Dog steals baby’s toy. Baby cries.
The apology is terrific!
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What Book Changed Your Life?
A few weeks ago at the Blue Ridge conference, Steve Laube gave a keynote speech during which he asked, “Except the Bible, what book changed your life?” More than one book changed my life, but the first one that popped into my mind was Looking Out for Number One by Robert J. Ringer. Despite the ruthless title, the content is practical. The message isn’t, “Step on anyone and everyone to get to the …
I Love Change, Especially For Someone Else
Several decades ago, the British magazine, The Linguist printed a graphic with the phrase, “The strongest drive is not to Love or Hate; it is one person’s need to change another’s copy.” In the cartoon, the word “change” was crossed out and replaced first by amend, then by revise, alter, rewrite, chop to pieces, then back to “change.” I am not sure whether the cartoon necessarily struck a …
Ask Me Anything
With Summer in full mid-form and some planning the rest of their year’s writing efforts, I thought it might be a good chance for you to post below any question you might have about the publishing business. Editing? Proposals? Why so many rejections? How does it all work? Will Amazon doom us all? Are bookstores dying? etc. I only ask that you keep within the topic of writing and publishing. I …
Fun Fridays – July 14, 2017
Did you know that a classical piano solo can tell a story? Watch this one unfold!
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. …