Category: Uncategorized

Making the Leap from Historical Author to Mystery Author

Uncategorized, Writing Tips

by Heather Day Gilbert, @heatherdgilbert mw-fb-small

Many people wonder why my second book is a contemporary Appalachian mystery (Miranda Warning), when my debut novel was a Viking historical (God’s Daughter). Although both books are starts to a series, (A Murder in the Mountains and Vikings of the New World Saga, respectively), I realize there is quite a disparity between the two genres.

When I decided to publish my mystery before the second Viking novel, it flew in the face of the advice of many successful indie authors. You’re supposed to pick a genre and stick with it long enough to build a following for that series. My Viking historical was doing well and I knew readers were anxious for book two in that series.Continue reading

Resources for Writers—Industry News

Uncategorized

By Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraigOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

I’ll be the first to admit that reading industry news can be…stressful.  I’m one of those people who avoids confrontation at all costs, so I rarely weigh in, although I follow trends and news very closely.  I form opinions and those opinions evolve as circumstances evolve.

But it’s vital that we keep abreast of developments. News stories help us make smart decisions with our career paths and contracts.  So I thought I’d provide some reputable sources here for news and information.  Some of these sites frequently display bias toward self-published/indie authors and some are most-often biased toward traditional publishers.  I read them all.  I remember studying abroad in London during college and being told I should read The Times, The Independent, and The Guardian to get a balanced view of my own.  So I’m following in that tradition.Continue reading

Tips for Pulling Off a Reading

Promo Tips, Uncategorized

By Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraigelizabeth (2)_thumb[21]

First off, I have an increasingly rare public appearance to announce.  Saturday—tomorrow, actually—I’m going to be on a panel of mystery writers at 2:30 p.m. at the West Regional Library in Cary, North Carolina.  It’s my understanding that we’ll be discussing mystery subgenres, how living in this (Southern US) region has affected our writing, and industry changes and the rise of self-publishing.

In addition, there’s a reading.  :)  Those who have read my blog for a while know that I’m not fond of giving readings. The last one I gave is pictured above…I was at a 2011 event with Avery Aames, pen name for Daryl Wood Gerber  (I was appearing as Riley Adams). And–Daryl is a former actress who has co-starred on such shows as “Murder, She Wrote.”  So…yeah. I didn’t sound so hot compared to Daryl.

At least tomorrow I’m on a panel, so I won’t be the only one reading.  And, even more fortunately, I’ve recently reacquainted myself with a helpful post on successful readings.  It was a guest post writer Jennifer Nielson wrote for Shrinking Violet Promotions several years ago, entitled “The Rules of Readings.”Continue reading

Embracing the Digital Revolution

Business of Writing, Uncategorized

By Kristi Belcamino, @hiresBADcover

Writers dream of the day when they walk into a bookstore, see a book they wrote on the shelf, and then hold that book in their own two hands!

But what if a debut author is offered a digital-only book deal? Even if it is with one of the Big Five? No print book. What then? What does she do about that offer?

Well, she takes it!

At least I did.

I was beside myself, thrilled that an editor at one of the “big houses” liked my book. loved it even. At the same time, I had to let go of my dreams— holding my book in my hands, signing a physical book, and going cross-country on a grassroots book tour.Continue reading

Reassessing Goals at Mid-Year

Motivation and the Writing Life, Uncategorized

by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraigfile000786402730

I dislike resolutions, but I do like setting goals.  I know that June isn’t the popular month for setting goals that January is, but it’s a great time to do a mid-year checkup on our goals.

If we’re not where we want to be, my advice is to scrap the January goals completely and start fresh. Feeling forced to play catch-up is really unpleasant.Continue reading

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