Category: Guest Posts

Working Through Writer’s Block by Rachel Rossano

Author Rachel Rossano
Author Rachel Rossano

Writer’s block impedes the best of us. Life, circumstances, lack of sleep, or an uncooperative brain create slumps in my writing productivity frequently. When the situation gets really bad, not one of my three or more projects grabs my interest. At those times, I work through my list of tactics, hoping one of them will renew the creative spark. Here are my favorites.

1) Read, read, read and read some more – The written word inspires. Well written books, contain insights into the craft. A well-turned phrase, flowing description, or poignant moment between characters demonstrates so much more than the best self-help book. Read the masters, the best sellers, and the authors excelling in the genre you wish to master. Enjoy and analyze. Why does a specific phrase stir you? What is it that catches your attention? How do they build the suspense or craft the hook? Continue reading “Working Through Writer’s Block by Rachel Rossano”

Why I Write, by Linda Rae Blair

I remember the first time I was asked that question. It was during an interview and I thought to myself…now that’s a silly question! Looking back on it now, I don’t think so.

When I approached retirement, I thought how lovely it would be to paint landscapes, practice the piano, garden–I even bought a sewing machine so I could be creative that way, as I had been when I was a young mother. Then it happened! That simple statement from a friend that brought my whole idea of retirement crashing down around me.

If you’ve read “Where is Harry?”, my first novel and part 1 of my Chicago Trilogy, “Intersections: Love, Betrayal, Murder”, you know some of this already. Here’s the whole story! Continue reading “Why I Write, by Linda Rae Blair”

Trouble with Homonyms by Arline Chase

I saw a query letter this week with a “pear of scissors”in it. The author, who lives in a land that was once part of the British Empire, speaks English as a second language. I didn’t have to read more than the query, to know the manuscript, if accepted, would be riddled with similar problems and so it was a no-go right from the start.

Now I know you all know the difference between a pear and a pair of scissors, but obviously someone had a problem. In fact EASL people by no means have a corner of this market and I have often confused compliment and complement or farther and further myself, among others. These are two that I always search and double-check in a completed manuscript, knowing my propensity for getting them wrong. Continue reading “Trouble with Homonyms by Arline Chase”

Advertising on Facebook by William Hertling

Author William Hertling
Author William Hertling

My first book, Avogadro Corp: The Singularity Is Closer Than It Appears, came out in December. I timed it so I could make an appeal to friends and family right before the holidays. Instead buying one copy, they might buy two or more, and give some as gifts.

It was a great book launch, but after the holidays passed, sales slowed.

The feedback I received told me the book was good. One friend said she had nightmares after reading it (it’s a techno-thriller). Another reader sought out the coffee shop where several scenes were set and took photos of himself with the book. A local tech blog in Portland posted a very positive review. Amazon reviews are overwhelmingly positive. Continue reading “Advertising on Facebook by William Hertling”