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I’ve been researching book trailers (software, how to, best practices, options, etc) in anticipation of doing a how-to ebook. Once again, it’s apparent to me that we must be able to describe a novel in one sentence. Elevator Pitches and Book Trailers You’ve heard that the one-sentence elevator pitch is the standard tool for getting [...]
Last week, after welcoming my new grandson into the world, I brought my 22 month old grand-daughter back to our house for a couple days. Of course – of course! – I took her to story time at our local library. Baby – Toddler Story Time If you want to write literature for the youngest, [...]
This is my grand-daughter. I’ve gone to welcome her baby brother into the world. Back in a week or so!
I’m currently reading Alan Gratz’s book, Something’s Rotten. It’s a blatant take-off on Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Every character is named after a Hamlet character, the main character named Hamilton. The plot echoes Hamlet: Hamilton’s father was murdered and he suspects his uncle, who has married his mother. And the book works! Why? It’s the power of
Ring! Ring! You answer the phone and the most amazing thing happens. An editor says, “We’d like to publish your story.” Squeals of joy! Oh, Frabjous Day! The editor mentions some basic terms of the publication agreement, but you’re so excited you can barely pay attention. Then, the editor says, “Do these terms sound reasonable?” [...]
In two or three years, will we see lots of books with characters named Isabella and Jacob? It’s likely. Obama’s and Twilight’s Names are Popular: Barack and Malia The Social Security Administration tracks the most popular names and says that the changes this year bring Isabella and Jacob to the top. However, President Obama’s family [...]
In a recent post, Gail Carson Levine discusses how to get background material into a story without the use of a flashback scene, along with tips for when you do use a flashback. Weaving in Backstory Poem. She points out that in her story, The Two Princesses of Bamarre, she uses an epic poem: everyone [...]
Rich Prewriting Enhances Novel I’m currently researching material for my novel. Setting. I’ve sort of settled on a setting; often for me, the setting comes first. I’m looking at sequences of events, variations on those sequences, variations in how the setting might look at different times, some of the odd-ball jobs in this setting, etc. [...]
Reports from Idaho: Novel Revision Retreat Several participants from the Idaho Novel Revision Retreat have blogged about the weekend. And here are pictures of some of the great writers who were there.
Why Would Anyone Choose Rejection? Is rejection your goal? No, of course not. You and I both want to succeed, to have a manuscript accepted and to sell thousands of books. When you apply for jobs, though,
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