Publishing Proverbs You Should Know

Publishing Proverbs You Should Know

Jul 6, 2020 | On Writing

Publishing is rife with conventional wisdom but some of it is actually useful. Here are some of the best. The first page sells the book, the last page sells the next book. I repeated this recently at a Zoom event and like an old dog full of old tricks I was surprised...
Reading for Novelists: Top 10 Books about Writers

Reading for Novelists: Top 10 Books about Writers

Jun 1, 2020 | On Writing

Like all the writers I know, I’ve been reading a lot during this pandemic, for comfort and consolation and even comic relief. New novels, old classics, perennial favorites—many of which are about writers. I was reminded of this reading Lily King’s WRITERS & LOVERS...
Writing Good First Lines: Think Theme

Writing Good First Lines: Think Theme

Jul 10, 2019 | On Writing

First lines matter. For readers, they’re a welcome sign, the promise that they’re in for a satisfying reading experience. For agents and editors, they’re proof that you know how to open a story in a way that keeps readers reading. If you don’t nail those opening...
The Ten Commandments for Writers: Writing Rules to Live By

The Ten Commandments for Writers: Writing Rules to Live By

Jun 12, 2019 | On Writing

1. Thou shalt not have strange genres before me. Aspiring authors often tell me, “I don’t want to be typecast.” And I tell them, “You should be so lucky.” Sure, when you’re first starting out, you might have to write in a number of genres before you find your sweet...
Top 11 Writings to Give Thanks For

Top 11 Writings to Give Thanks For

Nov 24, 2014 | On Writing

“I awoke this morning with devout thanksgiving for my friends, the old and the new.” —Ralph Waldo Emerson Happy Thanksgiving! In the spirit of the season, I’d like to give thanks to books, my friends old and new. Here are the top ten writings for...

Pin It on Pinterest