blogger: Cynthia Ruchti
Some days, writing be like…
(I know there’s a thought worth putting on paper. I know there is. An idea. One idea. That’s all I’m asking.)
50 Ways to Afford a Writers Conference When You Can’t Afford Printer Ink
blogger: Cynthia Ruchti
Are there really 50 ways to afford a writers conference when you can’t afford printer ink? Let’s find out.
A writers conference isn’t for everybody. Health or family needs, timing (never works out with the day job), …
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Five Tips for Writing Zinger Dialogue
by Cynthia Ruchti
What’s “zinger dialogue” in a novel or creative nonfiction?
It’s dialogue that:
reaches its target
communicates effectively
and engages the reader to be
drawn deeper into the story
and more deeply connected to the characters.
…
Top Ten Things Good Books Are Missing
blogger: Cynthia Ruchti
What are the Top Ten things that make a great book?
- Great cover
- Great title
- Intriguing beginning
- Fascinating characters
- A believable but interesting plot
- Surprising heroes
- Well-timed plot twists
- Meaningful takeaway value for the reader
- Written
Washing Your Hands Like a Writer
blogger: Cynthia Ruchti
WASH YOUR HANDS
Have you been washing your hands like a writer? Like a food service worker? Like a doctor?
During our weekly agent meeting online, the Books & Such agents have been reading and discussing Originals: …
It’s Not About the Turkey
blogger Cynthia Ruchti
It’s not about the turkey, cranberry sauce from a can vs. homemade, crescent rolls vs. biscuits, stuffing vs. dressing…
And today, it’s not about writing, editing, proposals, contracts, marketing, or grammar.
It’s about gratitude.
The Books & …
The Peanut Butter Approach to Fiction
Blogger: Cynthia Ruchti
Did you know that one of the first uses of peanut butter was as a protein source for a physician’s patients who had no teeth? “Lost your dentures again, Edgar? Here, have some peanut butter.”
“What’s that …
Writing and Woodcarving
blogger: Cynthia Ruchti
So many similarities–writing and woodcarving.
As I was preparing this blog post, a writing friend with so much good going on in her career was gouged by news of a family medical crisis. A well-known author is …
Creating a Memorable Reading Experience
blogger: Cynthia Ruchti
Dinner with friends at a foodie-worthy restaurant. What could be better?
The lessons it taught about creating a memorable reading experience.
While visiting Nashville recently, two friends and I were privileged to enjoy what might well …
Beefing Up Your Author Bio
blogger: Cynthia Ruchti
Writers are often asked for a bio–usually 30-50 words. Sometimes 100. A strong, compelling bio says a lot about an author.
How can we make sure we’re truly beefing up our author bios without making them muscle-bound?…