This came out in 2011 and is still one of my favorite commercials of the Christmas season.
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Secrets of a Successful Author Aren’t Secret
Because being a book author is more of a self-taught profession, those who are successful at it are often analyzed by aspiring authors to find out how they did it. Sometimes even asking, “What’s your secret?” If an author responds honestly, they will reveal that their pathway to success is not secret, nor does it contain shortcuts or easy-to-follow checklists. I remember watching a documentary …
An Agent’s Christmas List
You may be one of those strange and wonderful people who by this time in the holiday season has finished all of your Christmas shopping. Maybe even wrapping. Well, bully for you. I’m not that person. I still have a ways to go. I have a few things yet to get on my list. Among those outstanding items are things I wish (and pray) for my clients, writer friends, and readers of this blog, such as you. …
How to Become a Better Novelist With Brad Pauquette
Imposter syndrome sometimes tells you the truth. Sometimes, you really do need to get better at the task in front of you to succeed. Many gurus will tell you that you already have everything you need. You just need to pay them money so you can be successful. But in the real world, success requires the hard work of improving your craft. Now, it’s true, sometimes imposter syndrome lies; but …
The 2025 Christian Writers Market Guide Is Here!
What are your writing plans for 2025? Is there a new publication where you want to send your article or devotion? Is there a conference you’d like to attend, virtually or in person? Do you need a freelance editor or a literary agent for your project? Experience has taught us that things can change suddenly. The publishing industry is no different. Each year, dozens of agents and editors move …
Fun Fridays – December 6, 2024
A little fun to help to set the mood for the Christmas season. Sung by the choir of Clare College, Cambridge. Conducted by Graham Ross.
Keep Vigilant Online
Since authors must maintain an online presence and many receive scam messages, I’m addressing online safety today. On impulse during a recent trip to the library, I checked out Keanu Reeves Is Not in Love with You by Becky Holmes. The author relates how she communicated with scammers and victims in this lively and well-researched book. The book focuses on romance scams; but the advice …
Point of View #5
We’re back and still talking about point of view because, let’s face it, it can be a hard thing to grasp. So, in review, last time we talked about: Get rid of “distance” words—words that can disconnect the reader from the story. Use strong, vivid verbs, not passive verbs like was and were. Ditch tags like “she thought,” “he pondered,” “she mused,” and so on Now, let’s continue the list: …
Are You Pitch Perfect?
A critical key to landing a book deal is the presentation of your idea in such a way that the editor or agent is completely sold on the concept. In musical terms, perfect pitch is the rare talent to name or pick out a note without having any reference point. This is illustrated by this youtube video where they clear your mind, then give you a tone, and ask you to name the note; most people fail …
Fun Fridays – November 29, 2024
Enjoy today’s “ruff” draft of a short story. (It wasn’t my pun so don’t blame me for your groan of despair.)