March 14, 2019
Today’s question is:
How did publishing your first book change your process of writing?
Did you feel more pressure to improve from your last book? Were you writing a series or a standalone?
How did you balance writing with promotion for your last book?
Last week’s conversation: Have you ever changed the ending of a book based off the reaction of editors or beta-readers?
March 7, 2019
Today’s question is:
Have you ever changed the ending of a book based off the reaction of editors or beta-readers?
Comments from last week’s question:
What do you think is the most unethical practice in the writing community? Is it plagiarism, ‘vanity’ publishing companies, copyright violations or something else?
I think plagiarism and copyright violations go hand-in-hand. As an artist who has found my work for sale on pirate websites, I can tell you that it really sucks when someone steals your work. Am I flattered that they find my work worthy of copying? No!
July 6, 2015
I found this interesting and enlightening interview on Alan Rinzler’s blog. There is a wealth of information and insight within this blog, so I suggest you bookmark it..!
The interview is with Toni Morrison, a critically acclaimed author.
Read the interview here:
http://www.alanrinzler.com/blog/2015/03/21/toni-morrison-write-erase-do-it-over/
Toni’s books:
January 19, 2013
Hello All,
I am going to apologise as my blog post today will be late! I am attending a seminar : Digital Tools: A Workshop for Writers & Editors.
So as they say ‘watch this space’…! By the way today’s word is Verdant ; definition ‘green with growing plants’ so feel free to take your own spin on it in my absence.
As I drove to the seminar through a stark white and grey winter scenery I remembered today’s word – verdant. I have come to admire the resourceful Albertans I live among, who manage their harsh weather on these prairies with block heaters for their vehicles, winter tyres (tires!) and covered malls. Life does not stop for minus something stupid temperatures or massive amounts of snow. It is all taken in their stride, as natural as the seasons themselves.
Alberta Legislature (Photo credit: ericzchu)
The first time I saw a Canadian in T-shirt and shorts at only +2 I was totally nonplussed. What were they thinking it was still freezing? However, five years later the +2 does feel warm after minus 35…it’s all a matter of perspective and experience. Once the warmth arrives no matter how slight it is taken advantage of. It may come as a surprise but our summer’s are hot but short in comparison to the long winter months. This is the time Albertans go all out to enjoy it. Every day is spent outside for as long as possible in an extensive range of activities from gardening to sports to hiking to barbequing. Gardens, or yards as they are referred to here, are resplendent in a multitude of colourful flowers, lush lawns and patio furniture of all shapes, colours and types.
Our first spring was a real surprise as it seemed the trees and plants sprouted green shoots overnight and within a few days bare branches and earth were obscured by foliage. Every living thing hurries to enjoy the summer – human, animal or plant.
In short it is a life lesson – make the best of what you have while you have it.
Only have one book out and actually thought the ending might need to be embellished more. However, all 4 Betas found it satisfying…so it stayed. Saved me a ton of revision.
Mandy Eve-Barnett
I only changed one ending because it was thought a cliff hanger to a standalone would not be favored by readers. I added another chapter due to the feedback I received for Life in Slake Patch.
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