Writing About Writing: What Sprinters Can Learn From Plodders

Wow. Three weeks have passed since my last post. Where did the time go?

It has been too easy to push my book writing project to one side. After the initial buzz I got from sharing my outline wore off, I turned my attention elsewhere. I thought, I’ve got lots of time, and lots of other things calling out for my attention. There is urgent client work to complete, special projects to push forward on (Paris and I are creating an online course in how to build your author platfo... keep reading


Writing About Writing: Follow My Progress As I Write My Book

Last week I announced to the world that I am writing a book about writing a book, and promised to share my progress with anyone who cares to follow along. This post is my very first progress report! (Cue the tiny marching band! I believe in celebrating early and often.)

I’m doing this for two reasons. First, I want to share my experience as a first time author in the hope that it will encourage others to dive into their own... keep reading


Writing About Writing: Announcing My Forthcoming Book

I have an announcement to make.

I am writing a book. I’m writing a book about writing a book. (To which Paris, our marketing and communications coordinator, said: “That’s so meta…”)

This should be a cinch for me. I have been an editor for nearly twenty years, over which time I have worked with hundreds of writers. Most of them were professional journalists or feature writers, but in recent years in my role as publisher at LifeTree Media, I have worked almost exclusively with first-time authors.

Every day I  support people in writing... keep reading


How to turn fear into fuel for your writing

Writing is scary. It means exposure – putting ourselves out there to be judged, criticized, mocked, ignored, enjoyed, learned from and admired. And it’s not only what we have to say that makes us anxious; we also worry about how we say it. We are afraid that our ideas aren’t original enough. That someone else has already done it better. That our style is bland. That our jokes are lame. Really, there is so much to fear about writing, it’s practically a miracle that anyone has ever managed to publish anything.

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Twitter tips for non-fiction authors

Social media is a fantastic way for non-fiction authors to reach their readers, receive feedback, and spread the word about their books. In fact, these days it’s imperative. But it can feel overwhelming and forced if it’s not a natural part of your life, or if you’re uncomfortably aware that you’re there to promote yourself. Social networks that run 24/7 and the sheer amount of information available can make it seem impossible to get your voice heard and make authentic connections. However, with a few tricks from the pros, you too can make your social media networks ... keep reading


Six things a good editor can do for you, and three things they can’t

Red Pen by Jenny Kaczorowski

A professional editor can do wonders for a piece of writing – but they aren’t miracle workers. While all editors have different areas of specialism and their skill sets vary, most editors worth their salt should be able to help you with the following six tasks. If on the other hand you’re hoping for help with items on the second list, you might have to ... keep reading


Traditional vs. self-publishing – and an alternative to both

Last week, my favourite book industry blogger Jane Friedman posted an update to her popular infographic breaking down the major routes to publishing. It is shared with permission here, but you might also want to check out her original post at janefriedman.com.

She names those four routes as traditional publishing, fully assisted ... keep reading


How to get media coverage for your non-fiction book

So you’ve written a marvellous book. Maybe you’ve self-published it; maybe you’ve got a publisher. Either way, the efforts that you as its author make to promote it are critical to its success.

When I was Arts and Life editor at the Vancouver Sun newspaper, I received countless pitches for coverage from book publicists. Most, I ignored. Some leapt out immediately as must-do stories, usually because of the popularity of the author, or the timeliness or local relevance of the subject... keep reading


Best places to write

If you’re having difficulty applying your bum to the chair and sitting still long enough to get the words flowing, the problem might lie in the location of that chair.

Some places lend themselves especially well to productive writing sessions (and no, we’re not talking about Cuba or Paris.) Many writers find that they work better in certain settings than in others. Are you a creature of habit? Easily distracted? Whatever your temperament, there’s an ideal writing place for you, and it might not be the one you’re using now.

Go beyond the kitchen table an... keep reading