Blogger: Mary Keeley
When I ask writers who their audience is, I often hear responses like, “women from 20-65” or “readers who love history with suspense” or “men and women who want to learn more about my topic.” Those are …
Fiction
Brilliant Description
Blogger: Wendy Lawton
When I open a fiction manuscript nothing gives away the skill level of the writer more quickly than the writer’s use of description. The novice tends to fall in love with description, offering it generously and effusively. …
Common Writing Pitfalls that Sabotage Your Book
Blogger: Mary Keeley
I went to the White Sox home opener last Saturday, which they won after having lost all their earlier away games. As with everything else in life there are wins and losses for writers. But spring is …
Adopt a Cause
Blogger: Mary Keeley
“I must tell you that I think [my client] is a fabulous writer . . . [but] without a platform, we unfortunately will not be able to pursue this project.” Ugh! Is there anything more writers can …
So What Do I Do Now?
Blogger: Wendy Lawton
How often do writers encounter a wrinkle of one sort or another and wonder, “So what do I do now?”
When I was writing my very first middle grade book on an obscure figure from history I …
Your Inner Author Nagging
Blogger: Mary Keeley
An email a few days ago explained the alert beeping in the back of my mind that I’ve been dismissing since the holidays. We all have these nigglings from time to time that hint something is awry. …
Placing Debut Projects: A Joy of Agenting
Blogger: Rachel Kent
One of my favorite things to do is to call a debut client to tell him or her that we received an offer. It’s such a delight to share in the moment when that author’s dreams become …
Touch Your Readers’ Deepest Needs
Last week my husband brought home a movie he thought I would enjoy. Gene Shalit called the movie “unforgettable.” We settled in to enjoy this “passionate and heartwarming story,” but not even the impressive cast could overcome the disappointment we …
Getting through a Creative Dry Spell
Blogger: Mary Keeley
Our greatest desire for this blog is to provide fresh information and perspective on the life and business of writing. It’s no small task to do this consistently. Occasionally, okay speaking for myself, more often than you …
The Perfect Title
Blogger: Mary Keeley
An editor contacted me this week to inquire about a client’s proposal. The editorial team is interested in the author’s nonfiction book but asked if she’d be willing to tweak her approach slightly and give it a …