Good Advice Can’t Be Bad – One Author To Another
As writers, we are constantly looking around us for inspiration. For me, one of the best places to find encouragement, is from other writers. Author quotes, interviews, and advice are always there for me when I need them.
Recently, I read a really great article on the Huffington Post website about a book called “Why We Write: 20 Acclaimed Authors on How and Why They Do What They Do” – where bestselling authors share advice and tips about their success. The Huffington Post shared an excerpt by Jodi Picoult (most famous for “My Sister’s Keeper).
Here is a little taste of her wisdom:
A lot of writers think of the publishing contract as the Holy Grail, but it’s not. It’s a huge mistake to think that just because your book is being printed, your publisher will publicize it. If you’re a new author, it’s much more likely that they won’t. You have to stump yourself and find book clubs to talk to and go to book fairs and set up signings at bookstores and libraries—anything to get word of mouth going. Your publisher’s more likely to pay attention to your book if it starts magically selling. Then they might put some money into promoting it. It’s a vicious cycle.
Take a writing course. It’s how you’ll learn to get and give feedback, and it’ll teach you to write on demand. There’s no magic bullet that’ll make you a success. If you write because you want to be rich, you’re in the wrong business. Write because you can’t not write, or don’t write at all. Write even when you don’t feel like writing. There is no muse. It’s hard work. You can always edit a bad page, but you can’t edit a blank page. Read. It’ll inspire you to write as well as the authors who came before you.
To read the full article, click HERE.
Another great article shares some tips from Kurt Vonnegut, from his book “Bagombo Snuff Box”:
Use the time of a total stranger in such a way that he or she will not feel the time was wasted. Give the reader at least one character he or she can root for. Every character should want something, even if it is only a glass of water. Every sentence must do one of two things — reveal character or advance the action.* Start as close to the end as possible. Be a sadist. No matter how sweet and innocent your leading characters, make awful things happen to them — in order that the reader may see what they are made of. Write to please just one person. If you open a window and make love to the world, so to speak, your story will get pneumonia. Give your readers as much information as possible as soon as possible. To heck with suspense. Readers should have such complete understanding of what is going on, where and why, that they could finish the story themselves, should cockroaches eat the last few pages.
To read the full article, click HERE.
If you’re having writer’s block, losing faith in yourself, or feeling like the only writer out there, just take a look around and you’ll see all the amazing writer’s who are there, ready and willing, to help you along your way. There are lots of great books your can read, such as the one mentioned above in the Huffington article, Stephen King’s “On Writing” (is hugely popular), “Zen in the Art of Writing: Essays on Creativity” by Ray Bradbury, and many more. And finally, here are a few great quotes, to help you feel inspired and keep you from losing your mind:
A Kevin Review: Grasping at Shadows (and looking under the bed…)
As you probably know by now, BookRix has recently decided to invite a couple of our more entertaining and insightful team members into the blogging inner circle to write some book reviews. Here is the fourth one, written by Kevin: The dark and thrilling Grasping at Shadows: A Collection of Dark Shorts by Laurie Paulsen (lauriemariepea).
Not for the kiddies.
These are not tales for children. However, IF you like having what I call “the pattooties” scared out of you – and delight in images so frightening they linger and wait for you in that short-cut through the cemetery in the wee hours, epitomizing our worst fears from childhood not yet convinced there is nothing really out there, or under the bed or in the closet or the basement or in the mind of the person standing before you, to be afraid of or at least a little concerned about – you’ll really enjoy this one.
Ever read something so disturbing you keep stopping to look up, scan around the room, you feel vulnerable, feeling the people around you, on the subway, bus or in the laundry, can sense your…discomfort, “Hahaha, this is…sure is scary…”, wet armpits, nervous laugh?
There is something about the way women write about the hardships of life, abuse, retribution, justice, love in chains, children, etc., in art. For me, these were obviously penned by a woman. They are all startlingly original, with an eye peeled for our sometimes twisted “humanity” (whatever that is) in the most bizarre of circumstances and an acceptance of it.
Laurie Paulsen obviously sees the world a little differently than most of us, but after a peek at her list of favorite books/writers it all made sense immediately. She’s raised on the milk of the wild, mad, great ones. S.M Stirling, Stephen King, and Alice Walker to name just a few from her list (some of my favs too).
Lessee, I will here sidestep my inclination to want to allude to each story. They’re so different, it’s impossible to have an absolute favorite so I’ll just say this; “Killing Chickens” and old Egg….the love of Egg…wow, where did that come from?
An exciting, fast, chilling read you won’t want to end. Remember, not for the kiddies.
Buy it now:
Let’s Get Creative
Once a year, people around the world celebrate International Creativity Month in January to remind themselves and others about the power of creativity. This 10 letter word has so many possibilities that its impossible to capture them all in one blog. But it’s definitely something each of us should think about to ensure we’re maximizing our creative potential.
How great does it feel as a writer when you’ve been mulling over plot scenarios and then BAM! It hits you. The whole story begins to unravel effortlessly in your mind and your fingers take flight on your keyboard because you’re so excited about this creative breakthrough that you can’t wait to get it in writing. That right there – is an amazing feeling. But creativity isn’t just about writing, it’s about so much more! You can derive inspiration from a variety of things by tapping into your imagination.
International Creativity Month was created by Randall Munson, a Certified Speaking Professional who is also an experienced business executive, a bestselling author, a teacher and an entertainer. If you’re unfamiliar with him, check out his ‘Internet Magic’ here. We just tried ‘What and Where’ and it blew our minds! Have some fun and enjoy.
If you’re looking for even more fun, check out Kissing 101: A Guidebook For Men by BookRix author L. Avery Brown and kick this Tuesday to the curb. Best read toasty warm (preferably a cozy throw blanket) and with a glass of wine. Get your laugh on!
Happy 200th, Pride & Prejudice!
I feel it’s safe to say that when writers publish a book, the greatest reward besides having people read it, is having your readers love it. What about when your work stands the test of time? That’s the ultimate accomplishment. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen has done just that. According to Wikipedia, it’s near the top lists of ‘most loved books’ . And Austen herself is also considered one of the most widely read authors in English Literature.
Today marks the 200 year anniversary of Pride and Prejudice. Undoubtedly, this novel has played a heavy role in today’s pop culture. Books, T.V and movies – they’ve all taken queue from this classic. Bridget Jones Diary, 2009’s parody novel Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, the list goes. If only Miss Austen could have known just how influential her story and characters would have been centuries later. But it serves a meaningful lesson: you will never know how strong your written word will be perceived until you take a that chance, and publish it. Happy Anniversary, Pride and Prejudice. You had us at Mr. Darcy.
Don’t have a Mr. Darcy in your life? How about a good eBook instead! Today’s recommendation comes from BookRix author Stanley
McQueen, The Folks of Muddy Fork and Other Stories.
Opposite Day…?
Yeyy, It’s Friday! But it’s still early, so you’ve gotta go to work. Womp, Womp. But wait, isn’t today a holiday of some sort? *Does Google search* Why, yes it is! Bye, bye boring-Friday-work-day, hello pajama beach day! Take out your bike, grab some hot coffee (who takes water to the beach?) and head down to the sea for a relaxing day free of: emails, work phone calls, and last minute “high priority” stuff from your boss, cause today – in case you haven’t figured it out, is Opposite Day.
Now is probably a good idea to call your landlord and tell him exactly what you think about your recent rent increase. And it’s probably smart to mix your colored clothes in with your whites for that load of laundry you’ve been putting off. Boyfriend? Girlfriend? Not today. You’re SINGLE! And wait… didn’t we say something about riding your bike to the beach? We almost forgot! Be sure to weave that 10-speed in and out of traffic. And remember to resist arrest and make pen pals with your cell mates, cause we’re sure you’ll want to stay in touch.
On second thought, this might be one of those holidays that only sound fun in theory. If you can think of any fun and “safe” ways to proceed with the day, leave us a comment so we can follow suit. Happy Friday, everyone!
And speaking of Friday, what are you plans tonight? Are you laying low with a cocktail and some eBooks? That’s crazy, cause we’re doing the exact same thing! Tonight we recommend a tear jerker. Why? Because it’s Friday and you don’t have to worry about having puffy eyes on a Saturday morning. See? We think ahead. Read the sad story of Ted, a teddy bear who recounts his experiences from a previous owner.
A Kevin Review: Keep It Safe
The BookRix Team is filled with fun and interesting characters, so we decided to invite a few into the blogging inner circle to write some book reviews. Here is the third one, written by Kevin: Keep It Safe by Jess Wygle (jesswygle)
This “shortie” reads fast and tense, punctuated by a few short breaths and some panting. I imagine our heroine, Parker, is aged probably mid to late 20s. She’s been recently orphaned and widowed. (in the last 3-4 years perhaps?) After another incredibly exciting day at work…not, she swings her Malibu onto the highway, engages the auto pilot and just zones-out / heads to her small town, Iowa abode and the company of the only family she has left, her aging doggie. Then in the pitch darkness she glimpses something in the air for a mili-second before it bounces heavily off the hood of her car. Upon examination she finds the bouncer is human, very broken and handing her a small object along with the request that she hides it, keeps it safe, and that it be given to no one, and then, he exhales his last. It’s on.
In a flash Parker’s life switches from routine boredom to blinking, open-mouthed amazement and she ponders what might’ve happened had she left just a minute or three later, “…I would still be so naive and oblivious to the evils and wrong-doings in this world.” According to Jess Wygle this is the first book she’s finished yet her ability to grab the shirt collar and sweep us along through Parker’s wide-eyed, naïve bumbling discoveries is impressive.
Even the introduction of the Witness Protection Program and the mob which seem like ‘filler matter’ in the context, (…end of Goodfellas..does that apparatus still exist?) is kept relevant with the dreaded ‘instantaneous localization’ and murderous thugs who are also highly skilled hackers and appear with quick shock and surprise. Way cool.
I’m missing the development of the romance which keeps almost happening but then it’s probably just like Parker to misread the cues and awaken in bed at 3:34AM and suddenly realize the missed opportunity and exclaim: “Oh!” LOL! I like this character a lot.
All the background information coloring and defining characters usually served-up straight at the beginning of a lot of novels I’ve read, which is usually awkwardly bludgeoned into the first few pages, is not there and frankly, not missed. Funny. Whether left out purposely or not we’re left with more wiggle room for the imagination, like different people looking at the same painting, and what’s wrong with that? I think there’s more to be developed in there, with or without Parker. We can go out and talk about it later, I have her number. I’m looking forward to reading more from Jess Wygle. Congrats Jess!
-Kevin
Want a taste of Jess Wygle’s writing? Come and check out some of her free short stories HERE!
(Also, for those of you having trouble with cover design – take a look at Jess’ covers because they are simple, and yet fantastic.)
