Category Archives: writer

Some writing advice to consider

Here are three writing places you can go to get some advice. I sure there are others, but these three stops could be helpful:

http://janeyolen.com/the-alphabetics-of-story/
From A to Z, literally in alphabetical order prolific author Jane Yolen discusses almost every aspect of story writing, from architecture to endings. None of the entries are long, so it is not as if you have to spend hours with your eyeballs glued to the screen. But hey, if you write, you’re probably already doing that anyway.

http://blogs.plos.org/neurotribes/2011/06/02/practical-tips-on-writing-a-book-from-22-brilliant-authors/
If you are more into writing non-fiction, then this list of practical tips from twenty-two authors could be of help for you. But there are nuggets of information for any writer, such as being willing to delete entire chapters and favorite passages. Not all the recommendations are so painful, but it takes more than fast fingers and a fluid imagination to make your writing work.

http://blog.nathanbransford.com/
A former agent turned author, Nathan Bransford covers a wide variety of topics dealing with writing, including poles where he asks his readers to offer their opinions. He has entries for subjects such as How to find an agent and How to write a synopsis or query letter, all under a heading called Publishing Essentials.

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I drink

Found this on the back of an old paperback book published in 1949. In describing himself, the author writes: “Yes, I have actually mined coal, and distilled liquor,

James M. Cain brief biography

James M. Cain brief biography

as well as seen a girl in a pink dress, and seen her take it off. I am 54 years old, weigh 220 pounds, and look like the chief dispatcher of a long-distance hauling concern. I am a registered Democrat. I drink.”

Don’t know that you would find a brief author write up in the back of a book quite so colorful today.

I found this book at a local used book shop called Central Street Books. The original price was 50 cents, but I paid $4, and that was primarily because I liked the brief author autobiography on the back.

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You have your book written — what now?

If anyone is interested in publishing a book — fiction or nonfiction — the Knoxville Writers’ Guild has a great workshop this Saturday.

Chris Hebert is an acquisitions editor at the University of Michigan Press. He’s the guy at the receiving end of author query letters and can provide invaluable advice on what works and what doesn’t. He also knows what it’s like from the author’s end: HarperCollins is publishing his first novel, The Boiling Season, next year. (His wife has also published a novel with Simon & Schuster).

This is a rare chance to talk at length with a publishing insider about selling a book.

The workshop will be held from 1 to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 4 at the Redeemer Church, 1642 Highland Ave., Knoxville, TN. Cost is $20 for members and $25 for nonmembers. To register, go to http://www.knoxvillewritersguild.org/orderpaypal.htm

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Guest Blogger Mark Twain on Words to be Wary of

Mark Twain photo

photo of Mark Twain

“Substitute ‘damn’ every time you’re inclined to write ‘very;’ your editor will delete it and the writing will be just as it should be.” —Mark Twain

Unfortunately, there are fewer editors around these days, the victims of corporate downsizing many of them, so you will probably have to do this yourself, but it might just work. Every time you want to write “very,” write “damn” instead, then read the story out loud. Just don’t do it at an open mike night.

To learn more about Mark Twain: Mark Twain.

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Words to be Wary of

In an effort to help those who may have been hit by the onslaught of marketing slurry that passes through the English language, every now and then, I will post some words or phrases that are absurd, unless you are in marketing, sales, or some other line of work where junking up the language is simply a way of life. To start, I submit two:

Free Gift. By its definition, a gift is free, at least to the recipient. If somebody gives you a gift that’s not free, then it is not a gift.

Truly Unique. Can something be falsely unique? Unique means one of a kind. Doesn’t matter if it is a good one of a kind, or a bad one of a kind, it is a one of a kind. If it is unique, by its definition it is true to itself because it is one of a kind.

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Mark Twain quote on writing

Mark Twain photo

photo of Mark Twain

“The time to begin writing an article is when you have finished it to your satisfaction. By that time you begin to clearly and logically perceive what it is you really want to say.” —Mark Twain

And somehow, if you don’t know who Mark Twain is, here’s where you can get a clue: Mark Twain.

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Writing quote for the day

There’s nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at a typewriter and open a vein. –Walter Wellesley “Red” Smith

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Definition: Saint

Saint, n. A dead sinner revised and edited. —Ambrose Bierce

To learn a little more about this American writer, humorist, and satirist, try The Ambrose Bierce Appreciation Society

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Writing quote for the day

“One of the greatest pleasures in writing has come from the thought that perhaps my work might annoy someone of comfortably pretentious position. Then comes the saddening realization that such people rarely read.” —John Kenneth Galbraith

Click on John Kenneth Galbraith to learn a little more about him.

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A thought on the computer

“Buying the right computer and getting it to work properly is no more complicated than building a nuclear reactor from wristwatch parts in a darkened room using only your teeth.” —Dave Barry

To learn more about Dave Barry, American writer and humorist, go to Dave Berry’s Official Website

Computers can be a pain to get to work right

Buying the right computer is often a challenge.

.

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