When one of Aesop’s Fables comes true.
Did you know it has been 2,600 years since those stories were first told (circa 600 B.C.)?
Which one are you?
Fun Fridays – April 21, 2023
Blog
Personal vs. Professional Social Media
As more and more people work from home full-time, the lines are blurred like at no other time. For writers, mixing personal and professional lives often doesn’t go well. Years ago, I recall speaking with a young man who owned a store that was part of his family for several generations; and he and his young family lived in a nice apartment located upstairs from the store. To me, who at the time …
My 50 Favorite Books (That I Didn’t Write or Represent)
People occasionally ask me how I became a writer; and my standard answer is, “I was raised in a family of readers.” And over the years I’ve read thousands of books (that I can remember by title and author, that is). Not counting comic books. Not counting textbooks. Oh, and not counting my own books. So, when I sat down recently to try to list my favorite fifty books, I faced a daunting task. I …
Author Accounting 101
You are a published author. You must be rich! You are an agent. I know you are rich. If it only were true. Let’s attempt to explain some of the bottom-line basics of Author Accounting. Please remember this exercise is generic; your mileage may vary. I will use some simplified numbers, so we can all follow the math. Let’s start with a $20.00 retail-priced book. The publisher sells the book …
Fun Fridays – April 14, 2023
The recent deluge of news about artificial intelligence (AI) in writing can be terrifying, exciting, or a combination of both. Visions of “skynet” dance in some heads, while others have used places like ChatGPT to help with their book’s ad copy and the like. Today, I thought it would be fun to let the feline version of General-Purpose Technology (GPT) have its time in the sun …
Why Did She Say That?
Because this blog’s primary purpose is to help authors by dispensing opinions and advice, posts may hit close to home. A long time ago, I read an article in which a blogger I’d recently interacted with made a snarky remark. I thought, Is the blogger talking about me? So I know that sinking, disturbing feeling of wondering if I’ve been surreptitiously called out in public. I’m glad I saw the post …
Voices of Grandeur: Why Creative Writers Are Important
I’ve been exploring various types of writers who would be good for Christian publishers and readers to give attention to. In previous posts, I suggested those involved with military or missionary service and young writers who can have good perspectives on how to live in the 21st century when the world is seemingly spinning off its axis more than usual. However, throughout history, when hearts are …
The Readability of Your Writing
The importance of communicating ideas with readable words has become more critical than ever in a TikTok world. Have you ever wondered what grade your writing’s reading level is? Dan Balow told me of a fun website, www.readabilityformulas.com, where you can post up to 3,000 words and find out its reading-level grade. I first tried the Bible using Daniel 7:1-7 in different translations. King …
A Maundy Thursday Writer’s Prayer
Lord, at your last meal with your closest friends and followers, you wrapped the servant’s towel around your waist, and washed your disciples’ feet. And though Peter objected at first, he submitted, saying, “Then, Lord … not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!” (John 13:9, NIV). Like Peter, Lord, I shudder to submit myself and my writing to your cleansing work. But I know I …
Easter Break List for Writers
While the start of the new calendar year in January is an auspicious time to visit plans, so is the Easter season. I hope you have discerned His guidance during this quiet time of forty days when we remember our Lord’s temptations in the wilderness. After we celebrate His Glorious Resurrection this Sunday, the following week may be an excellent time to take practical steps you may take as you …