Tag: plot

Dare to Be Excellent (This Might Hurt a Little)

Years ago, when I first started writing, fiction was my passion.  The problem, however, is that passion devoid of training is a formula to end up with 174,000 word tome that is the stuff of agent nightmares.  I wish I was one of those talented people who “got it” from the start. I didn’t. I …

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Opportunity Comes in Overalls

  Many writers panic when they are told they not only need to write, but to create a social media platform as well. Hey, I feel your pain. In fairness, we don’t HAVE to do anything but write the book. But, we do need to ask ourselves if we are doing everything in our power …

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"In the Beginning" Part One–Normal World

  Anyone in publishing will tell you that one of the most important parts of your novel is the beginning. As an editor I hear, “Oh, but wait until you get to the good part on page 50. This is all the lead up.” Um, no. Doesn’t work that way. You might have a humdinger …

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Writing Conferences–Beware of Crossing Deer

(Photo courtesy of johnlund.com) This weekend I am teaching social media at the DFW Writer’s Workshop Conference at the American Airlines Center. I have to say that I have attended quite a few conferences, and the DFW folk have been the best, hands down. If you aren’t going to this year’s, sign up early for …

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10 Ways to Improve Your "Likability Quotient"

Welcome to WANA Wednesday, based off my best-selling book, We Are Not Alone–The Writer’s Guide to Social Media. There are a lot of different ways to do social media. My WANA methods rely heavily on learning to be part of a team, and, as we have discussed before, this is very contrary to traditional marketing. …

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