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Books

No Tricks All Treats – Halloween Around the World
 No Tricks All Treats – Halloween Around the World 1024 576 Reader Views
Today, I want to be frivolous since it’s my favorite holiday – Halloween.  What’s not to like? Children and adults assume any personality, animal, object, character, or whim of their imagination by donning a mask or an entire costume, and everyone can get a massive sugar fix. read more
Diversity in Children’s Books
 Diversity in Children’s Books 1024 576 Reader Views
As I often mention, I am a strong proponent of diverse, inclusive books that act as mirrors and windows for children. So, I naturally gravitate to diverse books where I can learn about people with customs and life experiences that differ from mine. Unfortunately, however, it seems many children’s books with diverse characters focus mainly on the struggles caused by their diversity. read more
Reading to Become an Author
 Reading to Become an Author 1024 576 Reader Views
When I started working with Indie Authors twelve years ago, I had the surprise of my life when I learned many of them do not read regularly! I still do not understand how that is possible because my love for books developed as a reader since I was a child. I began writing in a diary when I was a pre-teen but really started experimenting with words, writing poetry and essays during my twenties. Although I did a lot of technical writing after college, it wasn’t until my mid-30s that I began writing articles and short stories for different publications. Throughout my life, I never stopped reading. Many of the books I read inspired me to write and even taught me the skills to write for publication. read more
Book Season is Here
 Book Season is Here 1024 576 Reader Views
Yes, book season is here! If you’re like me, as a reader you are getting ready for fall and new books! But as an indie author, that excitement is about getting busy as “book season” means the promotional season begins. read more
On Toni Morrison, Reviewers, and Other Sad Tales
 On Toni Morrison, Reviewers, and Other Sad Tales 1024 576 Reader Views
Carolyn Howard Johnson weighs in on Toni Morrison, Review Publication Outlets, Book Banning and Self-Publishing bias in this must-read article. read more
“True Publishing Includes Marketing… or How I Developed My Book Marketing World View
 “True Publishing Includes Marketing… or How I Developed My Book Marketing World View 1024 576 Reader Views
I have come to believe there is a right way to publish for every author and every project—not necessarily one right way—and that “right way” may vary from author to author and from project to project. The trick is to know as much about the publishing industry as possible before moving ahead on the path you choose for any given book and any given author’s personality. read more
Can Indies Secure Prime Table Placements at Bookstores?
 Can Indies Secure Prime Table Placements at Bookstores? 1024 576 Reader Views
For indies, it is hard enough to convince a bookstore to take your book on consignment. Could it even be possible to get a good table placement for your book? read more
Writing desk with author essentials
The Power of Great Opening Lines
 The Power of Great Opening Lines 1024 576 Reader Views
In this high speed world where we want everything now, the opening lines of your book are more important than ever. Today, Dr. Randy Overbeck shares his thoughts on crafting opening sentences to make the reader want more… read more
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. read more
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. read more