by Fay Lamb A writer who will not listen to honest criticism of his work, who continues to march solo into his writing adventure without heeding the suggestions of others, is unlikely to fulfill his dreams of publication. And this is why critique partners are essential if you wish to grow and to achieve success as an author. A critique …
Spring Cleaning
by Aaron McCarver Spring is here! For many people it is time for that annual foray into closets, attics, and basements…spring-cleaning. I have actually begun to attack some of those areas in my place. I am trying to follow the rule of my co-author, Diane Ashley?if I haven’t looked at it or worn it in more than a year then …
What’s in a Name?
by Lisa Jordan While working on my third novel, I emailed my agent and asked her thoughts about my characters’ names. She suggested I change one because having two old-fashioned names may confuse the reader with the genre. So I changed my male character’s name to something a little more modern. One of the most used books on my bookshelf …
Contests–We love to hate them. But should we?
by Sandra Orchard Every year the writing contest season climaxes with a flurry of complaints on writers’ loops about conflicting judges’ comments and incongruent scores. Been there. Done that. Totally empathize. But…from my experience entering contests is a worthwhile investment. Let’s face it. First manuscripts are rarely contracted, especially if the writer hasn’t invited editorial feedback from people other than …