English is so strange…
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What Do You Think of Used Books?
Some authors might complain that books shouldn’t be sold on the secondary market since authors don’t earn royalties on used books. I understand that sense of loss, but as is the case with libraries, used book stores are a great place to discover authors and their work. Our town has two used book stores, though I tend to favor one with convenient parking. Here, a customer can’t go in and say, “Do …
“Do You Love Me?”
Have you heard the one about the elderly woman who heard her friends’ husbands over the years tell them how much they loved them? Oh! How she longed for her husband to do the same. To regale her with the depth and breadth of his enduring love. But…nothing. Finally, as they were sitting out on the porch one morning, she turned to him and said as sweetly as she could, “WHY don’t you ever say you …
Not All Opinions Are Valid
Today I am opening myself up for criticism from anyone who knows me well and could identify the times I spoke or wrote about something when I had no idea about what I was communicating. The blogger’s curse…to fill space, we venture into uncharted territory. I confess starting to write a post for this agency’s blog and getting halfway through before realizing I had no idea what I was talking about. …
The Work of a Cover Designer
We have all heard the phrase “a book is judged by its cover.” And it is true. We all do it. Even when the cover is as small as a postage stamp in an online bookstore. It is the first impression of what’s inside. Rarely will you buy the book after you’ve read it. Instead you make the purchase before reading. What you are buying is the promise of the cover, and the title, and …
Why Isn’t My Agent Working for Me at Conferences?
Often I’m asked by writers to pitch a book at a conference I’m attending. Sometimes I’m asked to find out the status of a submission. Because of my writing background, I totally understand these impulses. When I was writing novels, I asked these questions of my agent. So believe me, I’ve experienced the frustration of being at home, wondering why my agent isn’t asking about and pitching my work at …
Why I Wouldn’t Represent Bible People
Taking a cue from the media ads for various prescription drugs, including a legal disclaimer in any communication protects everyone from legal jeopardy or in this case, condemnation. God inspired the Bible and the thoughts expressed in it are exactly as God intended. No one shall add or take away anything. The following satire is intended for entertainment value only. The opinions expressed are …
Happy 50th Birthday, Star Trek
It was 50 years ago this week that the TV show “Star Trek” made its debut on NBC (September 8, 1966). It lasted for only three years and 79 episodes, but continues to influence our entertainment culture to this day. Did you know who the original producers were? If you guessed Gene Roddenberry you would be half right. The other half of the funding for the show came from Desilu …
A Strange Case of Mislabeling
As readers of this blog know, I enjoy all sorts of books. But a recent experience reminded me of the wisdom and comforts of Christian fiction. After seeing several reviews and ads for a secular novel touted as a thriller, I checked out a copy from my public library. I opened the book realizing I’d likely experience characters who weren’t seeing life from a Christian viewpoint or even making an …