M.C. Grammar…. ???
A pseudo-good idea gone hopelessly strange. Only two minutes long.
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The Synopsis Tells the Tale
Because the synopsis is so critical to a proposal, I decided to write this spin-off of last week's blog, "Keys to a Great Synopsis," in hopes of helping authors not only write more effective synopses, but to impart a bit about the fiction market, too.
When I read synopses from authors, much is revealed. For instance, I see:
Cozy mysteries that are meant to be romance.
Gothic plots presented …
A Time to Share
I’ve been thinking for awhile that I’d like to do some mini workshops on this blog. Now, I have a boatload of topics I could teach on. After all, I’ve taught or keynoted at writers’ conferences all over the country for the last 30 years. But here’s the thing, I don’t want to teach just another workshop. I want to help you with the issues you’re facing in your writing. So here’s your chance to …
News You Can Use – May 29, 2012
Self-Publishing: Under 10% Earn a Living - An article out of Australia makes a bold claim. I would claim, however, that only 10% of traditionally published writers earn a living too. Of course that depends on your definition of "a living."
100 Best First Lines from Novels - In honor of the last two weeks where we talked about "first lines" I found this article from the American Book Review that …
Fun Fridays – May 25, 2012
This has been around for five years. It still makes me smile every time.
"When it comes to a good book, Stephen King's resume just can't compare."
Keys to a Great Synopsis
When I posted my ideas on some Keys to a Great Book Proposal, a few writers said they were challenged to write a synopsis. I agree that writing an interesting synopsis is difficult. However, it’s not an element you want to omit from your proposal because a synopsis orients the editor to the book’s contents. Here are my answers to often-asked questions: 1.) Do I need a …
What’s MY Line? (First Lines – Part Two)
I loved reading your favorite first lines last week. Isn’t it amazing how the right first line sets the stage, how it can pull readers out of reality deep into the story that’s being woven around them? I’m always awed at the power of the written word.
As I said last week, a group of writer friends likes to share the first lines of their works in progress. JUST the first line. Not the first …
News You Can Use – May 22, 2012
Where is Publishing Headed? – This it a great article! Read is carefully and you will want to read more. I recommended John Thompson’s book Merchants of Culture last year (my review is here). Now it is in paperback for $17 (retail price) and for either the Kindle or the Nook for around $10. If you are serious about understanding the book business you owe it to yourself to buy this and …
A One Year Anniversary Announcement
by Steve Laube
A year ago we welcomed Tamela Hancock Murray and Karen Ball to our agency. I couldn't be more pleased.
These two ladies are amazing people. They both work very hard to serve their clients with passion and excellence. I am blessed to have them as part of our team.
Next week will be the eighth anniversary of the founding of The Steve Laube Agency. We have had some …
Fun Fridays – May 8, 2012 -The Chaos of English Pronunciation
Fun Friday - May 18, 2012
Quoted in its entirety from The Better Spelling Society (read their article the history of this piece). My favorite is the last stanza that reads "which rhymes with enough? Though, through, bough, cough, hough, sough, tough??"
The Chaos - by Gerard Nolst Trenité
This version is essentially the author's own final text, as also published by New River Project in 1993. A …