitching, The Writing Life