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?…
Authors
Literary Travels Remembered
Blogger: Wendy Lawton
I’m just finishing up my summer vacation. Or I should say, staycation. My daughter and grandson came to visit for two weeks and we decided to stay put and do as many local travels as we could …
Instinct, Insight, Imagination–Authors’ and Agents’ Tools for Success
Instinct, Insight, Imagination
Blogger: Cynthia Ruchti
Instinct. Insight. Imagination. Agents and authors share the need for all three.
Writers utilize instinct, insight, and imagination to create books, blog posts, back cover copy, marketing materials, and career plans.
And agents tap …
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Goal, Motivation, Conflict: The Importance for Authors
Goal, Moviation, Conflict
by Cynthia Ruchti
Every novice novelist soon learns about goal, motivation, and conflict. The mysterious GMC factor drives a good novel. And it isn’t produced by General Motors Corporation.
Debra Dixon wrote a classic resource for writers–…
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Story–The Common Ground Between Fiction and Nonfiction
Story–The Common Ground Between Fiction and Nonfiction
By Cynthia Ruchti
In a January 16, 2011 post for Psychology Today, Dr. Pamela B. Rutledge expounded on “The Psychological Power of Storytelling.” She focused on the concept as it relates to changes …
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Holy Week Commemoration
Blogger: Mary Keeley
Thursday of Holy Week—Maundy Thursday—is the day that ushers in the most important days in history. On this day Christians prepare our hearts for what tomorrow through Sunday signifies for us. I can think of nothing more …
Deadlines: Are They Set in Stone?
Blogger: Mary Keeley
Count yourself blessed if you have an editorial deadline looming. It means you have a new book contract. Your agent should have negotiated a realistic manuscript due date during the contract negotiation, based on your other writing …
Agent Referrals
Blogger: Wendy Lawton
I am often asked by writers, What is the agent referral? How do I get one? Will it get me past the query? The answer to the last question is yes. Now let’s tackle the first two.…
Christmas Pause
Blogger: Mary Keeley
Our offices are officially closed for the Christmas holidays until January 3, because like you, we need time to focus on our families. I posted the following blog last year at this time, and it’s a worthwhile …
Respect the Professional
Blogger: Wendy Lawton
The visiting author stood behind a table covered in stacks of her many books. She talked to readers and potential readers for much of the afternoon. She was a real professional. As we watched, we never saw …