Reading time: Less than 4 minutes Do you ever feel that all you do as a writer is pay dues? If you’re feeling impatient for writing success, here’s some timely advice from actor Ann Dowd…. People I know sometimes talk about writing a bestseller. They usually say it in a […]
How to survive until you’re famous or successful Read More »
Reading time: Just over 4 minutes Looking for some recommended books in time for holiday reading? Here’s my semi-annual roundup of books I’ve read this year. I aim to read 52 books every 12 months and my habit is to post a complete list of the names of them for you, in November
Recommended books: Christmas 2018 Read More »
Reading time: Less than 1 minute I like to share interesting pieces of figurative language I encounter in my reading. I write today about a series of metaphors from Wesley Morris…. I am willing to go against Aretha Franklin’s wishes… In a Nov. 15/18 New York Times piece headlined: Aretha
The figurative language of Wesley Morris…. Read More »
Reading time: Less than 4 minutes You’re probably not an athlete so why am I talking about pep talks? They work! Even pep talks for writers…. As we approach the end of 2018, you may be facing feelings of regret or, perhaps, even dread. Do you find yourself thinking or
How to give yourself a pep talk that actually works Read More »
Reading time: Just over 1 minute This is my weekly installment of “writing about writing,” in which I scan the world to find websites, books and articles to help other writers. Today I discuss a recent NY Times article about something called Smart Compose… A few weeks ago my computer
How smart is Smart Compose? Read More »
Reading time: Just over 4 minutes If overwork is not only getting you down but also making it difficult to write, don’t be a victim. Instead, take charge of the situation…. Are you feeling overworked? You may have this feeling with writing itself. Or, perhaps your regular day job is
13 ways to prevent overwork from affecting your writing Read More »
When 200 people volunteered to help move books, a small independent bookstore based in Southhampton, England, was overwhelmed — in a good way. October Books, a small independent store that had been struggling with rising rent had created a crowdfunding page to buy an old bank building down the block.
Human ‘conveyor belt’ helps move several thousand books Read More »
Reading time: Less than 4 minutes Has the thought of hybrid publishing ever crossed your mind? Here’s why you might want to think twice…. We have hybrid cars, hybrid cuisines (think Japanese-American fusion) and, now, hybrid publishing. Those cars improve efficiency and reduce pollution. And that food is often innovative
Why I’m suspicious of hybrid publishing Read More »
Reading time: Less than 1 minute This is my weekly installment of “writing about writing,” in which I scan the world to find websites, books and articles to help other writers. Today I discuss a series of tweets collected by Elizabeth McCracken…. Who is Elizabeth McCracken and how did she
The joys of Twitter with Elizabeth McCracken Read More »
Reading time: About 4 minutes Writing a book seems like such a demanding job. Why would you want to blog before writing your book? Here are seven reasons…. I blogged for two entire years before I wrote my first book, 8½ Steps to Writing Faster, Better. At the time, I was
Why you should blog BEFORE writing your book Read More »
