Attention: All writers From: Me Subject: If you want to get published, read this When I am published it will be with great thanks to David Henry Sterry and Arielle Eckstut, a husband and wife team who seem genuinely interested…
Fiction Writers Unite: Jane Friedman For President
In these times of turmoil, when the definitions of words such as “marriage,” “employed,” and “publishing” are all in flux, we fiction writers must unite and find a leader. I nominate Jane Friedman. For the past several years, I have…
What’s a _____ Writer To Do?
Fill in the Blank: a) Determined, b) Frustrated, c) Naïve, d) Insane, e) All of the Above In October, I finished my fourth novel, A Reasonable Price. It went to “beta readers” and experts for feedback. Each reader “loved” the…
Overcoming Obstacles
One of the best ways to learn a new language is by plopping yourself into a foreign land where you have no choice but to figure out how to ask for food, bathrooms, and shelter. (If you think you’re going…
Found In Translation
Art = Literature = Music = Performance = Who knew? = Duh All art is the same; all art is different; otherwise, it’s worthless. This past week, I went to New York City with Larassa Kabel. If you lovely readers…
So You Want To Be A Writer?
So you want to be a writer? That’s cool, <ping!> you are a writer. Yep, it’s that easy. Anyone can call him/herself a writer. Now, if you mean you want to be an AUTHOR, that’s slightly different. Selling a book…
Define “Writing”
When people ask me how many hours I write in a day or a week, I tend to stumble through my answer. My sweet husband will often jump in to say, “Sixty hours a week, at least.” I look at…
Pitching High Concept
I’ve recently finished my novel, A Reasonable Price, but I can’t tell you what it’s about because it’s a secret. Here’s what I say to anyone who asks about it: “A Reasonable Price is the story of a mother’s battle against the doctor…
Please Step Away From Mr. Lehane
When I was young and foolish, I was young and foolish. Embarrassing Truth #1: When I was in grade school, I was CRAZY for David Cassidy. But that was 40 years ago so you have to give me a break on…
I’m Much Obliged
oblige |əˈblīj|verb [ with obj. and infinitive ]make (someone) legally or morally bound to an action or course of action: 1) Karolyn feels obliged to take care of her family first. 2) Social media experts say writers are obliged to blog on a regular basis. Where do a writer’s obligations lie?…