All writers and teachers of writing should get a kick out of today’s video.
Wait for it …
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Don’t Write What You Know
It may be the most common writing advice of all time: “Write what you know.” It’s often misunderstood or misapplied; but it means, basically, draw from your own experience, emotion, environment, and passions to produce the most authentic creative work possible … for you. That’s not bad advice, as far as it goes. But it’s not “gospel.” After all, Nobel honoree Kazuo Ishiguro, author of The …
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.)
I Have No Book. What Do I Talk About?
Many authors feel stymied by the dilemma of not having anything to talk about to build a platform and interest in a book that isn’t under contract. Yet as wordsmiths, authors can create entertaining and meaningful content to find a tribe. To wit: Talk about other people’s books. What are you reading? Why? What did you like about the book? Why is this one of your favorite authors? Author interviews …
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, …
Fun Friday – October 24, 2025
There seems to be something in my eye. Maybe watching this video will explain. I’m not crying. You are crying. (If you can’t see the video in your newsletter, please click through to watch on the site.)
Jenga Books
Jenga is a game invented over 50 years ago, consisting of 54 small wooden blocks stacked in a tower. Players take turns removing blocks from the stack and placing them on top, making the tower increasingly unstable. When someone causes the tower to fall, they lose. The trick is to place a block in a precarious position, so the next player has no option but to make the stack collapse. Personally, …
The Worst Proofreading Error of All Time
Take a close look at the picture above. Read verse 14 out loud. The word “not” is missing. As in “Thou shalt ___ commit adultery.” It is from an edition of the Bible published in 1631, now affectionately known as “The Sinners Bible” or “The Wicked Bible.” Adulterers of the realm celebrated! (Just kidding.) The Royal Printers in London, Robert Barker …
Fun Friday – October 17, 2025 – The ISBN Turns 60!
This coming weekend, a milestone will be reached. The International Standard Book Number (ISBN) system turns 60 years old. That seemingly simple group of digits has had a lasting impact on our industry. Book nerds of the world unite. Let’s celebrate sixty years of the ISBN! (Party balloons are floating and party horns are sounding.) Below is an edited version of something the International …