For many aspiring authors, the path to obtaining representation by a literary agent feels elusive and shrouded in mystery. What makes an agent ask for a proposal, and after that, a full manuscript? Why would an agent stop reading all …
books
Christmas in July! Upcoming client releases for Christmas time.
It has been SO hot in our area of California that I’m starting to dream of Christmastime. Cool air, beautiful lights and decorations, hymns sung at church and while decorating the tree, peppermint mochas…
Ahhhh. I’m ready!
Because I’m feeling …
Christmas in July! Upcoming client releases for Christmas time.Read More
Looking Back to Help Others Move Forward
I still remember the day a California Bay Area newspaper featured an article titled “Accidental Author Shares God’s Word.” I smile remembering that it was in the front section of the paper as if this was news. It was true, …
What Washed Ashore in the Storm
I’m married to a man who once despised brainstorming. He calls himself a non-writer. I disagree, but that’s a story for another time. Somehow, he’d become convinced that brainstorm was a word on a par with earthquake or tsunami or …
Make a Pilgrimage to a Bookstore
blogger: Cynthia Ruchti
Why should a writer routinely make a pilgrimage to a bookstore?
I chose the word pilgrimage on purpose for two reasons.
- It’s true that far fewer bookstores exist than even ten years ago. So it may be
Be Sure to Write a Different Book Next Time
Blogger: Rachel Kent
A multi-published writer mentioned in conversation with another author that she always makes the heroes in her books look like actor Harrison Ford. You know, the ruggedly handsome, Indiana Jones-type. She claimed that her readers never noticed …
A Visit to the Bookstore
Blogger: Rachel Kent
I’m beyond excited that my nephew asked for books for his birthday! He turned 14 on Sunday. I looked and looked for books that I thought were just right for him and then decided I couldn’t be …
Tips to help you find a blog topic.
Blogger: Rachel Kent
I don’t know about you, but I usually struggle with finding a blog topic. I am lucky to one of 5 bloggers on the Books & Such page. I know most of you run your own blogs …
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
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 …