By the time most writers get an agent or a book deal, they have put in much time and effort. It feels like crossing a marathon finish line: breathless, exhausting, but exhilarating at the same time. I DID IT, the …
writers
Words as Quandrums
Quandrum. If a quandry (perplexity in a difficult situation) and a conundrum (vexing question) had a baby, it would be…a quandrum.
Writers love words, but they’re less in love with words that are quandrums. “What does that mean?” “How is …
Reader Psychology Book-shapers
Image by Ted Erski from Pixabay
I enjoy having conversations with authors who are just discovering reader psychology. Maybe you are also fascinated by how the psychology of reading factors into the role of writers creating stories or nonfiction.
Imagine …
Time for Writers to Retire
Yes. It’s time for writers to retire (cough) a few old favorite but now worn-out words, methods, habits, phrases, and punctuation marks.
“But my high school English teacher told me…”
Is your high school teacher in publishing? Makes a difference.…
An Agent Spills the Tea: Ten Easy Ways to Fail
If you look up “dish the tea” or “spill the tea” in the Urban Dictionary you’ll find it means spilling a juicy bit of knowledge. In this case, tea (or T) stands for truth. I’d like to quickly spill the …
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 …
Count Each Writerly Blessing
We are experiencing what might be called by some, interesting times. Others might call it downright scary or at least unsettling. I’m reminded of a favorite Bible passage: Philippians 4:6-7. The answer to anxiety is found right there!
…Do not
Are You a Patron of the Arts?
blogger: Cynthia Ruchti
Over the centuries, a “patron of the arts” referred to (usually) the very wealthy and/or influential who commissioned artists, supported young or budding artists until they could support themselves, advocated for art of all kinds, and served …
Poets Know It: Writing Tips from Poetry’s Lips
Blogger: Cynthia Ruchti
Roses are red.
Violets are blue.
Or violet.
Whatever.
Note the violet color of these violets.
Whether you ingest poetry through song lyrics or fairytales or children’s books or the Psalms or poetry readings in …
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