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.
…
Authors
Books into Movies
Blogger: Janet Kobobel Grant
I never intended to spend so much of my time ushering books into movies. Oh, I know that most authors pine to see their books turned into film. But I also know what an arduous journey …
Every Author’s Two Audiences
Blogger: Janet Kobobel Grant
Several times recently I found myself having the same conversation with various Books & Such clients, and I realized what often seems obvious to me isn’t obvious to everyone: Every author has two audiences.
An Author’s
…
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?…
An Innovative Approach–Case Study
Blogger: Wendy Lawton
What do publishers and agents mean when they say they are looking for books that approach the subject in a new way or books that are innovative? We already know that books that are a rehash of …
Establishing Healthy Habits for Writers
Blogger: Cynthia Ruchti
Healthy writer habits?
No, this isn’t a blog post about walking away from the computer at the top of every hour, although that’s a good idea. It’s not about finding healthy snack alternatives for deadline week. Also …
Book Inventory
blogger: Cynthia Ruchti
Book inventory. It had to happen eventually. When solid wood shelves sag like a swayback horse and avalanches have nothing to do with snow, it’s time to either buy more bookshelves or take inventory of what must …