I’m a big fan of first person novels. Though it seems hard for a writer to break into the market unless we have a story with two or more points of view. Still, many first person stories receive literary acclaim. Steven James has won several Christys for his books. She Walks in Beauty by Siri Mitchell, and Robin Jones Gunn’s …
My Word for 2012: Entre-Author
by Dina Sleiman The new hot thing this year seems to be coming up with one word to encapsulate your goals. Even before I noticed this trend, I had spotted my word in a quote from Mary DeMuth on Author Media. Are you ready for it…Entre-author. A friend asked if this had something to do with an author entering, like …
Getting Published
By Terry Burns Hartline Literary There’s a concept we need to get a handle on, “Publishing isn’t a selection process . . . it is a survival process.” Really?- Yes, I believe the biggest secret to publishing is the ability to get the RIGHT PRODUCT to the RIGHT PERSON at the RIGHT PLACE at exactly the RIGHT TIME. There are …
Book Review: A Deadly Game
Title: A Deadly Game Author: Virginia Smith Publisher: Steeple Hill Books Date: 2011 ISBN: 978-0-373-44428-1 Genre: Romantic Suspense Reviewed by: Holly Wolfe It’s no mystery why Virginia Smith is enjoyable to read. A Deadly Game has likable characters, high stakes, strong verbs, and a clever, intricate plot-all combined in a rich setting in and around Lexington, Kentucky. Starting with a …
GUM In Our Writing
by Martha Rogers As a former English instructor at both the high school and college levels, I am much more aware of the GUM of writing. That’s Grammar, Usage, and Mechanics for those who may not know. Grammar rules do change and the Chicago Manual of Style is what we all go by for our writing. However, some things still …
Using GMC To Meet Your New Year Resolutions
by Tina Radcliffe Resolution: the act of resolving or determining upon an action or course of action, method, procedure, etc. (Dictionary.com) This is the time of year for all those writerly resolutions we add to our brand new, crisp moleskine notebooks. Our resolutions should be easy to create, after all, we are the masters of GMC. Goal, Motivation and Conflict. …
The Scoop on Research
by DiAnn Mills Writing romantic suspense is my passion. I stay awake at night planning a story in which a strong and vibrant heroine attempts the impossible, the forbidden, or the dangerous for the good of others. She meets a hero who compliments her strengths and challenges her weaknesses. Together they take the writer and the reader on an adventure. …
ACFW Volunteer Spotlight
This week I’m excited to announce that Heidi Main is the volunteer in the spotlight. She has always been a willing volunteer at the annual conference, which is greatly appreciated. She also interviews writers for the Weekly Featured Author Spotlight on ACFW. These programs are successful because of people like Heidi Main. Thank you for all your work for ACFW. …
The Power of Casual Conversation at Conference
by S. Dionne Moore In preparation for conference season, let’s remember a very important factor. Round table talk. It’s like a tonic to those of us who are not extroverts by nature. Round table talk at conference meals is the best way to get to know an agent or editor that you hope to target. For one, the weight of …
Some basic questions about authors and agents…
by Chip MacGregor MacGregor Literary 1. “What’s the best way to find a literary agent?” In my view, a face-to-face meeting is best. And you may find that getting a referral from your friend (who happens to be agented) is a nice way to gain an introduction. 2. “If an agent has asked you to send in a manuscript, is …