Would anyone like to review my crime thriller, THE OTHER? This should be the cry of every author. The life sustenance of a writer is arguably reviews...good ones, that is. In the final analysis the author needs folks to read his/her book and then comment on it, pass it along, or in some way help it … Continue reading Reviews, Anyone?
Thoughts on Writing
The Complexity of Domains
As one who has recently tried to switch a domain from one registrar to another, I'm astounded at the intricacy of this simple sounding process. When I purchased my domain, I believed that as long as I paid the annual fee the domain was mine to have and to hold and to move about as … Continue reading The Complexity of Domains
Where Do Characters Come From?
It's always interesting to consider the origins of characters in books. What part of the author appears in each one? Does any one particular character represent the author more than another? Or are characters simply what they seem - pure fictional creations? I've looked back over my own work with curiosity regarding this question. Clearly, … Continue reading Where Do Characters Come From?
Do You Know Your Market?
For those of us who got into this business because we want to write, marketing is a huge unwelcome distraction. It presents conflict, and not just because of the time it consumes. There are other, more disconcerting conflicts as well. For instance, market expectations. I was recently told by an agent/publisher that my new novel is … Continue reading Do You Know Your Market?
Where Have All The Readers Gone?
Ever notice that there's no category for "readers" in Twitter? You can find writers in abundance. I suspect it is because virtually any topic can be associated with readers. As an author, if you want to reach readers you need to go where they hang out. Virtually, that would be places like libraryThing, Shelfari, and … Continue reading Where Have All The Readers Gone?
Speaking Out
In discussions about marketing your book the experts always mention Author Talks. Presentations of this type appeal to me because they are real; that is, I am in direct contact with the people I hope will read my book.Not only might the audience be persuaded during my talk, but there are the inevitable questions and … Continue reading Speaking Out
On Line? Or In Person?
I have found that the world can be broken down into two kinds of people; those who are comfortable socializing in person and those who are more inclined to do so on-line. When it comes to marketing books, this is an important distinction. Even if you are able to devote full-time to book marketing, it … Continue reading On Line? Or In Person?
Does Twitter help?
Recently I've become somewhat disillusioned with Twitter, at least in terms of my intended use of it, which is to sell books. I've read other blogs in which the authors suggest that Twitter does nothing for sales at all. My immediate thought is that one's results must depend upon what how one uses it and … Continue reading Does Twitter help?
A Writer’s Ego: Necessary Evil?
I've recently returned from attending the Santa Barbara Writers Conference. A topic that arose frequently was that of writers' ego. It usually came up in discussions about the sublimation of ego to editing. It is a necessary evil, true enough. At least to a degree. But a writer must have ego. When a writer sets words on … Continue reading A Writer’s Ego: Necessary Evil?
Does Non-Fiction Sell Best?
This, to me, is a really interesting question. I had always thought the reverse to be true; in fact, I held back my non-fiction project until my first two mystery thrillers could be published. My reasoning? That the crime fiction will sell faster and maybe even help establish a platform for my non-fiction book. Hmmm. … Continue reading Does Non-Fiction Sell Best?
R Lawson Gamble 