Celebrate Thanksgiving Day tomorrow with a song that’s sure to stick in your mind all day!
You are welcome.
Fun Wednesday – Nov. 26, 2025
The Unintentionally Funny Headline
Years ago, I came across the following headline in a publisher-related newsletter: Speculative Authors Fight Mental Illness I thought to myself, I know what they meant by the headline, but could it also be interpreted that authors who write speculative fiction are mentally ill? Some call science fiction and fantasy writers “weird,” but this headline was going too far. So I clicked the …
Fun Fridays – November 21, 2025
Until today’s video, I never even thought about how rubber bands are made. Now we all know. AND we must sing along with the 1976 song posted below this one —it is required. You owe it to yourself, since it might make you smile. [If you cannot view the videos in the email newsletter, click through to the website and watch them there.]
There Is Power in Possibility
The publishing industry can be a challenge for someone with artistic sensibilities. The psyche can be worn down by disappointment, bad reviews, poor sales, and rejection by agents and editors. To be resilient in the face of such disillusion is a quality to be desired. Contemplate this quote from Søren Kierkegaard (Danish philosopher and theologian, 1813-1855) in his book Either/Or: “If I were to …
Fun Fridays – November 14, 2025
Today’s video is an oldie, but a goodie. Is it a metaphor for the writing life? If so, explain in the comments below. Who is whom or what according to your allegory? [Can’t see the video in your newsletter? Please click through to the site to watch.]
Veterans Day
Today is a special day in the United States when we honor our veterans. It is our opportunity to thank and celebrate all those who have served our country in military service. Thank you for your service! A few years ago, Andrew Budek-Schmeisser posted these great words; and we are reposting them, like we have done previously, with his permission. They are perfect for this day. They did not have …
Fun Fridays – November 7, 2025
All writers and teachers of writing should get a kick out of today’s video. Wait for it … [If you cannot see the video in your newsletter, please click through to the website where you can watch.]
Inspiration or Perspiration?
Thomas Edison was to have said, “Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration.” Apparently, he made 1,000 failed attempts to invent the light bulb. After accomplishing it, he was asked about all the previous failures. Edison replied, “I didn’t fail 1,000 times. The light bulb was an invention with 1,000 steps.” The exercise of writing can be somewhat similar. If you wait …
Fun Fridays – October 31, 2025
These famous brothers are so entertaining to watch, especially when playing their instruments. I encourage those of you with kids to watch their classic film A Night at the Opera; make it a family night. We don’t want them to be lost to the next generation. (If you can’t see the video in your newsletter, please click through to watch on the site.)
What Is a Book’s Trim Size?
Trim size is one of those terms we use frequently when talking about the dimensions of your printed book. The term originates from the printing process, where the book’s pages are initially printed on large sheets, which are then folded, glued, and subsequently trimmed to a specific size. (This linked video shows the entire book printing process.) Go to your shelf, pull down a few titles, …