I sing bass. But this fellow sings BASS. The note he hits at the end? Impossible.
Enjoy the video!
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Will I Be Rich if I Win an Award?
A notable goal of any author is to be recognized by the industry with an award. Even earning a place as a finalist is an honor, particularly when the contest is known to have many entrants. But if you win, will you be rich? Maybe, but probably not right away. Awards are typically granted well after a book has been published. By then, the first blush of excitement and intense book promotion around …
Characterization – Part Five
We’re back on the topic of characterization. I’m getting close to wrapping up this topic and moving on to plotting, but I have a few more things to say about building characters. But for the moment, let’s summarize. When starting a story, I come up with my main characters and write a short summary of what the story is about. Then I do a deep dive into who the characters are by doing character …
A Is for Attribution: And, With, or Ghost?
Sometimes it is helpful to review publishing terms to make sure we are all talking about the same thing. The cover of a book invariably will state the author’s name. Every once in a while there are two or more names listed (i.e., Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins). The use of “and” or “with” is the code word that tells the reader what type of professional relationship is between these names on the …
Fun Fridays – August 18, 2023
Is your deadline looming? Today’s image vividly expresses what every writer feels like as the day nears.
Conference Hacks for First-time Writers
When I attended my first writers conference, I wasn’t really sure what to expect. In 2017, a mentor author awarded me a scholarship, purchasing my ticket to the Speak Up Conference with Carol Kent. I had never written an article, much less had any idea how to begin the process of writing a book. In my limited understanding, someone who was interested in writing a book just had to sit down in a …
Impossible Books
There are a lot of hard things in life. Some are downright impossible. Entrepreneur and media guru Patrick Bet-David says the ten hardest things in life are: Getting Married Parenting Becoming an entrepreneur Keeping your health Overcoming addiction The loss of a loved one Leaving people behind Handling success Trusting others Massive failure Many say the most difficult thing to do in all sports …
Poetry: I Can’t Sell It, but I Recommend It
Anyone who has read my “Who and What I’m Looking For” post on this site may be aware that poetry is not a genre I represent. I know, I know. Your poetry is different, and it would force me to make an exception. I hear you. But the likelihood of selling a book of poems is somewhere between nil and nada, even for you. I love you, but it’s true. (See how that rhymed?) Having said that, though, I …
Who Owns Whom in Publishing?
Updated August 2023 (first created November 2011) For a comprehensive list, check out The Christian Writers Market Guide. Available in print at your favorite retailer or as an online subscription (updated frequently) at www.ChristianWritersMarketGuide.com. My emphasis in this post is the Christian publishing industry. There are many fine commercial publishers that do not publish Christian books …
Fun Fridays – August 11, 2023
Today is the last of the “Dog Days of Summer,” and major league baseball is in the home stretch. Thus, it is wonderfully appropriate to post today’s classic video, “Who’s on First?” by Abbott and Costello.