• Are Publishers Plagued By a Public Perception Problem?

    Updated: 2012-02-29 15:10:00
    , home Blog About Forums Nathan Bransford San Francisco , CA United States Nathan Bransford is the author of JACOB WONDERBAR AND THE COSMIC SPACE KAPOW , a middle grade novel about three kids who blast off into space , break the universe , and have to find their way back home , which was published by Dial Books for Young Readers in May 2011. He was formerly a literary agent with Curtis Brown Ltd . but is now a publishing civilian working in the tech industry . He lives in San Francisco . View my Complete Profile Contact Me Blog Directory Directory of All Posts Publishing Essentials How to Write a Novel How to Edit a Novel How the Publishing Process Works What Do Literary Agents Do How to Find a Literary Agent How to Write a Query Letter The Basic Query Letter Formula Examples of Good

  • Wednesday Poetry Prompts: 168 (Preparation Poems)

    Updated: 2012-02-29 14:30:37
    Okay, so I’m getting ready to attend my first AWP Conference ever in Chicago, which means that I still haven’t packed anything, and I’m scrambling to get as much work done as … Read more

  • How to Use Archetypes in Literature When Creating Characters for Your Novel

    Updated: 2012-02-28 18:19:17
    As writers we are often concerned with creating characters: characters that seem realistic, characters that are likeable or that readers can at least relate to and understand their motivations. But creating characters … Read more

  • When It Comes to Getting Published, There’s No Shortage of New Ideas

    Updated: 2012-02-28 17:14:20
    Today I’m talking with Jesse Potash, the founder of PUBSLUSH (www.pubslush.com), which presents a unique new model for getting published. Because it’s so unusual – and because they’re a non-profit – I … Read more

  • How to Resurrect a Stalled Manuscript

    Updated: 2012-02-28 16:48:02
    Is your manuscript stuck? Take a break from completing your fiction project and diagnose it. Here's how to take your manuscript into its next phase: completion. Read more

  • Retirement Party Food Fight

    Updated: 2012-02-28 14:37:54
    After 40 years at the same job, you are finally ready to retire. Your coworkers throw you a party with cake and ice cream. Everything is going well until the end of the celebration when they ask you to speak. Instead of using this opportunity to thank everyone, you reveal a deep, dark secret about your boss that leads to a massive food fight. Read more

  • Winners of “The Q: Best Novel Writing Advice” Contest

    Updated: 2012-02-27 20:33:47
    Thanks to everyone who participated in my recent post and who shared the best novel writing advice you had ever received. So many great nuggets to help us navigate our way through the difficult terrain of our shared passion—writing. Here are the winners ... Read more

  • New Agent Alert: Paul Lucas of Janklow & Nesbit Associates

    Updated: 2012-02-27 19:10:03
    : WritersDigest.com Skip to content Home Writing Articles By Writing Genre Literary Fiction Young Adult Childrens Science Fiction Fantasy Short Story Essay Articles Freelance Memoir Nonfiction Mystery Thriller Romance Horror Spiritual Humor Poetry Script Writing By Writing Goal Get Published Sell Your Work Complete 1st Chapter Complete 1st Draft Build a Platform Start Blogging How to Improve Writing Skills How to Write an Article Overcoming Writer’s Block Business Legal Matters Promoting Your Work By Writing Level Haven’t Written Anything Yet At Work on First Draft Completed Multiple Manuscripts Published Author Community Forum About StoryFriday Daily Writing Prompts The WD Community Writing Groups Editor Blogs Guide to Literary Agents The Writer’s Dig There Are No Rules Questions

  • Author Interview: Adam Brownlee, Author of “Building a Small Business That Warren Buffet Would Love”

    Updated: 2012-02-27 18:37:03
    : , WritersDigest.com Skip to content Home Writing Articles By Writing Genre Literary Fiction Young Adult Childrens Science Fiction Fantasy Short Story Essay Articles Freelance Memoir Nonfiction Mystery Thriller Romance Horror Spiritual Humor Poetry Script Writing By Writing Goal Get Published Sell Your Work Complete 1st Chapter Complete 1st Draft Build a Platform Start Blogging How to Improve Writing Skills How to Write an Article Overcoming Writer’s Block Business Legal Matters Promoting Your Work By Writing Level Haven’t Written Anything Yet At Work on First Draft Completed Multiple Manuscripts Published Author Community Forum About StoryFriday Daily Writing Prompts The WD Community Writing Groups Editor Blogs Guide to Literary Agents The Writer’s Dig There Are No Rules Questions

  • How to Become a Better Writer

    Updated: 2012-02-27 18:34:48
    We’re always excited when a new issue of Writer’s Digest hits newsstands—especially when it’s delivering something our readers have specifically been asking for. So we’re especially jazzed about this week’s release of … Read more

  • DRM Isn't the Answer, But It's Not Not the Answer Either

    Updated: 2012-02-27 15:25:00
    , , home Blog About Forums Nathan Bransford San Francisco , CA United States Nathan Bransford is the author of JACOB WONDERBAR AND THE COSMIC SPACE KAPOW , a middle grade novel about three kids who blast off into space , break the universe , and have to find their way back home , which was published by Dial Books for Young Readers in May 2011. He was formerly a literary agent with Curtis Brown Ltd . but is now a publishing civilian working in the tech industry . He lives in San Francisco . View my Complete Profile Contact Me Blog Directory Directory of All Posts Publishing Essentials How to Write a Novel How to Edit a Novel How the Publishing Process Works What Do Literary Agents Do How to Find a Literary Agent How to Write a Query Letter The Basic Query Letter Formula Examples of Good

  • Pay What You Want for the April 9 Write for Magazines E-course*

    Updated: 2012-02-27 11:00:23
    The Renegade Writer About Us Free Query Packet E-Courses E-Books Phone Mentoring Query Critiques Free Teleclasses Guest Posting Contact Us Tweet Jump to Comments Pay What You Want for the April 9 Write for Magazines E-course Ready to kick-start your freelance writing career or take it to the next level My next Write for Magazines 8-week e-course starts on Monday , April 9. The February 27 session is now closed Last session , I experimented with a Pay What You Want” pricing structure for the Basic version of the e-course with no e-mail support , with a minimum of 30. I usually charge 120, so this is a 75 discount off the usual price . I couldn’t believe what happened : Instead of having just a few people sign up for this version as usual , several dozen writers jumped on . board Several of

  • The Opportunities of Self-Publishing E-Books — Tips From the San Francisco Writers Conference

    Updated: 2012-02-27 04:32:42
    WritersDigest.com Skip to content Home Writing Articles By Writing Genre Literary Fiction Young Adult Childrens Science Fiction Fantasy Short Story Essay Articles Freelance Memoir Nonfiction Mystery Thriller Romance Horror Spiritual Humor Poetry Script Writing By Writing Goal Get Published Sell Your Work Complete 1st Chapter Complete 1st Draft Build a Platform Start Blogging How to Improve Writing Skills How to Write an Article Overcoming Writer’s Block Business Legal Matters Promoting Your Work By Writing Level Haven’t Written Anything Yet At Work on First Draft Completed Multiple Manuscripts Published Author Community Forum About StoryFriday Daily Writing Prompts The WD Community Writing Groups Editor Blogs Guide to Literary Agents The Writer’s Dig There Are No Rules Questions Quandaries

  • Learn How to Sell Articles to Magazines and Newspapers (And Get a Critique!)

    Updated: 2012-02-26 04:41:44
    I know this blog is mostly about agents and book stuff, but one area of writing I’ve always been active in is article writing. If you’ve never tried to sell articles or columns, you should. It’s a great way to make money, get publication credits, and build your platform. That’s why WD Managing Editor Zachary Petit and I are teaching the awesome webinar, "Sell Freelance Articles," on Thursday, March 1, 2012. Read more

  • Great interactive fiction on Youtube

    Updated: 2012-02-26 00:01:00
    : Lloyd of Gamebooks A blog about writing gamebooks . My musings on how to write a gamebook and what makes a good . gamebook Sunday , February 26, 2012 Great interactive fiction on Youtube So this is what Lord Fear's been doing since Knightmare . ended Hi all I've made a vlog which offers a small sample of the interactive videos that you can find on Youtube . I'd like to thank Sam Richards of Tweet RPG fame for introducing me to The Dark Room by comedian John Robertson This led me on a hunt for other interactive Youtube videos . I found a few and you can hear all about my searches from my vlog found below . Have a good week everybody Posted by Stuart Lloyd at 12:01 AM Email This BlogThis Share to Twitter Share to Facebook 0 comments : Post a Comment Older Post Home Subscribe to : Post

  • This Week in Books 2/25/12

    Updated: 2012-02-25 17:52:00
    , home Blog About Forums Nathan Bransford San Francisco , CA United States Nathan Bransford is the author of JACOB WONDERBAR AND THE COSMIC SPACE KAPOW , a middle grade novel about three kids who blast off into space , break the universe , and have to find their way back home , which was published by Dial Books for Young Readers in May 2011. He was formerly a literary agent with Curtis Brown Ltd . but is now a publishing civilian working in the tech industry . He lives in San Francisco . View my Complete Profile Contact Me Blog Directory Directory of All Posts Publishing Essentials How to Write a Novel How to Edit a Novel How the Publishing Process Works What Do Literary Agents Do How to Find a Literary Agent How to Write a Query Letter The Basic Query Letter Formula Examples of Good

  • Yes - I've finally sold out or: It used to be all about the music, man.

    Updated: 2012-02-24 19:36:00
    : : , . Lloyd of Gamebooks A blog about writing gamebooks . My musings on how to write a gamebook and what makes a good . gamebook Friday , February 24, 2012 Yes I've finally sold out or : It used to be all about the music , man . I've made some changes to the blog today I've added a poll , an email subscription link and my April A to Z picture . I intend to do it again as it was a great way to look at lots of new blogs . I was blog 714 to sign up so there's a lot to look . at I've also added an ad . Yes , I'm monetizing . I didn't want to for a while as I just wanted to sell gamebooks but , in my endless quest to listen to every podcast ever made , I stumbled across Pat Flynn's blog and podcast called Smart Passive Income His podcast and blog have given me some great ideas and tips for

  • Your Moment of Friday Writing Zen: Simple Writing Advice to Keep You Going This Weekend

    Updated: 2012-02-24 19:14:18
    Every week, I spelunk into the Writer’s Digest archives to find the wisest, funniest, or downright strangest moments from our 92 years of publication. Today, from August 1967, are highlights of a love letter to … Read more

  • Why don’t technical writers use wikis — or do they?

    Updated: 2012-02-24 07:26:50
    The following is a guest post by Sarah Maddox, a technical writer at Atlassian. In a recent conversation, Tom mentioned that he’s been pondering this question: “Why, in a time when collaboration is more important than ever, do wikis still remain mostly unused as a help authoring tool in tech comm departments?” Tom asked me to join his ponderings and write a guest post on ... more »

  • Incensed at “Laid-back” Categorization of Technical Writing Career

    Updated: 2012-02-24 07:08:33
    I was completely incensed to read Yahoo’s categorization of technical writing as the #1 laid-back career. In 5 Low-Stress Career Options, the writer makes the ridiculous claim that technical writing isn’t just a low-stress job, but is apparently the #1 lowest-stress job of any career in America! Laid-back Career #1: Technical Writer Technical writers often write articles, manuals, and instruction booklets on a variety of topics, including ... more »

  • 7 Excuses to Stay in Touch with Editors and Clients

    Updated: 2012-02-23 16:49:06
    The Renegade Writer About Us Free Query Packet E-Courses E-Books Phone Mentoring Query Critiques Free Teleclasses Guest Posting Contact Us Tweet Jump to Comments 7 Excuses to Stay in Touch with Editors and Clients A mentoring client recently told me she was going on vacation and was wondering if being unavailable for a month would hurt her . career Au contraire I think a vacation is a great excuse to keep in touch with your editors . Whenever I go away , I e-mail all my editors beforehand even ones I haven’t worked with in a while , or editors who I’ve built a relationship with but haven’t written for yet to tell them I’ll be away and unavailable for assignments between dates X and . Y Then , when I get back , I e-mail them all again to let them know I’m back and ready for more work if

  • Writers Aren't Painters They're Magicians

    Updated: 2012-02-23 15:30:00
    , home Blog About Forums Nathan Bransford San Francisco , CA United States Nathan Bransford is the author of JACOB WONDERBAR AND THE COSMIC SPACE KAPOW , a middle grade novel about three kids who blast off into space , break the universe , and have to find their way back home , which was published by Dial Books for Young Readers in May 2011. He was formerly a literary agent with Curtis Brown Ltd . but is now a publishing civilian working in the tech industry . He lives in San Francisco . View my Complete Profile Contact Me Blog Directory Directory of All Posts Publishing Essentials How to Write a Novel How to Edit a Novel How the Publishing Process Works What Do Literary Agents Do How to Find a Literary Agent How to Write a Query Letter The Basic Query Letter Formula Examples of Good

  • How to Find Your Narrative Voice

    Updated: 2012-02-22 18:00:46
    A strong narrative voice gives your fiction a distinctive flavor and makes it stand out in a slush pile. But many beginning novelists struggle with finding their narrative voice, and some opt … Read more

  • The Q: What’s the Best Piece of Novel Writing Advice You’ve Ever Received? (Plus, Win a Free WD Subscription!)

    Updated: 2012-02-22 17:49:17
    We've all received writing advice at some point in our lives. Whether it was a high school English teacher who suggested we cut back on using passive voice, a conference presenter who recommended abandoning our prologue, or a roommate who told us to never give up (and to, perhaps, get a second job in order to help pay the rent). The best pieces of writing advice stick with us and make us better writers, so it's important we share that with others—after all, writers need to stick together. Read more

  • Can You Write With Noise?

    Updated: 2012-02-22 15:21:00
    , home Blog About Forums Nathan Bransford San Francisco , CA United States Nathan Bransford is the author of JACOB WONDERBAR AND THE COSMIC SPACE KAPOW , a middle grade novel about three kids who blast off into space , break the universe , and have to find their way back home , which was published by Dial Books for Young Readers in May 2011. He was formerly a literary agent with Curtis Brown Ltd . but is now a publishing civilian working in the tech industry . He lives in San Francisco . View my Complete Profile Contact Me Blog Directory Directory of All Posts Publishing Essentials How to Write a Novel How to Edit a Novel How the Publishing Process Works What Do Literary Agents Do How to Find a Literary Agent How to Write a Query Letter The Basic Query Letter Formula Examples of Good

  • Wednesday Poetry Prompts: 167 (Risk Poems)

    Updated: 2012-02-22 11:00:05
    For this week’s prompt, write a risk poem. That is, write a poem in which either the narrator, a character, or whatever takes a risk, or in which risk is involved. For … Read more

  • How to Research Your Novel

    Updated: 2012-02-21 21:19:12
    Just because you’re writing fiction, it doesn’t give you license to make everything up. Well, okay, so maybe it does. It’s your story, you can do whatever you want. But, let’s say … Read more

  • 5 Simple Steps on Creating Suspense in Fiction

    Updated: 2012-02-21 18:19:58
    Whenever you cause readers to be curious about what comes next, you’re creating suspense in fiction writing. Here are five simple steps you can take to increase the level of suspense in your scenes. Read more

  • Why I Love Audible

    Updated: 2012-02-21 15:10:32
    I just got back from a 4 mile jog up and down the night sidewalks of my city. I’m not much of a jogger, but after a day of sledding, parenting, traveling, cooking, and changing baby diapers, I needed to get out for an hour on my own. It’s relatively cold in Utah at night. About 34 degrees right now, so I wear a balaclava ... more »

  • The 5 Steps to Writing a Novel that Sells

    Updated: 2012-02-21 15:09:33
    To create a marketable product—in this case, a salable manuscript—you need to follow these five steps. Although they may seem obvious, many writers ignore them. Read more

  • Getting Your Money Back

    Updated: 2012-02-21 14:03:59
    You slide your card into the ATM machine and attempt to withdraw cash, only to find that your account is empty. Something is wrong, as just yesterday, you had $5,000 in it. Only one person you know could be responsible for this—and without hesitation, you are off to confront that person and get your money back. Read more

  • Are You Making This Idea Generation Mistake That’s Costing You Assignments?

    Updated: 2012-02-21 11:00:10
    The Renegade Writer About Us Free Query Packet E-Courses E-Books Phone Mentoring Query Critiques Free Teleclasses Guest Posting Contact Us Tweet Jump to Comments Are You Making This Idea Generation Mistake That’s Costing You Assignments In my Write for Magazines e-course I once had a student who was in a wheelchair , and one of the ideas she generated was about how people should treat the disabled : the common mistakes people make , why they shouldn’t make them , and what to do . instead Her second idea was about the subway commuter who saved an epileptic man a few years ago by hauling him off a subway track in front of an oncoming train . Her premise was that this man shouldn’t be treated as a hero because he didn’t know how to help someone with epilepsy and stuck his wallet in the man’s

  • New Agent Alert: Kat Salazar of Larsen-Pomada Literary Agents

    Updated: 2012-02-21 06:57:11
    About Kat: Kat Salazar joined Larsen-Pomada Literary Agents in February 2011 as an intern for the agency working directly for agency co-founder Elizabeth Pomada. Previously she worked for University of Washington Press as a Marketing Assistant and held internships at University of California Press, HarperOne of Harper Collins, and Wales Literary Agency. She is seeking: Kat is actively looking for young adult, middle grade, and children's picture books. For adult audiences, she is interested in literary fiction and urban fantasy. Read more

  • My Adventures in … San Francisco 2012

    Updated: 2012-02-21 05:56:19
    I just got back from the 2012 San Francisco Writers Conference over Presidents' Day Weekend, and the event was fantastic. The SFWC, which is co-sponsored by WD, is famous for its number of agents, editors and authors who attend. The San Fran area is rich with writing talent, and the SFWC brings in a lot of area speakers. If you live anywhere in the area, I seriously recommend checking out the event for 2013. Read more

  • My New Email Strategy: The Email Game and ActiveInbox

    Updated: 2012-02-20 16:14:05
    A while ago I tweeted about how poor I am with email. I’ve tried various methods. I tried automatically filtering all the non-essential email into subfolders, but as some commenters pointed out, I soon never checked these subfolders. I tried unsubscribing from everything, but this seemed an impossible task. Then Will Sansbury recommended that I try The Email Game, and I actually love it. The Email Game ... more »

  • WD Poetic Form Challenge: Quatern

    Updated: 2012-02-20 15:02:29
    A week ago, I explained the quatern. It’s a fun form that includes a refrain but not too many rules beyond that. (Click here to learn more about the quatern.) Anyway, I … Read more

  • Expert Tips on How to Get a Literary Agent & Impress Publishers and Editors

    Updated: 2012-02-20 08:55:15
    Wonder how to get a literary agent? Read onto learn from publishers and editors who share how to land a literary agent, and secrets about the publishing process. Read more

  • Since vs. Because

    Updated: 2012-02-20 08:00:29
    Are "since" and "because" interchangeable or is there a difference between them? This quick explanation will help you put this hot-button issue to rest once and for all. Read more

  • Some pointers about Ordering An individual's Soccer ball Special deal

    Updated: 2012-02-19 22:39:55
    Home Humanities Culture Literature Some pointers about Ordering An individual's Soccer ball Special deal By hexiaoya 4 hours ago Read more : sports If your absolutely new tennis parcel is unable to match suitably and it is particularly choose to a little too tiny and way too loose you will not feel , be sure what happens measurements you can be before buying ones brand-new package . You won't want to obtain a the skin small nfl jacket that may appears spandex people wouldn't like to seem like you're having on an outfit reduce on your hips , truly is not at all good There are plenty of loads of honest NFL nba jerseys via the internet.The majority of skiing bars as well as world-wide baseball organizations will have roughly 5 basketball units make your choice from , utilizing brand-new teeth

  • My experiences of the Fool God or: Why I didn't finish writing a book when I'd finished the writing

    Updated: 2012-02-19 00:01:00
    : : Lloyd of Gamebooks A blog about writing gamebooks . My musings on how to write a gamebook and what makes a good . gamebook Sunday , February 19, 2012 My experiences of the Fool God or : Why I didn't finish writing a book when I'd finished the writing I was very glad to have finally published a gamebook . Temple of the Fool God contained a lot of firsts for me first use of the Tunnels and Trolls system , first gamebook with art and my first gamebook that I published on RPGNow It was also the first book where I realised that once the writing is over , there is still a lot more of stuff to do with a book . Stuff I used to consider to be less fun than the writing but still needs to be done as it is very important such as proof reading , formatting , playtesting , inserting hyperlinks and

  • Webinar Recording: Designing Quick Reference Guides

    Updated: 2012-02-18 15:39:25
    A couple of weeks ago I gave an STC webinar called Designing Quick Reference Guides. This was a general STC webinar, and usually I am not allowed to repost the recording, but due to some audio difficulties, I had to re-record it, and the STC gave me permission to post the re-recording. Here are the files to watch or download the webinar: Webinar recording | ... more »

  • Webinar Recording — Organizing Help Content: Breaking Out of Topic-Based Hierarchies

    Updated: 2012-02-18 15:21:43
    I recently gave a presentation to the Southwestern Ontario STC chapter called Organizing Help Content: Breaking Out of Topic-Based Hierarchies.  Here’s a recording of the presentation: Webinar recording Slides only Audio only

  • WD Editors Are Writers Too: Meet Robert Lee Brewer, Senior Content Editor of Writer’s Market

    Updated: 2012-02-17 21:49:56
    , WritersDigest.com Skip to content Home Writing Articles By Writing Genre Literary Fiction Young Adult Childrens Science Fiction Fantasy Short Story Essay Articles Freelance Memoir Nonfiction Mystery Thriller Romance Horror Spiritual Humor Poetry Script Writing By Writing Goal Get Published Sell Your Work Complete 1st Chapter Complete 1st Draft Build a Platform Start Blogging How to Improve Writing Skills How to Write an Article Overcoming Writer’s Block Business Legal Matters Promoting Your Work By Writing Level Haven’t Written Anything Yet At Work on First Draft Completed Multiple Manuscripts Published Author Community Forum About StoryFriday Daily Writing Prompts The WD Community Writing Groups Editor Blogs Guide to Literary Agents The Writer’s Dig There Are No Rules Questions

  • This Week in Books 2/17/12

    Updated: 2012-02-17 15:28:00
    , home Blog About Forums Nathan Bransford San Francisco , CA United States Nathan Bransford is the author of JACOB WONDERBAR AND THE COSMIC SPACE KAPOW , a middle grade novel about three kids who blast off into space , break the universe , and have to find their way back home , which was published by Dial Books for Young Readers in May 2011. He was formerly a literary agent with Curtis Brown Ltd . but is now a publishing civilian working in the tech industry . He lives in San Francisco . View my Complete Profile Contact Me Blog Directory Directory of All Posts Publishing Essentials How to Write a Novel How to Edit a Novel How the Publishing Process Works What Do Literary Agents Do How to Find a Literary Agent How to Write a Query Letter The Basic Query Letter Formula Examples of Good

  • Why Are So Many Literary Writers Technophobic?

    Updated: 2012-02-16 15:31:00
    , home Blog About Forums Nathan Bransford San Francisco , CA United States Nathan Bransford is the author of JACOB WONDERBAR AND THE COSMIC SPACE KAPOW , a middle grade novel about three kids who blast off into space , break the universe , and have to find their way back home , which was published by Dial Books for Young Readers in May 2011. He was formerly a literary agent with Curtis Brown Ltd . but is now a publishing civilian working in the tech industry . He lives in San Francisco . View my Complete Profile Contact Me Blog Directory Directory of All Posts Publishing Essentials How to Write a Novel How to Edit a Novel How the Publishing Process Works What Do Literary Agents Do How to Find a Literary Agent How to Write a Query Letter The Basic Query Letter Formula Examples of Good

  • Query That Rocked for Women’s Health: “Worried Sick”

    Updated: 2012-02-16 11:00:22
    : The Renegade Writer About Us Free Query Packet E-Courses E-Books Phone Mentoring Query Critiques Free Teleclasses Guest Posting Contact Us Tweet Jump to Comments Query That Rocked for Women’s Health : Worried Sick” This is a query I wrote for Women’s Health . I called it Re-Tox Your Life , 8221 and the editor changed it to the much better Worried Sick . 8221 I had written for Women’s Health a few times before but not for this editor , so I included a credentials paragraph that mentioned my WH articles plus a few other relevant publications I’ve written . for Notice how I used my personal experience to spin off a reported essay idea . Is there something that’s bugging you Did you recently go through a harrowing interesting exciting experience If so , turn it into an article idea The

  • Give Yourself a Deadline

    Updated: 2012-02-15 02:20:31
    Home FREE Templates Get Published My 1 Recommendation 200+ Free Tools Book Marketing Give Yourself a Deadline by Melanie Wilson St . Louis , MO My first self-published book I had wanted to write a full-length nonfiction book for years , but never did it . Why Because I was too busy writing for deadlines that other people had given me . Once God gave me a vision for the book , I set a deadline to have my printed book ready to sell at a women's retreat I was doing that was just four months away . That was my ultimate deadline . But I determined intermediate deadlines as well . I knew when I needed to order the proof and have the final copies shipped . I also estimated the time needed to have the book proofread by writing friends . With time allotted for my own editing , I then determined how

  • Who is Your Favorite Fictional Couple?

    Updated: 2012-02-14 15:37:00
    , home Blog About Forums Nathan Bransford San Francisco , CA United States Nathan Bransford is the author of JACOB WONDERBAR AND THE COSMIC SPACE KAPOW , a middle grade novel about three kids who blast off into space , break the universe , and have to find their way back home , which was published by Dial Books for Young Readers in May 2011. He was formerly a literary agent with Curtis Brown Ltd . but is now a publishing civilian working in the tech industry . He lives in San Francisco . View my Complete Profile Contact Me Blog Directory Directory of All Posts Publishing Essentials How to Write a Novel How to Edit a Novel How the Publishing Process Works What Do Literary Agents Do How to Find a Literary Agent How to Write a Query Letter The Basic Query Letter Formula Examples of Good

  • Game of Thrones and the Art of Being Unsentimental About Your Characters

    Updated: 2012-02-13 15:18:00
    , home Blog About Forums Nathan Bransford San Francisco , CA United States Nathan Bransford is the author of JACOB WONDERBAR AND THE COSMIC SPACE KAPOW , a middle grade novel about three kids who blast off into space , break the universe , and have to find their way back home , which was published by Dial Books for Young Readers in May 2011. He was formerly a literary agent with Curtis Brown Ltd . but is now a publishing civilian working in the tech industry . He lives in San Francisco . View my Complete Profile Contact Me Blog Directory Directory of All Posts Publishing Essentials How to Write a Novel How to Edit a Novel How the Publishing Process Works What Do Literary Agents Do How to Find a Literary Agent How to Write a Query Letter The Basic Query Letter Formula Examples of Good

  • 8 Ways to Find Accountability as a Freelance Writer

    Updated: 2012-02-13 11:00:31
    The Renegade Writer About Us Free Query Packet E-Courses E-Books Phone Mentoring Query Critiques Free Teleclasses Guest Posting Contact Us Tweet Jump to Comments 8 Ways to Find Accountability as a Freelance Writer This is a guest post by Steph . Auteri How many of you are wearing slippers right now Let me get a show of hands . How many of you rolled out of bed at 9 a.m . or later How many of you are nursing your first cup of coffee , torn between writing that blog post , playing Spider Solitaire , or seeing what’s on the DVR queue Me . When I first started freelancing full-time , I struggled with my motivation levels . I wore fuzzy , Cookie Monster pajama pants 24 7. I watched all-day America’s Next Top Model marathons and , when it came to a decision between Spider Solitaire and work ,

  • Writing and Revising to Attract Different Readers

    Updated: 2012-02-13 09:17:21
    Home Humanities Culture Literature Writing and Revising to Attract Different Readers By Blogging Authors 24 hours ago Read more : writing articles how to write articles Publicity Writing Writing Publishing how to revise article Guest Post by Irene Watson Here are some tips that about writing articles that will draw in the most readers but primarily your target : audience 1. What’s the best way for writers to draw readers into their articles In writing articles , it’s necessary to remember that everyone does not have the same tastes or interests , and everyone does not respond or learn in the same way . Readers have different personalities so being aware of those personalities and writing with them in mind will bring your writing to life for a larger number of people . First , you need to

  • Trickster races in RPGs and gamebooks

    Updated: 2012-02-12 00:01:00
    : Lloyd of Gamebooks A blog about writing gamebooks . My musings on how to write a gamebook and what makes a good . gamebook Sunday , February 12, 2012 Trickster races in RPGs and gamebooks Kender Is defeating evil going to be fun , Fizban The Kender are a race of short humanoids in the Dragonlance series of novels . They are all basically kleptomaniac , hyperactive children and they are seen as little more than a nuisance . However , these qualities can still help a kender become a great hero as Tasslehoff Burrfoot has shown . His lack of fear , insatiable curiosity and ability to borrow' things made him pivotal in saving Krynn from all kinds of dark fates from Evil Wizards to Gods Elvins Elvins are mischevious and vicious little creatures which you may come across while trying to

  • On Being an Individual Contributor

    Updated: 2012-02-10 23:59:59
    For someone who has the job of “technical writer,” I spend very little time writing. It amazes me how quickly the day fills up with non-writing tasks. Meetings, reports, issues — they seem to surface again and again at work, requiring my attention. I sometimes try timing myself and find that if I can get in three hours of writing during the day, that’s good. ... more »

  • This Week in Books 2/10/12

    Updated: 2012-02-10 15:34:00
    , home Blog About Forums Nathan Bransford San Francisco , CA United States Nathan Bransford is the author of JACOB WONDERBAR AND THE COSMIC SPACE KAPOW , a middle grade novel about three kids who blast off into space , break the universe , and have to find their way back home , which was published by Dial Books for Young Readers in May 2011. He was formerly a literary agent with Curtis Brown Ltd . but is now a publishing civilian working in the tech industry . He lives in San Francisco . View my Complete Profile Contact Me Blog Directory Directory of All Posts Publishing Essentials How to Write a Novel How to Edit a Novel How the Publishing Process Works What Do Literary Agents Do How to Find a Literary Agent How to Write a Query Letter The Basic Query Letter Formula Examples of Good

  • A Life of Its Own: An Essay About an Article That Was Never Published

    Updated: 2012-02-08 20:25:17
    Last year I worked on a news article that showcased certain technologies at my work. The news article was an assignment, the kickoff of a series of articles. I worked especially hard on it, as it was the first one to introduce the series. I came up with a sensible structure, gathered interesting facts and information, and then meticulously crafted the content. I structured the information ... more »

  • Do Writers Give Up the Right to Be Casual Reviewers?

    Updated: 2012-02-08 15:39:00
    , home Blog About Forums Nathan Bransford San Francisco , CA United States Nathan Bransford is the author of JACOB WONDERBAR AND THE COSMIC SPACE KAPOW , a middle grade novel about three kids who blast off into space , break the universe , and have to find their way back home , which was published by Dial Books for Young Readers in May 2011. He was formerly a literary agent with Curtis Brown Ltd . but is now a publishing civilian working in the tech industry . He lives in San Francisco . View my Complete Profile Contact Me Blog Directory Directory of All Posts Publishing Essentials How to Write a Novel How to Edit a Novel How the Publishing Process Works What Do Literary Agents Do How to Find a Literary Agent How to Write a Query Letter The Basic Query Letter Formula Examples of Good

  • Using Fiction to Teach Empathy

    Updated: 2012-02-08 08:29:30
    Home Humanities Culture Literature Using Fiction to Teach Empathy By Blogging Authors 8 hours ago Read more : parenting Relationships bullying bully girl bullies Children Juvenile teaching children Guest Post by Kimberly Dana Bullying . We hear about it a lot these days . But today’s bully isn’t the big , burly boy on the playground shouting , Cooties and looting lunches . Today’s bully comes in a much more furtive form often a skirt and pigtails . Turns out sugar and spice and everything nice isn’t always what little girls are made of . Girl bullies are common , covert , and too often cruel . As a middle school teacher , I can’t count the number of times I’ve consoled sobbing girls who have been victimized by insidious , socially paralyzing tactics : So-and-so called me a four-letter word

  • Expanding the World of Your Novel

    Updated: 2012-02-07 15:17:00
    , home Blog About Forums Nathan Bransford San Francisco , CA United States Nathan Bransford is the author of JACOB WONDERBAR AND THE COSMIC SPACE KAPOW , a middle grade novel about three kids who blast off into space , break the universe , and have to find their way back home , which was published by Dial Books for Young Readers in May 2011. He was formerly a literary agent with Curtis Brown Ltd . but is now a publishing civilian working in the tech industry . He lives in San Francisco . View my Complete Profile Contact Me Blog Directory Directory of All Posts Publishing Essentials How to Write a Novel How to Edit a Novel How the Publishing Process Works What Do Literary Agents Do How to Find a Literary Agent How to Write a Query Letter The Basic Query Letter Formula Examples of Good

  • How to Return to Writing After a Long Break

    Updated: 2012-02-06 15:18:00
    , home Blog About Forums Nathan Bransford San Francisco , CA United States Nathan Bransford is the author of JACOB WONDERBAR AND THE COSMIC SPACE KAPOW , a middle grade novel about three kids who blast off into space , break the universe , and have to find their way back home , which was published by Dial Books for Young Readers in May 2011. He was formerly a literary agent with Curtis Brown Ltd . but is now a publishing civilian working in the tech industry . He lives in San Francisco . View my Complete Profile Contact Me Blog Directory Directory of All Posts Publishing Essentials How to Write a Novel How to Edit a Novel How the Publishing Process Works What Do Literary Agents Do How to Find a Literary Agent How to Write a Query Letter The Basic Query Letter Formula Examples of Good

  • eBooks: Pricing Strategies (How much do I charge?)

    Updated: 2012-02-05 19:59:54
    : Home Humanities Culture Literature eBooks : Pricing Strategies How much do I charge By Blogging Authors 2 hours ago Read more : Publicity Writing Writing Publishing ebook pricing how to price ebook what to charge fo ebook Guest post by Irene Watson Usually I have an informed opinion on a lot of things in the publishing industry but I have to admit I didn't have a clue how to answer an author's : query I am thinking of placing my new children’s book on Kindle and need to make informed decisions on the cost and whether it is a good decision at this point I turned to the publisher of my books that has140 eBooks titles , Victor Volkman of Loving Healing Press to enlighten me as well as have a professional answer for the author . He : says My system is : simple 1.  Start with 50 off List

  • Marketing Strategy #1 - Write & Publish More

    Updated: 2012-02-04 17:50:34
    Home FREE Templates Get Published My 1 Recommendation 200+ Free Tools Book Marketing Marketing Strategy 1 Write Publish More by W . Bradford Swift Flat Rock , NC I'm borrowing this strategy from Dean Wesley Smith It's simple and works well for most writers . Write and publish more . In the new world of electronic publishing , the more books and short stories you have out in the world the larger your virtual book shelf becomes making it easier for people to find your . work This doesn't mean to short change the writing process . You still need to revise , polish , edit , proofread , etc . But once you've completed those tasks , publish your work , especially on Kindle and CreateSpace making it available to largest audience with the least amount of effort . Of course , if you like , you can

  • Self-Editing Pointers

    Updated: 2012-02-03 01:49:51
    Home FREE Templates Get Published My 1 Recommendation 200+ Free Tools Book Marketing Self-Editing Pointers by Heather Hart Colorado One of the most important parts of submitting writing , any writing , for publication is the editing . Yes the content is important , however if you have amazing ideas that can’t be deciphered through all the typos or lack of punctuation , you won’t be taken seriously . While most people aren't looking for a polished master piece when reading a blog or website , self-editing work is still extremely important , but it is even more so when we are publishing our books . As an author and an editor , I know that most writers will never catch all of their own mistakes . I believe that this is because we know what we meant to say , therefore we read it the way we

  • More online gamebooky goodness

    Updated: 2012-02-02 20:14:00
    : Lloyd of Gamebooks A blog about writing gamebooks . My musings on how to write a gamebook and what makes a good . gamebook Thursday , February 2, 2012 More online gamebooky goodness Good evening to you all I hope you are well . Well this will make things even better . Here's the first good thing . In case you didn't know , the Chronicles of Arborell website runs a gamebook competition every year where people get to enter short gamebooks to be judged . I always enjoy reading the excellent entries . This year , I especially enjoyed Peledgathol , the Last Fortress , written by Ashton Saylor who also wrote The Gates of Heaven and Hell in the previous year . Well , Ashton has put his gamebooks on his blog and , in addition to his Windhammer entries , there are two more , as yet unseen

  • Tips from the Trail

    Updated: 2012-02-02 04:18:19
    Home FREE Templates Get Published My 1 Recommendation 200+ Free Tools Book Marketing Tips from the Trail by Yvonne Pepin-Wakefield From my experience , I recommend finding a POD , Independent , Alternative Publisher , or whatever that publisher’s name is that will be printed on the spine of your book . When making your choice , make certain this publisher gets your physical and eBook listed on all the major eBook platforms . Make double sure this publisher is able to work with a U.S . distributor if not your books will not be purchased by book stores , and most likely you will not be welcomed to read in bookstores which cannot order your book through a . distributor Begin publicizing in your own backyard . Have the local paper , magazine , and or radio station interview you . Find your

  • THANK YOU! - THANK YOU! - THANK YOU!

    Updated: 2012-02-02 04:04:29
    Home FREE Templates Get Published My 1 Recommendation 200+ Free Tools Book Marketing THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU by Dr . Charles Chuck Shockley San Diego , California Thanks to you , I published today my first Kindle book . I used your template and found a low cost professional picture from your recommended list to use on my cover . It was quick and your guide was easy to . follow I wrote two print books using a POD printer . By the time the publisher and Amazon took their cuts , I was left with about a dollar income per book . My print books are : Conflict in Black White and Flying Through History The first book has been re-purposed as a resource for history teachers , students , or any history enthusiast . The Kindle book is titled Inside the 1960s Civil Rights War I am 74 years old

  • My rules for Tunnels and Trolls solos

    Updated: 2012-02-01 20:43:00
    : Lloyd of Gamebooks A blog about writing gamebooks . My musings on how to write a gamebook and what makes a good . gamebook Wednesday , February 1, 2012 My rules for Tunnels and Trolls solos I enjoyed writing my first Tunnels and Trolls solo very much and I would like to write another one . However , I also want to incorporate as many of the game rules as possible into my solo . for example , it is very hard to accommodate both wizards and warriors in a solo . These rules below are my attempt to incorporate more options into TnT solo adventures . Please comment on . them Stuart Lloyd’s house rules when playing a TnT solo Talents Below is a list of talents that may be used in TnT solo adventures written by me . nbsp You may add the bonus of any talent you have when making a saving throw if

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