The “feel good” story of the month.
I want to go to this place for lunch!
Fun Fridays – March 8, 2013
Blog
Florida Christian Writers Conference Report
This past week I was privileged to be on faculty at the Florida Christian Writers Conference. This conference is now being run by the lovely Eva Marie Everson and the wonderful Mark Hancock. I like to joke with Mark that he is my long lost relative. If our hosts had not agreed to take over, last year's conference would have been the final Florida conference after 25 consecutive years. Instead, we …
News You Can Use – March 5, 2013
Happy National Grammar Day! - Yesterday was the day. But in honor of it click here and read some silly grammar jokes. Mark your calendar for next year.
Malcolm Gladwell on Literary Genius - Best-selling author looks at the nature of artistic genius and when it blooms. Be on the lookout this Fall for his new book called David and Goliath.
7 Tips for Writing Great Copy - read this when …
Fun Fridays – March 1, 2013
I want to feel like this when I wake up!
or
This is an illustration of what it is like to get that phone call offering you your first book contract.
A Great Hook!
I'm at the Florida Christian Writers Conference today, so while I'm away, you can have fun!
When reviewing proposals, I have noticed one particular element can present a challenge. That element is the hook.
What does the hook do?
Just as its name suggests, the hook lures the editor to keep reading. Challenge is, the hook must be succinct. One sentence is ideal. For example:
Get Thee to a Writers Conference
Guest blog by James Scott Bell
James Scott Bell is a bestselling thriller writer and long time friend. His most recent release is Don’t Leave Me. He is also the author of the #1 writing books, Plot & Structure and The Art of War for Writers. If you do not have them buy them today (He has five other must-have books on writing too.
__________
I am asked all the time by ambitious, …
News You Can Use – Feb. 26, 2013
Buy Your Way onto the Bestseller List - Will the deceptive practices ever end? (The Wall Street Journal article link may not last without subscription so I linked to this blog instead.)
Instead of Physical Books at a Signing, e-book Vouchers - Let us know what you think of this new idea!
60% of All Audio Sold is Now Digital - Try to find the audio books section in your local store....this is …
A Time to Mourn
by Steve Laube
This past weekend was a time to mourn. We attended two family funerals here in Phoenix. The first for my wife’s grandma, Izora Weed. An amazing woman who was 101 when she passed. The second was my wife’s Uncle Ken Merrick who brings to mind many fond memories.
It has been a tough year. The loss of far too many family friends (including another this past week). My father …
Fun Fridays – Feb. 22, 2013
Have you ever had a similar, but virtual, experience while buying something online?
Very clever two minutes:
HT: Kim Moore
Dear Editors
Dear Editors:
When I first started writing, not for a letter grade in college, but in hopes of a paycheck -- or at least a byline -- I solicited you with many articles, devotionals, short stories, and book-length manuscripts. Each was posted with dreams of finding your favor. More often than not, you sliced those dreams with your pens of rejection.
And for that, I want to thank you.