Blog
Fun Fridays – July 1, 2022
Since many in the U.S. will be spending this weekend celebrating Independence Day at picnics and backyard barbecues, I thought it’d be fun to place an unforgettable jingle in your mind. And then a second video below that gives a behind-the-scenes look from the fellow who wrote it. Enjoy! (If you cannot see the embedded video in your newsletter email, please click the headline and go directly …
I’ve Put Off Writing This Blog Post Long Enough
I wear many hats (so to speak) as an author, blogger, game writer, speaker, literary agent, and man-about-town. People sometimes ask me how I get it all done. Usually I answer with something self-effacing, such as, “I’m just awesome that way.” But when pressed, I’ll attribute whatever productivity I have to careful organizing, scheduling, and—most importantly—maniacally avoiding procrastination. …
Query, Proposal, or Complete?
When seeking agency representation, how much information should you offer? Should you wade in with one toe, send enough information to tease the agent, or go all in with a proposal accompanied by a complete manuscript? First, a note: Before deciding on any form of communication, please refer to the agent’s posted guidelines. While my office will respond to a quick question, such as “Do you …
Jelly Beans = One Day
I came across the below video and thought it a good reminder. It is sobering to watch. But it is important to occasionally step into topics of mortality and eternity. To think for a moment about the gift of today. This day, June 27th, 2022, is a gift from God. Contemplate the below sentence with which I ended a speech at the recent Blue Ridge Christian Writers Conference. “The world will be …
Fun Fridays – June 24, 2022
This video is a vivid picture of all the roles a writer must fill if or when they self-publish. It can be done and done brilliantly. But it does take a lot of intentionality and expertise to excel in every part. I know many authors who do. Enjoy this 90-second video celebrating the Authorpreneur! (If you cannot see the embedded video in your newsletter email, please click the headline and go …
Newbery @ 100
Some rather significant publishing-related anniversaries are coming in the next week. First, the Harry Potter book series turns 25 years-old on June 26. After a dozen publishers declined the first book, Bloomsbury Publishing saw some potential in it and published Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. The rest is history. Next time your writing is rejected, just remember: A dozen people …
4 Ways to Lose Me Quickly
As a literary agent, I review a lot of book pitches. A lot. And, not to belabor the point, but a lot. Despite the overwhelming volume of submissions demanding my attention, I try to give each one a fair shake. Sure, if the recipient field of your email has a hundred email addresses in it, it makes it easier for me to say, “No thanks.” But, while that may be the quickest way to disinterest me, it …
What Do You Read to Stay Informed?
I am occasionally asked to list the magazines, newsletters, and blogs I read to stay informed about our industry. It is a good question. But when I started compiling the list, I realized how ridiculously long it is. Therefore, I can only list selected highlights by type of media. Lest you get the wrong impression, realize I’m an eclectic reader who skims the surface of the waters gleaning …
Fun Fridays – June 17, 2022
The unsolveable puzzle that is supposed to be solved. Today’s video is intended to make your brain hurt. But therein lies the tale. Are there metaphors here for your writing life? Or something to add to your book? How about a character who creates crossword puzzles…by hand… or one who solves the hardest puzzles in ink, not a pencil? Or someone who can look at a series of numbers …