Always fun to see virtuoso musicians having a blast playing their instruments. Enjoy Lang Lang and 2Cellos on Fun Friday!
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Is Timing Everything in Publishing?
I know how hard it is to wait for publication. I thought my first book would be published posthumously. People still laugh when I tell them this. And you can believe me when I still say this only half-jokingly. Ten years ago, publishing moved as slowly as a Model T Ford. Five years ago, publishing moved as slowly as a tractor. Today, it’s more like a rickshaw. Publishers have to be cautious …
Wordsmiths of the World, Unite!
Did you know you’re a wordsmith? If you’re a writer, you are. A wordsmith is defined by Webster’s as a “craftsman or artist whose medium is words.” That, my friends, is you. Which is why I’m coming to you today and asking you to have mercy on your readers. (Yes, I’m making this same request of myself as a writer.) Whether you write fiction or nonfiction, let’s be done with empty words in our …
But I Don’t Like Social Media!
Today we have a guest post from Steve Laube Agency client Afton Rorvik. Her book, Storm Sisters released Fall, 2014 from Worthy Publishing. She has a growing relationship with social media that she wanted to share. My guess is that today’s post will resonate with many readers of this blog. Dan Balow _____________ I must confess something. I have held a grudge against social media. I resented her …
How Many People Are Involved in Publishing Your Book?
The above photo is somewhat illustrative of the number of people involved in getting your book to market. Even if you self-publish there are still many functions that you may have not done yourself. Below is not an exhaustive list but a rambling stream of consciousness when thinking about the people who are involved in the publishing process: Author (kinda important) literary agent (we think this …
Fun Fridays – May 15, 2015
Today is 5/15/15. That just looks strange. At 5:15 today it will be 5-15-15-5:15. Has nothing to do with today’s Fun Friday, but thought I would mention it. Talk amongst yourselves… Today’s video is about what really happens when you can’t find a bookmark…
Summer Beach Reading
While I’m away at the Colorado Christian Writers Conference, perhaps you will enjoy sharing your thoughts with each other. Have fun! What books are you planning to take with you on vacation this year? What are your favorite “beach” reads? What old favorites will you revisit? What new books will you read?
All Dialogue Mechanics Are Not Equal (Viva la Différence!)
While editing a novel recently, I was writing a note to explain the importance of beats. Which led me to an explanation of the importance of varying the kinds of beats we use. Which led me to a realization: dialogue tags and beats and descriptive beats are very different things. Okay, okay…yes, I already knew that. But I hadn’t really thought it over much. As a writer, I sometimes tend to operate …
Why I Would Make A Terrible Graduation Speaker
I have never been asked to speak to a graduating class at any level of school. In the remote possibility someone does ask, I offer this blog post proving that I would be the worst speaker ever. I don’t have a problem speaking to a group, tailoring a message to the group and making a point. The big issue would be the topics I cover. Most graduation speeches I have heard are an exercise in …
The Gerbil Wheel of the Writing Life
I saw the below video showing “wheel gymnastics” and, other than being mesmerized, I thought it an apt metaphor for the writing life. Do you agree? Read and watch and see what it evokes. A writer spends hours, months, and even years in isolation practicing their art. They go forward a few steps and back a few steps. They get turned upside down and spin often without result. While there …