Category Archives: Writing Advice

10 Winning Marketing Strategies for Your Self-Published Book

  Some time ago, I published a piece telling aspiring authors “Ten Reasons You Should Skip Traditional Publishers and Self-Publish Ebooks Instead.” Yet despite the clear advantages of “indie” over “traditional” publishing, the prospect of “DIY” publishing still scares the … Continue reading

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Hugh Howey: Profile in Courage and Individualism

Here is an inspiring story of one man’s courage to stick by his guns against an entrenched establishment and decades of stale traditions; to refuse sell his soul and his long-term rational self-interest, even for over a million bucks; and … Continue reading

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The Unrealistic Expectations of Writers

  The occasional story of breakout success by a first-time author (e.g., moi) often engenders fantasies of instant bestsellerdom among aspiring authors. Each thinks that his pathway to the top of the NYT list will be assured by his first … Continue reading

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My Latest Personal Interview

I’ve just been interviewed by Denise Wy in her blog “Successilism,” devoted to publishing success stories from people in different walks of life. It is probably the longest, and undoubtedly the most probing and personal, interview I’ve yet conducted with … Continue reading

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Interview with Suspense Author Allan Leverone

  Allan Leverone is a 2012 Derringer Award winner for excellence in short mystery fiction and the author of four novels. These include the Amazon Top 25 overall bestseller THE LONELY MILE  (StoneHouse Ink), as well as the thriller FINAL … Continue reading

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Are We “Homo Narrans”?

                  Are we humans Homo sapiens — or Homo narrans? I’ve written elsewhere about the under-appreciated power of stories or “Narratives” in our lives — especially in political and social persuasion. Now, … Continue reading

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Interview with Thriller Author J. Carson Black

  J. Carson Black is the author of three short stories and thirteen novels, including the critically acclaimed Laura Cardinal series, recently optioned by Winkler Films/Sony Television. Since April of 2011, her books have sold over 300,000 copies. Her first … Continue reading

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Interview with Suspense Author Joe Badal

  Joseph Badal has worked for thirty-eight years in the banking and financial services industries. He is currently President of Joseph Badal & Associates, Inc., a consulting firm. Prior to his finance career, Joe served as a commissioned officer in … Continue reading

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Interviews with Indies: Jennifer Chase — Criminal Profiler, Crime-Thriller Author

  Thriller writers are some of the most interesting people in the world. And Jennifer Chase is certainly one of the more interesting thriller writers I’ve encountered. Jennifer is a multiple-award-winning author, freelance writer, and a criminologist. She has written and … Continue reading

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How to Succeed As a Self-Published Author

  I’ve been getting a lot of email from writers who want to know “how I did it.” By “it” they mean: How did I manage to write and publish a debut novel that, without backing by a traditional publisher … Continue reading

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