I put quote marks around the words “making it,” because the idea of “making it” or “success” vary somewhat from writer to writer. It’s kind of like being “rich.” If you talk to several people who you consider rich and ask them if they consider themselves rich, most would say no. Or the term “old.” … More 10 Steps to “Making It” As a Writer
In the past 18 months since I started my indie author enterprise, I have experimented with lots of ways to get readers’ attention. After all the contests and advertising and promotions, I have come to the conclusion that the bottom line for selling books online is in reviews. How does one get reviews? You get … More My 99 Cent Sale
If you have been reading my blog for any length of time, you know that I have said more than once that there are no guarantees in life. And that goes for writing as well. I told a fellow magazine editor one time while we were watching our first issue roll off the press: “Enjoy … More Positive Strokes
Out of the Dark by David Weber, 381 pages, Tor Books. This blog is going to be less of a review of this particular book and more of a commentary on David Weber as an established writer. David Weber is best known as the author of the Honor Harrington military science fiction series, and is … More Review: “Out of the Dark” by David Weber
I have a new theory when it comes to book publishing. Well, it’s actually not that new. I’ve been thinking about it for the past year. At 18 months in the indie book business, I am still an adolescent when it comes to publishing. I continue to read advice from other indie authors. Some of … More Critical Mass
I can still remember the day when my mom brought me to Mountain View Academy to register me as a high school freshman. Part of the registration process was getting your photo taken for the “Funnybook” and adding a word to describe yourself. I couldn’t–or wouldn’t–give them a word, but after I left that table, … More Let Your Freak Flag Fly
About 20 years ago, I was a magazine/book editor in Idaho, and one of my best friends was the designer for myriad projects I was involved in. He got moved into a new office, but was surprised to see that it was just that: four walls, a light switch and a ceiling. No furniture. I … More Office Karma
I have a lot of respect for Orson Scott Card. By linking his name with mine in the title, I am not presuming that my writing is the same caliber as his, at least not yet. But I admire him greatly because he has been able to do something that I am trying to do … More Orson Scott Card and Me
I’ve worked in various companies since the 70s, and it always amazes me how numbers can be manipulated. The old saying goes, “There are lies, damn lies, and statistics.” The publishing house I was a part of used to boast that they ended each year in the black, but those who worked there knew that … More Playing with Numbers
I’ve never been able to pat my head and rub my belly at the same time, and so I have been remiss in keeping up with my blog, or my writing for that matter. But I had decided early on that this summer was not going to be writing intensive. Instead, I have spent the … More Hits and Misses
