This is for all my friends who, like me, have a fulltime job and want to write, too. Try this. Even if you can’t squeeze 25 minutes into your day, try 10 or 15.
How 25 Minutes A Day Can Help You Achieve Your Writing Dreams – SuccessWorks.
http://seocopywriting.com/achieve-writing-dream/
Month: April 2015
To market, to market
Over the last few years, I’ve met several authors who have been marketing their books. Most are independent. Some have hybrid contracts with publishing houses, and a few have traditional contracts. But I wouldn’t have met most of them if they hadn’t traveled to a book store or author fair or conference to talk about their books. Knowing something about marketing is critical these days. Here are four tips to consider.
4 Tactics To Create Brand Loyalty Through Relationship Marketing.
http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/245439?ctp=BizDev&src=Syndication&msc=LinkedInPulse
Scifi for me, please
If you asked me, I’d have to admit to wanting my scifi free of fantasy elements. Can’t help it. While I don’t mind dragons in movies, I’m not so willing to read about them. I want my “Ship who Sang.” You can have those “dragons of Perth.” This post explains the differences, the fusions, and their futures well.
Who Got Fantasy in My Science Fiction? – Charlie’s Diary.
http://www.antipope.org/charlie/blog-static/2015/04/who-got-fantasy-in-my-science-.html
Self-editing
Of course you want to edit at home. But this post (which is part self-promotion for it author) does have some great tips for what she calls polishing. (Check my resources page for links to the Purdue OWL, the AP Stylebook and the Chicago Manual of Style.) And fix that first draft.
Self-Editing? Do Not Try This at Home! | Indie Author News
http://www.indieauthornews.com/2015/04/self-editing-do-not-try-this-at-home.html?m=1
Begin well
I don’t know if I think these really are the 10 best opening lines, but they are all memorable. Clearly some are so memorable that people know them who haven’t even read the books they come from. What’s your best opening line?
Top 10 Best Book Opening Lines | A Writer’s Path.
http://ryanlanz.com/2015/04/25/top-10-best-book-opening-lines/
Get somewhere
Feeling like you’re writing but getting nowhere. Try this tip for a while and see if it helps.
The Remedy for Unproductive Busyness – HBR.
https://hbr.org/2015/04/the-remedy-for-unproductive-busyness
No paper
When I met Bruce Sterling in the early ’90s, I didn’t know the bit of biography he reveals in this short reflection on Arthur C. Clarke. I think it explains, at least in part, why he was handing out computer disks with his own writing on it. And I learned a few things about Clarke, too.
Personal Writings of Arthur C. Clarke Reveal the Evolution of “2001: A Space Odyssey” | At the Smithsonian | Smithsonian
http://www.smithsonianmag.com/smithsonian-institution/personal-writings-arthur-c-clarke-reveal-evolution-2001-space-odyssey-180954967/
Artist needs support

Who doesn’t dream about having a book made into a film? Abbie Reese, who describes herself as an independent artist and researcher, is making her film a reality, but she needs some help. She’s been working on a project with the Poor Clare Colettines in Rockford, Illinois, for 10 years. That’s when she began wondering why a young woman would decide to spend her life in a cloistered community. “It’s a radical decision,” she says. Last year the book — Dedicated to God — came out from Oxford University Press. Now she’s looking for funding for the film, Chosen (Custody of the Eyes). I went to a preview of the work-in-progress last night. I think it’s fascinating. Please take a moment to visit the film site, learn about Abbie’s project, and consider making a donation. Thanks.
http://www.chosenthefilm.com/
Some people just aren’t perky
Need a character who frets? A fussbudget? A worrywart? Here’s a great article, meant to help people use their tendencies to the best advantage at work, that spells out traits you can use in fiction.
Worry Can Help at Work – WSJ
http://www.wsj.com/articles/worry-can-help-at-work-1427842365
Sell it
Two Florida indie authors have opened a bookstore that sells only indie-published books. There’s an idea worth spreading.
First Bookstore Dedicated to Self-Published Authors Opens in Florida.
http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/bookselling/article/66254-first-bookstore-dedicated-to-self-published-authors-opens-in-florida.html#path/pw/by-topic/industry-news/bookselling/article/66254-first-bookstore-dedicated-to-self-published-authors-opens-in-florida.html