Writing got you down? Time to learn a new skill. Become a classical musician in a few easy steps:
Isn’t it easy? Just like becoming a writer in a few easy steps?
The Odd English Language: You Can’t Make This Stuff Up
I came across an odd fact the other day. There is a two-letter word in English that has more meanings than any other two-letter word, and that word is ‘UP.’ It is listed in the dictionary as an adverb, preposition, adjective, noun, or verb! (click here for the Oxford English dictionary link and keep scrolling down the page) There are over 30 definitions of the word! I cannot claim …
Fun Fridays – May 13, 2016
This fifteen year old had a dream as a young boy. To play the piano. One problem though. He was born without hands. The following two videos will show what he overcame:
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. I found this quote from Søren Kierkegaard (Danish philosopher and theologian 1813-1855) in his book Either/Or: “If I were to wish …
Fun Fridays – May 6, 2016
Watch this performance by a twelve year old girl. Brilliant! I felt like giving it my own standing ovation.
A Few Misused Words and Phrases
Three years ago Karen wrote about some “Misused Words and Phrases” but today I thought I’d add to her great list with some that I’ve found troublesome when discovered in a proposal or a book. Penultimate This is carelessly used to mean “the best” or “the greatest.” Penultimate means next to the last in a series or sequence. Not the best of the best. …
Fun Fridays – April 29, 2016
Horrible Histories presents two sketches… (the second one starts at the 1:48 mark). You could say we are “honoring” Shakespeare’s 400th Anniversary again…. Enjoy! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YEIISZf_kwE
Honored Again in “Top 101 Websites for Writers”
For the second year in a row we have been honored by Writers Digest as one of the top websites for writers in their new 2016 list. (The full list is only available to subscribers or if you buy the May/June 2016 issue here.) Their annual listing continues to be a great resource to all writers.A special thanks goes to Dan, Karen, and Tamela who work hard each week to explore all things publishing …
Fun Fridays – April 22, 2016
To honor the 400th anniversary of the death of Shakespeare we bringeth today’s merrymaking fifth day of thine week. Absolutely brilliant piece by a Christian comedian, John Branyan, wondering what it would be like if Shakespeare wrote “The Three Little Pigs.” My favorite line comes at the 42 second mark:
Gilead Publishing is Announced!
It is very exciting when some good news happens in our industry. We’ve talked so much about bankruptcies and industry challenges that we also need to celebrate when the good stuff comes along. Today is the official first day of a newly formed Christian publishing company called Gilead Publishing. The CEO is Bill Giarratana, the President and Publisher is Dan Balow, and the Vice President of …