by Debra DuPree Williams @DDuPreeWilliams As writers most of us have read, underlined, highlighted, and even, heaven forbid, dog-eared Steven James’ Story Trumps Structure. Apparently, the average American reader agrees with Mr. James. In a recent article appearing in the Review section of the Wall Street Journal, Adam Kirsch tells…

by Lynn H Blackburn @LynnHBlackburn It's hard to turn a parked car. Ever heard that one before? I can’t remember where I heard it first, but it’s so very true. You can be in the car, behind the wheel, motor running, ready to go. You may even have the brute strength…

By Cindy K. Sproles @CindyDevoted Sitting on the cusp of a new book release, the reality of good book reviews weighs heavy. The natural questions of acceptance raise our worry level just a smidge. Will readers like the book? Will they even post a review? What about the hate reviews?…

By Kristin Evans @AuthorKristinEv “Your writing is good. But you need to build your platform.” Can you relate? I wonder how many authors have abandoned their writing dreams at this stage on their journey to publication.  Meeting new people at meals grew to be a highlight of the conference for…

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson Writers are an odd lot. I can say that, because I am one. So I speak from experience, not judgment. Like all creative people, we tend to feel things more deeply, reacting poorly to criticism. We also have no perspective at all when it comes to…

By W. Terry Whalin @terrywhalin While many people are publishing books (over 4,500 new books every day, including the self-published books), the competitive nature of this work is rarely discussed. Editors and agents get pitches and proposals from many different authors. What are some of the difference makers that every author…