In the past, I only published good book reviews. If I really liked a book, I gave it 5 stars. If I kind of liked it, 4 stars. If I didn't like it, then I didn't post a review. Okay, I have left a few bad reviews. Just not for small presses. I've never minded … Continue reading Why You Need to Leave More Bad Book Reviews
In the literary world, editors have a big job. Or at least they are supposed to. They are responsible for proofing, editing, formatting, and more. Sure, you did all the hard work when you wrote the story, but they make the story presentable. A great story can be marred by typos and other errors that … Continue reading 5 Signs of a Bad Editor: How to Spot a Sucky Editor
Jason E. Rolfe recently challenged me to discuss some things I do and don't write. Of course, when I say recently, I mean several weeks ago to the point where this might not be relevant anymore. But it's never too late for a blog post, right? Three Things I Don't Write 1. Pretty descriptions. I … Continue reading Three Things I Don’t Write, and Three Things I Do
As writers, we jump for joy at the news of every acceptance. When the story is published, we rush to promote it on social media. Many times, we put a link on our own blog or website. But if you visit any writer's publication list, you are bound to find some dead links. One of … Continue reading Finding Sustainable Lit Mags
While some writers choose to hoard the majority of their work, most prefer to seek publication. I certainly fall into the latter category. As a short story writer, I have written approximately 500 "completed" stories in the past ten years. About half of these stories have been published. About one-fourth have been moved into a … Continue reading Know Why You’re Submitting Your Writing
I've heard many authors ask if they really need to create a Facebook author page. As with most things, the value of having one depends on what you are willing to put into it, but that type of answer isn't typically met with much satisfaction. Let's cut to the chase. Is it really worth your … Continue reading Why You Need a Facebook Author Page
So your book just came out. Congratulations. Now the hard work really begins. Here are my guaranteed-not-to-work book marketing strategies. 1. Log in to Facebook and Twitter once per day and post a link accompanied by "BUY MY BOOK" (in all caps, of course). On Facebook, post this on your wall and in every … Continue reading 7 Book Marketing Strategies Guaranteed Not to Lead to Sales
Gay Degani recently asked me to share some insight about my characters by responding to five questions. Here we go: 1. What Surprises You About Your Characters? And why? How little they represent me and the people I know. Oftentimes, my characters are nothing like me at all. Take the husbands in my recently released … Continue reading Merry-Go-Blog-Around: About Characters
If you are like most writers, then writing is not your full-time job. Many of us spend 40 hours a week at work. When we are home, we don't just sit around and write all the time. We have obligations to family. We are fathers, mothers, husbands, wives. Everyone's situation is different, but everyone is … Continue reading How to Spend Your Time as a Writer
Recording an audio version of something you've written can be a great way to help expand your audience. Aside from giving your readers another medium to "read" your work, it also adds a personal touch. You and your stories get more personality. I mean, have you ever listened to T.S. Eliot reading of "The Wasteland"? … Continue reading How to Record an Audiobook – and Why You Should
