In my last post, I shared the positive experience I had with a critique group. But not every critique group works so well. One of my writer friends almost gave up writing because she had such a negative experience in a critique group. How can you avoid the pitfalls of a bad critique group? First, … Read more
Who reads your work-in-progress? I recently read some advice – rules of life – from a famous writer. Sorry, I forgot who it was! This great writer said he never let anyone read his works-in-progress, and he advised other writers to follow his example. He said most people don’t know enough about writing to recognize … Read more
I received an e-mail from a writer asking if I could give him advice on catching the attention of a publisher. He has been working with an agent for about a year on a nonfiction proposal and doesn’t have a contract yet. I don’t know anything about the proposal or the market for the subject … Read more
I’ve been helping a writer find an agent or publisher for his novel. He’s received several rejections, so I’ve been giving rejection a lot of thought. None of us like rejection, of course, and since I edited the novel for this writer, I feel the rejection as much as he does. But having been at … Read more
My friend Grace Anne Schaefer spent the weekend with us. Her husband Ken drove her down from their home near Austin – she had heart surgery a few months ago and wasn’t ready for the long drive alone. We have been truly blessed to have these wonderful people in our lives – the friendship between Grace Anne and … Read more
Today I had a conversation with a writer just beginning her book. I gave her the same advice I give all beginning writers: join a writers group, online or offline, to network with other writers and learn about the craft of writing and the business of publishing. Writers, unless they are employed full-time by a … Read more
One of my favorite volunteer activities is chairing the committee for the EPIC New Voices writing competition. EPIC, Electronically Published Internet Connection, is sponsoring its second annual writing contest for middle school and high school students. EPIC established the New Voices Writing Competition to encourage reading and writing among middle school and high school students … Read more
Professional — and aspiring — writers often hear the advice, “Write what you know.” After all, an avid mystery reader is more likely to write a believable mystery novel than someone who reads only science-fiction, the resident of a small town in a Southern state will probably describe the lifestyle of Small Town, Southern US … Read more
In an earlier post, I talked about writing the first draft … and expecting it to be “pure green dreck.” No two writers will write exactly the same way. But many writers find it most effective to write the first draft from beginning to end without spending time editing. Changing from creation to polishing can interfere with the … Read more
I received an e-mail from a writer who found my Web site in her search for a publisher. She wrote, “I am seeking a Publisher for my {genre} manuscript. Can you tell me approximately how much it would cost, or do the Publishers pay you?” Well, the answer is, “It depends …” Whether you pay … Read more