Writing about writing. Mostly.
Unexamined beliefs can keep a writer in a prison of your own making. by Anne R. Allen “Think outside the box” has become a mindless cliché these days. It’s repeated so often that the meaning has pretty much disappeared. But it’s still excellent advice—if you know how to follow it. Unfortunately, most people are unaware […]
by Julie Valerie. From Book Blog to Book Deal. First things first, because I’m sure this question is on a lot of writer’s minds: does a book blog still land a book deal? My answer? Of course they do. Great writing and great content will always find an audience, and where there’s an audience, especially […]
by Anne R. Allen Anton Chekhov, the Russian playwright, also wrote short stories, essays and instructions for young writers. Probably his most famous writerly advice is this admonition: “If in the first act you have hung a pistol on the wall, then in the following one it should be fired. Otherwise don’t put it […]
Romancing your new book idea: when to give in—and when to give up. by Ruth Harris Falling in love is easy. We’re swept away, starry-eyed, giddy with possibility. This time it’s different. Really! But is it? The Old Book Blues. You’ve done it. Again! You’ve written yourself into a blind alley. You’re stuck, blocked, out […]
Launching a writing career is hard–especially with family sabotage. by Anne R. Allen Learning to write well is tough. Getting published is tougher. And selling your published books is tougher still. Nevertheless, we persist. Most writers feel compelled to write, and usually nothing can stop us. But we can be waylaid, distracted, and seriously discouraged. […]
Crisis management during an online attack needs a quick, savvy response. by Chris Syme I know what you’re thinking. You see the word crisis and say, that will never happen to me. Sorry to burst your bubble, but you are wrong. As with all public figures, a reputation-tanking, book-disappearing, fan-stalking, Twitter-storm crisis can happen to […]
An agent pitch session can feel like pitching in the World Series. by Linda Maye Adams When I did my first agent pitch session with my then co-writer, I was so nervous I thought my clothes would break out in wrinkles! You can read a lot about how to do the elevator pitch but no […]
by Anne R. Allen I recommend that new writers take advantage of critique groups in order to learn about the publishing business and the craft of writing. Writing courses are expensive and often not as helpful as a good critique group. But there are bad critique groups too. Really bad. I’ve seen authors stop writing […]
by Ruth Harris We all know the pleasure of getting lost in a book. We have all experienced that compulsion to turn the page to find out what happens next. In fact, that irresistible urge to keep reading—to turn the page—might be one of the reasons we wanted to be writers. Just one more. Just […]
Maybe what readers want is peace and quiet and good books. by Anne R. Allen The latest trend in online marketing is building a “personal relationship” with customers and readers. Sending newsy emails about your fab summer vacation isn’t enough anymore. Now you have to ask them about their fab summer vacations. This is supposed […]
Book marketing–we all have to do it. Don’t neglect your hometown! by Sue McGinty Whether you’re an indie or traditionally published writer, you can do a lot to promote and sell your book in and around your hometown. Here are some things that have worked for me. Get acquainted with the folks at your local […]
by Anne R. Allen Choosing a genre for your novel is one of the toughest challenges for many new writers. This week both former agent Nathan Bransford and current agent Jessica Faust wrote posts telling authors their books must have a genre. But new writers may not know why this has become such a hard-and-fast […]
Elevator pitch: Can you sell your book in one quick phrase? by Ruth Harris Give ’em the old razzle dazzle Razzle dazzle ’em Give ’em an act with lots of flash in it And the reaction will be passionate What works on Broadway in the hit musical, Chicago, also works for selling a book because you […]
Anne R Allen’s Blog With Ruth Harris