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Your Best Writing May Not Be What You Think
 Your Best Writing May Not Be What You Think 1024 576 Reader Views

One of the biggest writing problems I see among people in my mentoring program, and others who hire me to improve their writing, is that they’re afraid to write like they talk. Perhaps they fear “wordiness,” but sometimes writing like you talk is less wordy.

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THE CRAFT OF WRITING – 28 Reading Recommendations for your Author Toolkit
 THE CRAFT OF WRITING – 28 Reading Recommendations for your Author Toolkit 1024 576 Reader Views

Susan and I recently attended the 2022 Agents & Editors Conference hosted by the Writer’s League of Texas. It was a full weekend packed with info. Today we’re focusing on some books that were recommended on the craft of writing.

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Make Banned Books Part of Your Summer Reading
 Make Banned Books Part of Your Summer Reading 1024 576 Reader Views

I am a staunch advocate for diverse and inclusive books. These books are mirrors for kids to see themselves and know that they are not alone, and windows to let kids see and learn about others. But unfortunately, these books are the ones that are being targeted for removal from school library bookshelves at an alarming rate.

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Short Stories as Promotion?
 Short Stories as Promotion? 1024 576 Reader Views

Short Stories as Promotion: Valerie Allen Provides Case Study for Promoting Creative Writing

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Traditional or Self-Publishing: Which Path is Right for You?
 Traditional or Self-Publishing: Which Path is Right for You? 1024 576 Reader Views

I came across a social media post the other day that really pushed some buttons because I see variations of it so often and it’s so self-defeating. The post was on Facebook in one of the writers’ groups I frequent, from an author who was giving up on trying to break into the traditional publishing world.

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Are You Making the Most of Your Author Central Account on Amazon?
 Are You Making the Most of Your Author Central Account on Amazon? 1024 576 Reader Views

If you list your book on Amazon, you MUST have an Author Central account. If you’re unfamiliar with the service, take the time to get informed, discover all the valuable things you can add to your page and take advantage of the benefits. If you already have an Author Central be sure to keep it current!

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Keep Your Sensitivity In Check to Help Promote Your Book
 Keep Your Sensitivity In Check to Help Promote Your Book 1024 576 Reader Views

Writers sometimes get a bad rap for being eccentric and lacking a social filter. This comes as no surprise if we take into account the amount of time writers spend inside their heads and in front of their computers, isolated within their own little worlds.

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Building Your Platform through Guest Writing
 Building Your Platform through Guest Writing 1024 576 Reader Views

he editorial section of our newsletter is open to guest writers with the goal of sharing your knowledge and building your platform. If you have tips you’d like to share with your fellow authors, bloggers and/or readers, we’d love to feature your work. Not only will you be imparting your wisdom with your peers, but you’ll also have the opportunity to promote your book/website in the process.

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Writing the Perfect Character
 Writing the Perfect Character 1024 576 Reader Views

Every future generation will know Harry Potter the moment his name is spoken. Of course, when you write a character who ends up with his own Universal theme park, that isn’t a shock. But that young man, his friends, and his magical universe came from the mind of J.K. Rowling. Out of the blue, she arrived on the scene and brought with her pages filled with characters and locations that became one of, if not the, most popular series of all time. Now, can other authors write something of that magnitude that becomes that popular? Actually, yes. Is it difficult? You bet it is!

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Avoiding Agent Scams, New and Old
 Avoiding Agent Scams, New and Old 1024 576 Reader Views

I recently heard about a new kink in the old upfront-fee scam that less-than-ethical agents tend to use. I thought authors were getting wise to such things, but this scam and similar ones are getting worse if only because of they are finding new twists on old cons.

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