Publishing Proverbs You Should Know

Publishing Proverbs You Should Know

Jul 6, 2020 | On Writing

Publishing is rife with conventional wisdom but some of it is actually useful. Here are some of the best. The first page sells the book, the last page sells the next book. I repeated this recently at a Zoom event and like an old dog full of old tricks I was surprised...
Writing Good First Lines: Think Theme

Writing Good First Lines: Think Theme

Jul 10, 2019 | On Writing

First lines matter. For readers, they’re a welcome sign, the promise that they’re in for a satisfying reading experience. For agents and editors, they’re proof that you know how to open a story in a way that keeps readers reading. If you don’t nail those opening...
The Ten Commandments for Writers: Writing Rules to Live By

The Ten Commandments for Writers: Writing Rules to Live By

Jun 12, 2019 | On Writing

1. Thou shalt not have strange genres before me. Aspiring authors often tell me, “I don’t want to be typecast.” And I tell them, “You should be so lucky.” Sure, when you’re first starting out, you might have to write in a number of genres before you find your sweet...
Stalking the Big Idea

Stalking the Big Idea

Jun 10, 2019 | On Writing

These days, it’s all about The Big Idea. That’s what publishers are looking for. Think Hollywood, with more words. As an agent, I hear this every day from editors: I really like this story, but…. …but it’s too quiet. …but it’s too old-fashioned. …but it’s too...
New Book, New War Plan

New Book, New War Plan

Dec 11, 2017 | On Writing

Starting a new novel is like planning a war campaign. Strategy is everything, and in those early days of testing characters and settings and plot lines, it’s best to go in quietly, fully armed, surprising the elements of your story into submission. At least until you...

Pin It on Pinterest