FREE short story: Crossing Professional Lines. Get it!
Winnie-the-Pooh was the name for a black bear called Winnie. The name was short for Winnipeg, my hometown. And get this – Winnie was a GIRL! Here’s the scoop: During the First World War, troops from Winnipeg (Manitoba, Canada) were being transported across Canada on their way to Europe. When the train stopped at White […]
Writing fiction is an ever-evolving challenge. Here are a few of the ones I use. Professional Associations Professional Associations are a great way to meet other writers. They offer conferences and classes to improve your writing and opportunities to hear best selling authors. You can find critique groups, writing contests, meet agents and editors. International […]
Why is genre important? Readers use genre to find a book because it gives them an idea of what will be in it. Defining genre has been a challenge for me. My main character is eighteen years old and in college, so my novel doesn’t fit into the young adult category. I have some suspense, […]
The Elevator Pitch Have you ever heard that you should have a minute-long elevator pitch ready in case you hop on an elevator and have an opportunity to introduce yourself to someone? That someone could be an agent or editor, other writers at a conference or perhaps a movie producer. At some time you will […]
How do you work on character development when you’re forming a new book or series? I interview my characters and write a detailed description of each of them. ABC news did an expose on the Harry Potter series and asked Joanne Rowling how she got her inspiration for her characters. Here is an excerpt from […]
I like to read and promote the novels of debut authors. As a result of my research for new releases by debut authors, I found the novel, THEY CALLED ME WYATT, by Natasha Tynes with reviews like: “Inventive, fresh, brilliant. Tynes showcases a unique voice, seamless prose, and profound human insights. An author to watch.” […]
When you’re asked what your novel is about, you need a catchy summary. Whether you’re telling a friend, posting on Twitter for #PitMad, or pitching to an agent at a writing conference, your statement must be attention-grabbing. How do you take on the daunting task of how to reduce your many months of work into […]
Summertime is when we kick back, enjoy the long days and break from routine. I’ve been considering where we’ll go or what we will do on vacation this summer. Taking a holiday from the everyday should be invigorating and fun. It got me thinking about what kind of things rejuvenate me, help me feel I’m ready […]
If you are interested in getting your book published, writing conferences are the place you need to get yourself to. A conference is where industry professionals gather. You’ll find agents, editors, published and aspiring authors in the mix. To get the most from writing conferences it is important get organized in advance. Most conferences have […]
Joanne Sinchuk, founder and manager of Murder on the Beach bookstore moved from Connecticut to South Florida to be warm. In 1996 she opened her bookstore in Sunny Isles Beach and relocated the store to Pineapple Grove in Delray Beach in 2002. Q: How did you decide to open an independent bookstore? They always say: do what […]
