How do authors really break into publishing? Is it nepotism? The Secret Handshake? Stalking agents? Brewing potions from eye of newt and toe of frog? Author Jim C. Hines took a survey, published the results and busted a few myths along the way. I’m happy to note that I still have several years to break into the book biz.
Got a character who remains an enigma? Sit him down with chips and drinks and ask him a few questions.
LOL: SF author John C. Wright will never, not ever, include Christian allegory, themes, or images in his next book.
Book Review Bingo! I’m afraid to do this with my own reviews on this blog. Can I buy a dispensation for using “X meets X” in my next review?
Did you stumble upon anything hilarious, inspirational, thought-provoking or informative in ‘Netland this week?
Love the links, except the John C. Wright one. Just not my cup of humor. And I made it through the book review issue with only “thought-provoking” showing up frequently. (I’d like to know what’s so fluffy about that, especially when qualified. :sighs: ) I think my favorite ones recently are the reminders that talent is not the same as skill (http://tribalwriter.com/2010/03/17/talent-deep-practice-the-talent-code-mastery/), that the ENTIRE English language is at our disposal (http://theelephantinthewritingroom.blogspot.com/2010/03/adverb-why-fuss.html), and that humans are infinitely adaptable (so stay realistic) (http://talktoyouniverse.blogspot.com/2010/03/using-social-tools-you-have.html).
Thanks as always for sharing.
And I just found this one and LOVE it: http://writtenwyrdd.typepad.com/writtenwyrdd/2010/03/rational-conflicts-in-relationships.html
Real world conflicts for realistic relationships. (Makes my geek side happy.) 😀
Oh, I like the relationship conflict one. Too many romances/romantic subplots rely on dumb misunderstandings to keep the tension up.
I’m basing my publishing hopes on sheer dogged determination to keep going and keep getting better. It’s nice to have it confirmed that talent isn’t everything. I’ve come across growth vs. fixed mindset before, while reading about education.
Really enjoyed the one about using social tools to advance. It always annoys me when the oppressed female protagonist feels that the only way to change her situation is to run away from home, cut her hair and train to be a knight/soldier/warrior. Yes, because it certainly is liberating to lose a limb to a sword-cut or impale the enemy cavalry’s horses with your spear.
Thanks for sharing, Megs!