Publishing is changing. Some for the good. Some for the worse. But all in all, I feel it’s a grand time for authors to make a way for themselves. I once called e-publishing the “revenge of the writer” because it opened doors previously closed to writers. It was a new chance to put their work in front of the buying public. As I watch the e-revolution, I’m encouraged but maintain a bit of caution. This revolution has just begun. The outcome is yet to be seen. E-author success up ‘til now is unique and constantly changing. But the e-reader phenomenon has created some great author success stories. Yet things are still shaping. Trends are shaking out, slowing down, finding a rhythm, and driving toward permanent change.As you pursue your own […]
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When Things Heat Up, Part 3: A Snowball’s Chance in a Really Hot Place!
I know. Sometimes you feel that’s about all the chance you have of living your dream. The cursor on the blank screen haunts you and your Aunt Gertrude tells you to give up those crazy pipe dreams of being an author. After all, working at the Piggly Wiggly’s good ‘nough for her, it should be for you, too. And the momentum you’ve gained from the snowball rolling downhill begins to melt as things heat up. Soon, you’re left in a puddle of disappointment and despair. It’s enough to make never want to climb the cold mountain again. But can I tell you something? The greatest achievements in the world have occurred just beyond where people wanted to give up. It’s true! And, the greatest failures have occurred when people stopped […]
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Time on the couch with Your therapist
Over the past few weeks, some interesting questions have come my way from readers, up and coming writers, and published authors. I thought I’d take today’s blog to answer their questions publicly so we can all learn. Here we go: Q: As an unpublished author, am I shooting too high when I query well-established, wise agents? Should I instead look to get in on the ground floor with a newer agent? A: This is a great question. There is no reason for an unpublished author not to shoot for his or her dream agent. Or publishing house. Start at “the top” and see where you land. I had a saying when I started out, “Aim small, hit small. Aim big, hit big.” I figured if I shot for the stars […]
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Strategy #3: Brainstorming Secrets
As a young girl my friends and I used to pinky-swear that we wouldn’t share each other’s secrets. It became a sign of loyalty if you could keep the secrets of others, but a sign of a traitor if you could not. The adult world also has a large interest in secrets as well. Tabloids, spies, politicians, journalistic sources, countries and even pleading the Fifth Amendment in court centers around the secrets we keep. We all have secrets and usually they are something that we hold close to our heart. We keep these secrets for a variety or reasons like embarrassment or vulnerability. With our characters secrets can be a way to show their inner self and the level of trust they have built with their friends […]
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