The excitement of having books published these days wanes as a certain entity no longer allows family and friends to post reviews. For authors who publish with small press or self-publish, family and friends are the first readers. They desire to post honest reviews. Unfortunately, unethical authors have ruined this venue for everyone. I understand …
Authors are plagued with self-doubt and worry over silly things. Harper Lee, for one, threw her whole manuscript for To Kill a Mockingbird out her NYC window while editing. Fortunately, her publisher made her retrieve and finish the book. See, Fling Manuscript From the Window. Laura Ingalls Wilder's daughter, Rose, stated in a diary entry the …
While in the process of writing my first novel, I followed an agent’s blog who warned those wishing to query her not to, unless the manuscript had been professionally edited. She offered a list of recommended copy editors. From this list, I chose C. S. Lakin. From her website, Live, Write, Thrive, Lakin offers a …
So, I just read the first chapter of Go Set a Watchman, by Harper Lee, that's trending all over the Internet as a promotion for the book release on the 14th of July. This was the original book she wanted published. Let go of expectations. Read it as if you know nothing of To Kill …
Joining a critique group brings an end to the arrogant delusion of, "I have written a great story." In fact, I'm discovering some hard, and down right scary, things about myself. Scary fact one: My main character lacks emotional responses to events and family members. Should I be in intense therapy? Why is this so …
Some days, you just have to spread everything across the floor and sort it out. Writing my YA Historical series, required abundant research notes, maps, and accurate timelines for the plot. I felt my head would explode. It reminded me of laundry day when my three young daughters wore the little white socks with the …
I watched my first Punch and Judy puppet show on YouTube—the gritty, not for children, version. And I have to say, some days I wish I had a slap stick, which would make me someone's antagonist, but there are people in this world who need a good whack. Mr. Punch lost favor with parents through the …
Scrivener stores, organizes, compiles, and so much more. I use the Windows version and love it. Now, if only there were a brain version. I can dream... In the mean time, I'm enjoying the tutorial YouTube videos by Karen Prince. Happy writing!
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