Writing and Publishing

Publishing Choices

admin — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 19:07:53 +0000

Life is about choices. The choices that we make affect any and all areas of our lives. Choosing how to share our writing with the world has never been easier, nor a harder decision than it is in today’s world. If you have been writing for a long time, you are no doubt aware how [...]

Author’s Marketing and Promotion Responsibilities

admin — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 18:55:59 +0000

Not so long ago, if an author was given a publishing contract, it most often included a marketing and promotions budget. Today those budgets have shrunk and some are even non existent. With the rise of self publishing, authors need to include a marketing and promotions plan and budget when looking at their projects. Even [...]

Where do story ideas come from?

admin — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 19:10:19 +0000

I guess I am fortunate in that I always have story ideas floating around in my head. I can listen to a conversation, see a headline or hear a news brief, and my mind starts to wander with the big question – What if…? If you have been writing for awhile, you have no doubt [...]

How Do You Know If You’ve Written Age Appropriate Content?

admin — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 20:09:48 +0000

Recently, while at a book signing event, I talked with a person who was interested in writing for children and had a manuscript written, but wasn’t sure what age group her content would be targeted for. I didn’t know how to respond; as this is something that should be researched even before the ideas reach [...]

What Price Do I Give My Self Published Book?

admin — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 19:07:36 +0000

If you are considering delving into the world of self publishing, there are a few things you should look at before determining a price for your book and printing it on the cover. E-books garner different pricing than do printed books. The pricing structure is usually lower than a printed book, as costs to produce [...]

To Swear Or Not To Swear – That Is The Question

admin — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 19:41:33 +0000

I am editing a young adult novel for teens, and upon first writing, I never censored myself. I wrote what dialogue came to my characters, and I like the story. One of my characters is an eighteen-year-old person, who has lived and survived on the streets for several years. My second character is an abused [...]

Editing – Unique Stereotypes Need A Second Look

Patricia — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 21:51:02 +0000

While you may not do hundreds of revisions when you finish a piece of writing, it is important that you do several revisions and ‘edit the editing’ over again. While looking for the regular problems, there are other things a writer (and editor) may reflect on too. I just finished reading, Pray For Silence (Minotaur [...]

I Have An Idea… What Do I Do With It?

Patricia — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 21:38:55 +0000

While I have been doing signing and readings with my children’s books (Little Blue Penguin & McKenzie’s Frosty Surprise), I am asked on several occasions, “I have an idea for a children’s story. What do I do now? How do I get started writing it?” These questions prompted me to write the guide, How To [...]

The 34th Annual International 3-Day Novel Contest

dailywriter — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 18:17:59 +0000

Writers are a tough bunch. Not afraid of a challenge, the 3-Day Novel Contest is something they can proudly say they’ve accomplished after the 72 hour time limit comes to a close. What does it take to write a novel in three days? Much confidence and tenacity, a love of writing, some craziness, and a [...]

Should you turn an event from your family history into a childrens book or adult novel?

admin — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 22:52:39 +0000

The answer is, yes you can. The next question is can and should anyone do it, including grandparents, parents, aunts or uncles, siblings, or heritage and general interest groups. The answer is, it depends. If you were closest to the event and can retell it in good detail, then you may be able to write [...]