You Can’t Edit a Blank Page
Here’s some practical advice to help my writer friends get the week off to a good start: “You might not write well every day, but you can always edit a bad page. You can’t edit a blank page.” —Jodi Picoult
Helpful Tip on Self-Editing
Here’s a helpful insight for writers who self-edit, and what you should expect from an editor if you decide to hire one: “You write to communicate to the hearts and minds of others what’s burning inside of you, and we edit to let the fire show through the smoke.” —Arthur Plotnik
My Books Sold 70 Copies Today!
Amazon sold 70 copies of my Elements of Style Classic book today. I’ve been selling about 20 copies a day for the past two months, but today, it caught fire and I’m already up to 70 paperbacks. No idea why, but I’m a very happy camper!! http://amzn.to/2lEYAxT
You Gotta Start Somewhere!
When you think your story plot is lame or your writing generally sucks, remember this advice from Anne Lamott and just keep writing: “Almost all good writing begins with terrible first efforts. You need to start somewhere.”
Discouraged About Your Writing?
If you aspire to succeed at writing, one quick point to remember in those dark moments when you’re discouraged and tempted to give up: “A professional writer is an amateur who didn’t quit.” —Richard Bach
Are You a Writer or a Waiter?
Sad but true, I have spent much of my life waiting for inspiration instead of writing. If you want to write, do it—don’t make excuses for why you can’t. Remember: “If you wait for inspiration to write, you’re not a writer, you’re a waiter.”
Time Wasted Is Time Lost
Whether you are a writer, or you are traveling another road in life, the time you waste is time you lose. The time you have in this world is less than you think—use it wisely and get busy writing. Now, not next week or next month! A wonderful quote worth remembering: “Every day you waste … read more Time Wasted Is Time Lost
Never Give Up
A long time ago, when I initially set out to be a writer and before I sold my first book to a traditional publisher, I had a drawer full of form rejection slips—more than 100! But I persisted, and eventually landed a multi-book contract that launched my writing career. If you have writing in your … read more Never Give Up
My Books Sold 52 Copies Today!
Amazon sold 52 copies of these two grammar books today, making it the best day I’ve had so far! Thanks to my friends on Twitter and Facebook for supporting me and buying my books. This made my day and made me smile! http://amzn.to/2m1HZ7U http://amzn.to/2lEYAxT
Should Writers Pay for Reviews?
This article in Publishers Weekly discusses the pros and cons of paid reviews and it’s a good read if you have written a book and now you want to promote it. When I say “paid reviews,” by the way, I’m talking about pro (and pricey) review services like Kirkus and Blueink, not $5 reviews on … read more Should Writers Pay for Reviews?