By Patricia Fry Is it possible to predetermine the success of your book before you start writing it? To a degree, yes. Some of your choices during the planning and writing phases of your book can definitely influence eventual sales. There’s no sense in leaving the future of your book to chance, when you can … Read more
By Susanne Shaphren My boring black bicycle traveled over 1500 miles last year without ever leaving the house Day after day, I pedal furiously only to wind up in exactly the same spot. The daily routine of well-disciplined writers is alarmingly similar to that bicycle going nowhere. Day after day, we write, revise and cross … Read more
You might remember this contest from last year, AWers. It’s that time again! I think the world of Ms. Hemingway, and I’m enthusiastic about this contest for developing new writers. I asked Lorian to write something about the contest and her involvement that I could share with all of you. She replied: The pure joy … Read more
By Sherryl Clark Writers seem to fall into two categories: those who hate the first draft and love the slow, detailed pleasure of revision, and those who love the rush and excitement of the first draft and hate revision. Many of us balk at revision. I’ve heard writers vow that their work comes out so … Read more
By Jodi Brandon With tens of thousands of books published annually and hundreds of thousands of magazine articles published annually, it’s easy to see how you (and your work) can get lost in the shuffle. If you’ve chosen the right outlets for your writing — and by “right,” I mean the most appropriate — that … Read more
I’ve been corresponding with Lela Gwenn, an event organizer for a writer’s retreat that allows a writer to experience encounters with fist, blade, or gun, in a controlled and safe environment under the experienced supervision of self-defense and weapons instruction professionals. I’ve long been a big believer in writers getting our hands dirty, if we’re going … Read more
By Phyllis Hanlon Your phone has been ringing regularly; your mailbox is stuffed with assignments for magazine and newsletter articles; every time you sign onto the Internet, the familiar “You’ve got mail!” announcement greets your ears along with several positive responses to your e-queries. The freelance life is looking good. The paychecks have started to … Read more
By Tina St. John In late 1994, I quit my full-time job to try my hand at writing a novel. Yes, it was an enormous risk, and yes, I have a very understanding and supportive husband. Naively, I expected to complete my book by year’s end — never mind that said book consisted of less … Read more
By Apryl Duncan Many authors, especially first-timers, think a literary agent is someone you associate with names like Stephen King, Judith Krantz and John Grisham. Truth is, having an agent handle your work really depends on your own personality. Before taking on an agent, you have to first evaluate yourself. Are you the type of … Read more
By Michael Allen There are countless books, seminars and classes out there on “How to Break into Show Biz.” Indeed, breaking into show biz has literally become a business unto itself with people shelling out hundreds and thousands of dollars for the “inside secrets.” What amazes me is how many of these books and seminars … Read more
