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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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Bouchercon, pronounced [bough’•chur•con] is the World Mystery Convention. It’s the premier event for readers, writers, publishers, editors, agents, book reviewers, and booksellers. Bouchercon originated in 1970 to honor Anthony Boucher, the renowned mystery fiction critic, editor, and author. This year, the convention was held in St. Petersburg, Florida. I figured it would be the perfect opportunity […]
What’s in a name? I once met a very hostile woman who was pregnant and planning to name her daughter Molly. I was pregnant also and considering baby names so I went home and looked up the meaning. My baby book told […]
Revision I’m in the process of revising my work in progress. I love novel revision because it gives me a chance to catch weak areas and deepen what I’ve written. I’ve always been a checklist person as well. I find them efficient and time saving. Here’s a revision checklist I’ve created from the many classes […]
Helping people live their true passion is Jaime (“Jemmy”) Legagneur’s mission, and she has found no more powerful tool than podcasting. By interviewing movers and shakers on her ‘Curve the Cube’ show, she offers real actionable nuggets to inspire others to go from being dreamers to being doers! Jamie co-hosts two other shows, is the […]
Neil Nyren is the Executive VP, associate publisher and editor in chief of G.P. Putnam’s Sons, a division of Penguin Random House. He has been at Putnam for over 32 years, and before that, at E.P. Dutton, Little Brown, Random House, Arbor House, and Atheneum. Among his current authors of crime and suspense are Clive Cussler, Ken […]
