#10 — Adding too many commas Lately, I've had a few authors use commas to add detail after detail onto a sentence. But they don't realize how jam-packed the sentence becomes. Here are two fictional examples: Laurence came through the door, looking for answers, looking for something to turn his path around, and looking for … Continue reading Common writer mistakes #10
Tag: author
Is “said” worthless?
In college writing classes, we sit in a tight circle, facing each other. Sometimes, we critique our own works; other times we discuss writing. But one time — and only once — everyone raised their voices against what I suggested. I disagreed with the author using the word "said" for every single dialogue tag. I … Continue reading Is “said” worthless?
How does a book become a book? – part three
If you missed the first two parts, here's part one and part two. #5 - Making your marketing plans Look at where you can submit your book to win awards. (I suggest the Writer's Market book for this. They list many places you can to submit to. They also come out with an updated version … Continue reading How does a book become a book? – part three
Book review – Flash Cards (Spoiler Free)
“To compare spring to a temple to say a tree is a god both are illegitimate metaphors but metaphors is all I have” Title: Flash Cards: Selected Poems from Yu Jian's Anthology of NotesAuthor: Yu JianTranslators: Ron Padgett, Wang PingGenre: PoetryPages: 144 pagesPublication date: September 28, 2010Publisher: Zephyr Press Lately, I've been looking more … Continue reading Book review – Flash Cards (Spoiler Free)
First lines given – #3
Welcome to First Lines Given! If that sentence confuses you, here's a link to where I explain what this is. Today's first line is by Ann Harrison-Barnes! (Happy early birthday, Ann!) She said: Such a sweet one! I rarely see snow, so I don't write about it often. Anyways, here's the result: On a cold … Continue reading First lines given – #3
For all the writers who want to quit
Sometimes writing may feel like a waste of time. Like we're getting nowhere. Like the world is just waiting for us to crumble and fall to our knees. But we're not built for that. We're writers with dreams to touch someone else's heart with words. Our writing lets us to spread our wings and reach … Continue reading For all the writers who want to quit
First lines given – #2
Welcome to First Lines Given! If that sentence confuses you, here's a link to where I explain what this is. Today's first line is by Yogesh Mali! He said: Such a simple but good one. Here's the result: Trains have poor memories. Much poorer than you'd think they would have honestly. I met a train … Continue reading First lines given – #2
How to use social media when querying
At the base line, social media is a good way to connect with agents. Agents talk about their manuscript wish list (#MSWL) from time to time. They list what they're looking for in the next book they represent. Look out for them. You might see one that matches your book. However, warning: do not directly … Continue reading How to use social media when querying
A writer’s journey (part eight) – blogging, more research, and twitter
It has been a while since I’ve written one of these. I’ve been meaning to, but my busy schedule took control for a little bit. I have three topics in the title, because I’ve seen the most growth in these areas. Let’s go one by one. Blogging As I mentioned here before, my blog has … Continue reading A writer’s journey (part eight) – blogging, more research, and twitter
The book industry is top heavy, & what does that mean for us?
When you think of your favorite books, where are they from? Penguin? Hachette? HarperCollins? Or are you one of the few who loves indie books? I read from a bit of all four. But something I've noticed is that when I get excited about an indie book, no one knows what I'm talking about. They … Continue reading The book industry is top heavy, & what does that mean for us?
