By Julian Block Those obliging folks at the IRS allow write-offs to ease the pain for losses you suffer in ventures entered into make “profits.” But long-standing rules disallow deductions for losses incurred in pursuing “hobbies.” Because of that distinction, the feds program their computers to bounce returns that show full-time salaries and other sources … Read more
By Jodi Brandon Hurrah — your book proposal or your magazine query has been accepted, and a contract is on its way. “Great,” you say enthusiastically to your agent or editor, even though you’re thinking, I don’t know how the heck to read a contract! Don’t panic. Perhaps the most common misconception among writers—especially new writers—is … Read more
By Karyn Langhorne It’s that time of year again: the time of reassessment and reevaluation, renewal and revision. In short, it’s time to resolve. Since we’re all writers here, it seems appropriate to use this space to make some writing resolutions for 2005, resolutions that are true for me—and might also resonate for you as … Read more
Ask the Pros: Screenwriting 101 Questions Answered by Industry Professionals Edited by Howard Meibach and Paul Duran Lone Eagle Publishing Company 2004 205 pp. Amazon.com price: $12.57 Review by Patrick Beltran Ask the Pros: Screenwriting is not your typical screenwriting book. Edited by Howard Meibach (of Hollywoodlitsales.com fame) and writer-director Paul Duran, this book does … Read more
By Karyn Langhorne Back in October, a friend of mine suggested I try to set up a book signing in a bookstore near where he works. It’s a great location for book signings: a heavily trafficked mall surrounded by federal office buildings and built above a subway station. I talked with the store manager, a … Read more
By Karyn Langhorne Just when there’s no more re-writing and revising . . . Just when the book is finally on the shelves . . .. Just when the efforts at promotion seem to be finally paying off . . . There’s something new to worry about. Sales. And a fresh crop of ways to drive an author attempting to build … Read more
By Julie Rogers and June Ford My editor and I frequently talk to writers—many who are or have been members of writer’s groups. More and more we find ourselves pulling out these tips because we believe healthy writing etiquette among peers in writer’s groups encourages good writing habits. When a writer begins working professionally with … Read more
By Selina McLemore “Karyn?” I bet she thinks I sound young. Really young. “I’m Selina and I’m going to be your editor on this project.” I love calling debut authors. I feel like I can really relate to the rush of excitement a new author feels. She’s worked so hard on her manuscript, rewritten it … Read more
By Karyn Langhorne “Karyn?” She sounded young. Really young. I took a deep breath, and answered, hoping I didn’t sound old. Really old. “I’m Selina . . . and I’m going to be your editor on this project. First let me tell how much I loved your book.’ She might be young, but she was … Read more
By Magdalena Ball “You can write a novel in 14 days or less!” Sound familiar? I’ve seen a number of advertisements recently selling “how-to” guides on speedwriting. They offer some tempting promises, including that you will be able to (guaranteed!) write a fabulous book, either fiction or nonfiction, within a very short space of time, … Read more
