Next month I’m going to a writing conference (I might have mentioned that). I decided that I’m pitching a non-fiction book at the conference. Initially, I decided to finish a chapter before pitching, with the rest to come. Well, that’s been pushed to three chapters (and of course the pitch!). I really need these threeContinue reading “Sometimes good things come in “Oh crap, what did I get myself into?” packages…”
Tag Archives: planning
A one percent return? (part 1)
I’m working on a book chapter this week, with a word target of 10,000 words. That works out to be about 20 normal pages or 40 manuscript pages (give or take because… you know… formatting…). Not the biggest thing I’ve written, but not the smallest either. In preparing to write the chapter, I’ve worked myContinue reading “A one percent return? (part 1)”
There’s still time… But not much!
If you’re reading this when the post went live, we’re about two weeks into the virtual conference/pre-conference for the 2022 LDSPMA conference. There’ve been some interesting sessions. I’ve learned a thing or two and took part in discussions on manuscript prep, book design, and how to handle “fast pitch” situations in selling the things weContinue reading “There’s still time… But not much!”
Pushing farther, reaching higher…
In the beginning, there was the goal. And the goal was to write 1,000 words per day. And the goal was good. But there came a time when the goal was too easy. NANOWRIMOs had been won. Blogs were under way. Stories and even books had been published. A goal of 1,000 words was easy.Continue reading “Pushing farther, reaching higher…”
Beta readers
I’ve got projects approaching completion. Or at least I think they’re nearing completion. Where they really are is ready for me to show them to someone. But does that mean I’m sending them off to a publisher? Nope, not if I’m smart. Does that mean I’m showing them to an editor? Some stuff, yes. SomeContinue reading “Beta readers”
Not all readers are the same!
I’ve been reading a book about writing short stories; one of those books with lots of articles and contributions by different authors and publishing people who’ve ‘really been there’ and know what they’re talking about. It’s fascinating how much conflicting advice exists in the same text. Why does that happen? Shouldn’t the people who’ve ‘beenContinue reading “Not all readers are the same!”
Volunteer?
Someone asked an interesting question this month. “We’re a culture that supports volunteering, but what do we get out of it?” For some of us, the answer was obvious. For others, not so much. So, I thought we’d look at it today. It takes giving When we volunteer, we’re giving. It might be information. ItContinue reading “Volunteer?”
Conference attendance virtual vs. in person
The last few years have been exceptional (you choose the ‘good’ or ‘bad’ tags for yourself…). The world’s changed a bit. One of those changes has been an increase in the acceptance of virtual conference. And yet, there’s value in being there too. Virtual advantages Virtual conferences are cheaper. You may get a direct discountContinue reading “Conference attendance virtual vs. in person”
A world of your own (Part 1)
As writers, we’re told “Write what you know.” That can be interpreted several ways. Does it mean write based on your experience? Yes. Does it mean you can only write characters exactly like you? I hope not… (Talk about a ‘send in the clones’ situation…) Does it mean we have to write things in theContinue reading “A world of your own (Part 1)”
Why the thinky stuff matters…
This week over on Words Mean Stuff I have a post on taking time to ponder. Over here at Forever Mountain, I’m presenting an example of why you should stop to ponder. Back in the bad old days (Ok, last week…), I had the idea to put a role-playing encounter up for this week’s post.Continue reading “Why the thinky stuff matters…”
Forever Mountain Publishing 