Author newsletters are crucial, whether you're an indie author or not. But for Indies, your newsletter could make or break your business. This blog, Fiction Notes, has been going since 2008 (Yes! 10 years of archives! So search for topics!) My approach to author newsletters has been to sign up folks to get new blog posts ...

Bologna Book Fair: A Illustrator's View Guest post by Leslie Helakoski Illustrator Leslie Helakoski doing an art demo and book showcase in the SCBWI booth at the Bologna Book Fair. If you’re a writer or illustrator of children’s books, you may have heard about the Bologna Children’s Book Fair (BCBF on Facebook) that takes place each spring ...

When, if ever, do you need a pen name? Why would you want one? Do pen names give you privacy and are they worth the bother? Privacy One main reason that people want to use a pen name is privacy. They don't want to be recognized in person or online as an author. You might think that's ...

One thing that I harp about is the use of great sensory details. When a story is specific, it comes alive. Janet Fox does an amazing job of choosing the exactly right details in her story, The Charmed Children of Rookskill Castle. She chooses details that create a mood and pull on your emotions. A fairy-tale ...