Today is the start of Holy Week. I think it’s an important time to talk about sacrificial gifts. Here is a blog I wrote five years ago. I can’t think of a more fitting one for this week. 
Many years …
Writing Life
What’s Love Got to Do With It?
Valentine’s Day is about romantic love, but today I’m going to talk about a different kind of love–the love a writer has for his or her readers, publishing friends and colleagues. You’re right, it’s not the love we have for …
The Writer’s Understudy
What’s the writer’s equivalent of a theater understudy? It’s the project waiting in the wings in case the lead project is unable to perform or is temporarily sidelined.
Understudy Wonder
One of my clients had a former life on Broadway. …
What is your marketing slingshot?
Marketing your book is difficult, and it’s hard to discover your unique marketing pathway.
There’s a familiar Old Testament story about David and Saul that struck me. David is ready to face the giant Goliath, so he slips on the …
We Hold These Truths
We hold these truths…but they’re not always as self-evident as you’d think.
Professional writing holds a number of truths that sometimes receive a mere nod rather than being adopted as habit, developed as practice, and sustained until the Chicago Manual …
What Does an In-House Editor Do for You?
Some publishers have chosen to downsize the number of in-house editors but instead to rely on freelancers. That decision raises the question, What does an in-house editor do for you?
Having been such an editor, I have personal insights into …
How Current Should Your Book Be?
As we move through 2020 and the global pandemic continues, questions arise for writers:
- Do I need to include the pandemic in my book?
- Should my characters be social distancing and locking down and wearing masks?
- Should my nonfiction book
Why Would Someone Want to Read Your Book?
Blogger: Rachelle Gardner
You probably know why you’re writing your book. But do you have a good handle on what would make someone want to read it?
It’s important for you to not only know this, but make sure …
Is This What You’re Feeling Right Now?
Blogger: Rachelle Gardner
I sat down to write this post and just kind of stared at the screen for a while. Found myself clicking over to Facebook for a bit, then resolutely back here to write. Hopped over to check …
Marketing and Madness
blogger: Cynthia Ruchti
Marketing or madness? They don’t have to be synonymous.
Did I ever tell you about the high-pressure fudge salesman who accosted my daughter and me with marketing gone mad? One would not think high-pressure and fudge would …