I recently had conversations with two first-time authors, and I feel very hopeful about both of them. Whether the publisher I work for pursues them or some other publisher, I’m quite certain these authors will be offered contracts. And as long as the publisher doesn’t overpay, chances are good these books will be successful for […]
Recently I asked readers of my blog this question: “What’s the biggest creative challenge or obstacle you are facing?” As I read through the responses, I noticed one particular theme came up again and again: the desire for a bigger audience. Listen to some of these responses; these are direct quotes: “I feel stuck in a […]
If you’re a writer with a book inside you, a platform builder, or someone who simply wants to have an impact in the world, this interview is for you. Join me today for a conversation with author and blogger Natasha Crain. Over the past five years Natasha has steadily grown her blog traffic and subscriber […]
I recently attended Jeff Goins’ Tribe Conference and thoroughly enjoyed it. If you’re a writer or a creative of another type who wants to hone your voice and expand your reach, I highly recommend Tribe! Below are the top 10 things I learned from Tribe: 1. Jeff Goins nurtures a terrific community. I was uber impressed […]
Deciding what book to write can be tough. Writers often have a lot of different ideas, and we know that writing a book requires a significant amount of time and energy. Even if you have a direction in mind, establishing a particular angle or hook can be difficult. How to choose? This problem can be frustrating […]
Recently I asked some writers about their deepest fear when it comes to writing. One of them flatly said “rejection.” Another said, “Will publishers take me seriously if I don’t have a platform?” I hear versions of this all the time not only from writers but from the chattering inside my own head as a […]
Recently I was on the phone with a writer who was trying to figure out the answer to this question: How do I write my book and build a platform at the same time? Many of us want to get our books into the world, but we also understand the power and importance of a […]
Dear Writer, Remember us? Remember the times we had, just you and me in your living room, the coffee shop down the way, your desk? The times you couldn’t get enough of me? We spent hours together, but it felt like seconds. Time stood still. Remember those times? But we’ve drifted, haven’t we? It stopped […]
Recently I was talking with an author who is now working on his third traditionally published book. I was curious how the process worked for him. “How did you pitch the second book to your publisher?” I asked. “Oh, I didn’t, really. The first book was doing so well they came to me and asked […]
The giant was beside himself. Oh no!’ he cried. ‘Oh mince my maggots! Oh swipe my swoggles!’ ‘What’s the matter?’ Sophie asked. ‘It’s a trogglehumper!’ he shouted. His voice was filled with fury and anguish. ‘Oh, save our solos!’ he cried. ‘Deliver us from weasels! The devil is dancing on my dibbler!’ +++ That little […]
