Writing Roundup, April 9
I’m back.
Harnessing the Power of Social Networks for Journalism
How do you interact with potential sources? Do you mine them for the direction of your story, or do you use them to fill in the quote holes? This piece gives a good rationale for the former method and discusses how social media can help you broaden your story.
How I Got My Agent: Richard L. Mabry
I always love to read the stories of how an author got published or found an agent. It helps renew me when I’m feeling down.
Women and Romance Novels
An interesting look at readers of romance from a writer of romance. How can you use your readers’ expectations to make your writing better?
Romance Author Sold 85m Books Worldwide, Yet Has Never Seen Anybody Reading Them
What is the event that will let you know you have made it? Will it be landing an agent? Landing a book deal? Or, much like the singer who goes crazy the first time she hears her song on the radio, will it be when you see someone reading YOUR BOOK on the bus, subway, or park bench? What if you sell books like mad, but you never get to see someone reading them in public?
Publishers + Ebooks = Epic Fail
JA Konrath doesn’t pull any punches, which is one of the reasons I enjoy reading his blog. He discusses the need to seriously strategize for ebooks.
Love Is Like a Bottle of Query
A discussion of query letters and personal ads. Would you date your story based on how you are describing it?
Slaying the Query Monster
A nice synopsis of what goes into a good query letter. All of the usual suspects are there, of course (agent/editor’s name spelled correctly, etc.), but of particular use is the description of what to include in oyur synopsis paragraph.
Sue Grafton’s Advice for Writers: Put in the Time
Malcolm Gladwell’s assertion that 10,000 hours of focused practice is essential for building talent in your chosen field. Novelist Sue Grafton gives her thoughts on the importance of paying your dues as an aspiring writer.
5 Signs of Bad Writing: How to Recognize Your Poorly Written Work
I know, every work that flows out of your fingers is golden, and no signs of logic flaws are ever present. But, the rest of us usually need at least one round of self-editing to get our work publisher-ready. Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen shares some of the keys to look for when self-editing.
A Lovely Little Book about Claiming the Physical and Emotional Space You Need to Write
Christina Katz reviews A Writer’s Space by Eric Maisel. It sounds like a good resource.
How to Write a Book Series
Do you dream of writing a successful series that keeps readers coming back for more and more adventures of your characters? These tips can help you keep your series on track.
Free Critique Per Week: Avoid Cliche Scenes
A nice critique that might help you as you outline, draft, and edit your work.
When to Send the Quote. When to Follow Up.
Over at the Wealthy Freelancer, Steve Slaunwhite suggests that you respond to a request for a quote the same day. It shows you’re interested in the job, and it allows you to continue the conversation with the potential client while he/she is still excited about the project.
Fair Use Legal Lingo You Can Understand
Some nice guidelines for fair use in journalistic works. I also wrote a guide on fair use for educators a few years back that you might find useful.
4 Smart Tips for Studying a Magazine
Use this advice next time you are preparing to pitch a magazine. It will save you a lot of time while giving you the information you need.
Podcasting for Authors
So, you’re on Facebook and Twitter. You blog and have a good website. What else can you do to increase awareness of you and your brand? Try podcasting.
Are You a Literary Force to Be Recognized?
A little platform tough love from Christina Katz. She includes some examples of writers who get it and who are working on getting it. How can you adapt their processes to your own platform?
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Categories: Uncategorized, writing