I’m not trying to tell you what I know to be true. Far from it. I'm just thinking out loud, trying to figure it out for myself. What better way to figure something out than to think about it, and if I’m going to bother thinking about it, why not write down my thoughts just … Continue reading What Makes a Bestselling Novel? | Pointless Rambling Vol. 486
Tag: novel
The Right Idea and Its Perfect Execution
WHAT IS the secret to writing a successful book? Well, first we have to define successful. For the sake of this discussion, let’s say it’s a book that gets you an agent, a major publishing contract, remarkable sales, and ultimately a lifelong career as an author. Is there a formula for success in the publishing … Continue reading The Right Idea and Its Perfect Execution
Gratitude
I promise I will start a series of writing tip posts soon but, reflecting on this weekend, I wanted to talk about gratitude. This past Saturday, I was a part of the Take 190 Book and Art Festival in Killeen, Texas. It was such a wonderful experience. I arrived early and sipped on a latte … Continue reading Gratitude
Show, Don’t Tell
This is the ultimate phrase, isn’t it? I remember hearing it over and over in grade school; I remember seeing it scrawled in red pen throughout my college papers. Why is this so hard, and what can we do to improve upon it? This topic was actually requested by a Twitter friend. I promise to … Continue reading Show, Don’t Tell
Rest Your Head in My Lap For a While
Come, rest your head in my lap for a while. Tell me of your tiresome journeys and of your fearsome foes; tell me of a time long past, tell me of your woes. Tell me of the countless battles, the wars waged in your day, tell me of the wondrous happenings surprising you along the … Continue reading Rest Your Head in My Lap For a While
Improve Your Craft
No, I'm not talking about the movie, The Craft, I’m talking about your writing, and I promise today isn’t a ramble. There's real advice in here, so saddle up and hang on. One thing you can do to improve your writing is lots of reading. Read inside of your genre, read outside of your genre … Continue reading Improve Your Craft
How Do I Write Like a Writer?
This, of course, is the million dollar question. How do I write? How do I write well? How do I write like a real writer? I am going to do my best to explain how to become a real writer over these next few paragraphs, though I am afraid it won't be exactly as you … Continue reading How Do I Write Like a Writer?
The Heart of the Matter
Why do we write? That is a very open ended question with answers that are unique to each individual. Some write to tell the story, some to evoke a response, some to pass the time, and of course, there is always the lingering thought, “One day I could be rich and famous.” But really, why … Continue reading The Heart of the Matter
“Can You Relate?” Asked the Writer
I DON'T really know where to begin if I'm to summarize my life. My life is not particularly noteworthy. There are moments of horror and moments of elation. A chronological tale makes sense, but there are really only a handful of events and pointed moments that qualify as interesting. The rest is a void of … Continue reading “Can You Relate?” Asked the Writer
