Decades ago, a slick-covered magazine catering to the libidinous interests of some folks published a short story of mine—my first published work—for which I received 75 dollars. That publisher, as well as a couple more, said yes to additional short story submissions and, certainly proud of those achievements, I cut out the cover pages for…
Tag: writing journey
Reformation
No, not that one. But they’re related. Part of my semi-regular practice as a professional is a periodic marketing scan. I try to remember to do it at least once a year, but I sometimes forget. I tend to discount changes that challenge my assumptions, until I get clubbed upside the head with a clue-by-four….
My Top Ten, Revisited
I recently came across a workshop presentation I gave many, many years ago on the “Top Ten Things to Do to Sell Your First Novel.” It was interesting to see what I thought were the keys to publishing success back then: 1) Finish your book. This seems obvious, but I still encounter writers who get…
Return on Investment
Event: A four-hour slot to sell books at Off the Beaten Path bookstore in downtown Steamboat Springs. Date: Friday, February 15. Time: 4 to 8 p.m. Expenses: Seven hours of driving (354 miles round-trip, including the return home through a major snowstorm via Wolcott and Interstate 70). $79 for a room at the Travelodge in…
Sit some, sweat some, nourish your creativity!
If the only exercise you get is shuffling manuscript pages, poring over research, or hunching over your keyboard, listen up. Right now, without cheating, walk to a mirror with your current posture and look at yourself. Hours of sagging over your computer can do great harm. Ask me. In my early writing days, I was…