A farewell – and why…

As of today, I will no longer be posting on my blog, my profiles on Facebook and my other social media sites will be shut down, and I am going quiet. 

It’s not because of anything that has happened on any site, nor what anyone has done. It’s a realization I had that I am no long doing what I set out to do.

In a word, write.

When I got caught up in the amazing whirlwind of the writer’s world, it was mesmerizing. So many gracious and welcoming folks, and my efforts to fit in and belong in this world snowballed over the last 18 months, to a degree where I have become a blogger and socialite – but so much less a writer.

So. I’m going back to doing what I meant to do – writing, and becoming better at it.

I want everyone to know that I cherish each and every friendship I’ve made on all sites, and in all groups. My blog remains open, and you are welcome to visit and browse. But I will not be monitoring it, so don’t be disappointed if you receive no answer to comments. 

My heartfelt wishes for your continued success in all you do, and Merry Christmas, one and all…

Thomas

Do You Have “As You Know, Bob…” Syndrome?–How Writers Can Butcher Dialogue & How to Fix It | Kristen Lamb’s Blog

(By Marcy Kennedy, intro by Kristen Lamb)

Writing a stand-out novel involves a lot of individual pieces working together in perfect concert. If there’s no solid plot? Readers get confused, lost or bored. If the plot is great, but the characters are all one-dimensional paper dolls? No one cares. If we butcher grammar, spelling and formatting? It’s a formula for dismal sales or even a long line of one-star reviews from ticked off readers.

Hey, the world may think writing fiction is easy, but we all know differently ;).

One of the best ways to move plot forward with increasing momentum and to create living, breathing characters is by harnessing the power of dialogue. As an editor for twelve years, I can tell you dialogue is one of the single largest components of writing great fiction, and it’s the part that’s most often butchered. The story can be great, the setting, the prose?

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(With thanks to Olga NM) The Real Costs of Self-Publishing a Book | Mediashift | PBS

By Miral Sattar:

At every writers conference or self-publishing panel the question that almost always inevitably comes up is: “How much will self-publishing really cost me?”

Because the book publishing industry is one of the last industries to go digital, it’s going through a quick transition. As a result of this shift, authors no longer need to go through the traditional gatekeepers to publish high-quality books and are instead moving toward self-publishing. Launching a book is like launching a startup. Putting together a quality book involves not just writing it, but getting it edited, then formatted, designing a cover, and having a marketing strategy around it.

Below, I break down the costs of how much professional services will cost you for a high-quality book.

(For the purposes of calculation we’ll assume you have a manuscript that is 70,000 words.)

(Click on the cover to read on)

 

In the Spotlight – Thomas Rydder » Maer Wilson

By Maer Wilson:

It’s always fun when friends stop by to visit and today is no exception. Thomas Rydder is the author of the paranormal novel, The Clearing, and his story collection, Restless Souls: 3 dark fables. He’s fun, generous with his time and has a wicked sense of humor. Thomas is always quick with a word of support and encouragement to his fellow writers. He’s one of the good guys.

(Blush – click on the cover to read on)

 

How To Keep A Writer Entertained And Happy | Rose’s Road

By Rose:

This is just a short list of things you can do to help keep life with your Writer a little more comfortable for the both of you. Whether your Writer is your wife, room-mate, sister, daughter, or strange person who comes over in her sleep to use your computer, using these tips could make things a little easier.

(Disclaimer: Every Writer and situation is different. If you discover that your Writer does not like any one of these tips please discontinue its use and attempt to find a suitable substitute. Also, the Writer is referred to as ‘she’, this is simply because I am a female Writer and have no knowledge of what it is like being a male Writer. Sorry.)

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10 Tips For Creating a Bestselling Series | Writers In The Storm Blog

Writers In The Storm welcomes Eve Paludan. I first met Eve at a Desert Rose RWA meeting in Phoenix, AZ. First impression? A bubbly person who lugs around a very warm heart. She now lives in Los Angeles, CA, where she writes fiction and edits for other bestselling authors. She enjoys reading mysteries, science fiction, and romances, especially paranormal romances, walking on the beach and learning scenic photography.

Be sure to comment! Eve is giving away one of her e-books to one lucky commenter.

(click on the banner to read on)

 

 

NaNoWriMo Dialogues: “I Think I Suck And I’m Not A Real Writer” « terribleminds: chuck wendig (TOO Funny!)

You: I suck.

Me: So, NaNoWriMo is going well, then.

You: It’s making me feel like a shitty writer is what it’s doing.

Me: That’s a shame.

You: No kidding. I think this thing I’m writing is crap.

Me: It probably is.

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Tuesday Talk with Thomas Rydder and his new #mustread #horror collection #ASMSG #Oct – Fantasy Fun with Kirstin…

From Kirstin:

“Today I am happy to introduce you to a friend and his new book. Thomas Rydder is a a one in a million type of guy. Warm, funny, friendly and talented. His website is focused on helping out all writers by passing along industry news, helpful tidbits, personal stories, and other writing promotions. I was thrilled that he hosted me for an interview and information about my new releases.It was with pride that I post and introduce him to you. ”

Click on the cover to read on:

 

Bad Habits for Writers – Highlighting the Problems | This Craft Called Writing (This one is simple, and brilliant – TR)

I was privileged last Saturday to attend the second of Sara Grant’s Revision Workshops hosted by North East SCBWI in York. Much was learnt during Sara’s workshops, too much to detail in one post, but I thought I’d share one insight, which I have found very helpful.

(Click on the image to read on)

Psssst! Hey! You want a list of 52 websites you can list your book on? FREE?

Click on the image to get them!