It's a known saying to "write what you know." And it's true, your very best writing will come from areas of your life that you're most familiar with. I've followed this advice in my own books - from writing about child loss and poverty in The Road to Hope, to actual stories of my life … Continue reading Write what you know, and what you don’t know
writing
The argument for hiring an editor
I remember when I first started writing for the newspaper. I was pretty green at it, and would turn in pieces I thought were flowing with ideas and beautiful language. My editor would look over my work and let go of a good 30% of what I had said by striking out redundant thoughts, simplifying … Continue reading The argument for hiring an editor
Should authors self-publish or seek a traditional publisher?
It is said that everyone has a book inside them just waiting to get out, and thanks to advances in self-publishing, getting that book out is easier now than ever. Authors who have previously experienced slammed doors from the gatekeepers (agents, editors, publishers, etc.) are skirting around these middlemen by going indie. By doing this, … Continue reading Should authors self-publish or seek a traditional publisher?
5 reasons the newspaper isn’t covering your book
It happened again today. Two books were placed on my desk in our busy newspaper newsroom, sent by a hopeful author. “Do you think you can do anything with these?” my editor asked. I thumbed through them, my face surely revealing the doubt I was feeling. “I’ll try,” I said, and I placed them on … Continue reading 5 reasons the newspaper isn’t covering your book
12 steps toward seeing results in your book stats
Hi, my name is Crissi, and I'm a stats-aholic. You might also be a stats-aholic if you do the following things: Check your book stats numerous times a day, whether it's reviews or sales. Obsess about whether it's moving or not. Spam your social media accounts to create movement in your stats. Repeat. So why … Continue reading 12 steps toward seeing results in your book stats