An appropriate and beautiful song for the day after Christmas!
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The Christmas Truce
This is a tough world to figure out. Depending on your worldview, people are either inherently good with the bad habit to do bad things or they are inherently evil who once in a while do something good and wonderful. Because of the belief in original sin, Christians generally adhere to the latter view. One hundred years ago today, something wonderful happened, but was quickly swallowed up by evil. …
Unlikeable Characters
In a recent blog, I touched upon the problem of unlikeable characters. I mentioned that I stopped reading a published book because I didn’t like any of the characters. So when do I think a reader will keep reading about unlikeable characters? I’d say one or more of the following will save a story: 1.) The protagonist has been victimized and the reader can root for her to overcome being …
Joy to the (Writer’s) World!
The Christmas season is upon us. A time of delight and good cheer. A time overflowing with laughter, when we’re restored to carefree children filled with wonder. Right? Um…not so much. In fact, a number of folks have said how frustrated they are, how they’re behind on everything, and overwhelmed with all they should be doing. After all, it’s Christmas! And if they don’t get things done, Christmas …
Mr. Ed Is a Backseat Driver
There are few things more frustrating to aspiring authors than the requirement they have a significant national following and robust “author platform” before their book is considered by an agent or publisher. After all, isn’t the book supposed to help create that? It is like needing extensive work experience to get a job, but you need to get a job to get experience. Or you need to be an expert …
The Joy of a Client Christmas Card List
It’s that time of year where notes, cards, and gifts are exchanged. A family and friends list of names is one thing (my wife wonderfully handles those), but it is that list of clients where I spend a lot of time. Yes it is considerable work but quite satisfying. Recite the Story When going through the client list it is fun to stop and think about each author before writing their card. Every author …
Fun Fridays – December 12, 2014
What fun it is to shop! Anybody know where this occurred or the language? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H965m0Hkk5M
A Picky Reader
Having a book rejected by an agent or editor is puzzling, especially when the agent or editor have stated they are seeking just what we’re offering. Almost every day, my office must decline books that should be a fit. Usually the reasons are concrete (too long, too short, writing doesn’t sparkle, insufficient platform). But sometimes we’re just picky. I’ve touched on this …
Tis the Season for Stories!
December has to be my favorite month of the year. I love all the preparations and decorations and celebrations for the Christmas season. But two of my favorite things about the Christmas season are the books and movies we savor every year because, for those of us in the Ball household, it just isn’t Christmas without: Books The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson. (“Hey! Unto you a …