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Publish

To Publish or Not to Publish: This isn’t the Question

To publish or not to publish: This isn’t the question Serious writers are not asking whether to publish or not to publish. If a person writes, it is fair to assume they want their work in the marketplace. Therefore, the real debate centers on whether writers should choose self-publishing, follow a traditional path, or opt for a hybrid solution. Conversation and opinion abound in this debate, giving writers every reason to weigh their options thoroughly. Self-publishing path On this path the author might decide to start and operate an independent press or imprint. In essence the writer becomes their own publishing house using their personal name or by creating a formal business name. Writers cover the entire cost of bringing the book to market and assume the responsibility of getting the job done. Not that a writer couldn’t hire professionals such as editors, book cover designers, and others along the…

Write

Where, Oh Where, Are All The Story Inspirations

MJP Editor July 16

“Where, oh where, are all the story inspirations? Some say, story inspirations are only as far away as your imagination. However, it is not uncommon for the creative mind to need a little boost now and then. Here are a few ways to get, and keep, the creativity flowing and find the story inspiration for your writing projects. Images Images are an excellent source of inspiration. Study the setting and create a narrative about the people and events in the photo. Imagine what people are saying to each other or what they might be thinking. Determine the mood and the emotions conveyed by the image. Write one or two sentences using words that match the emotions in the picture. Conversations Conversations are an excellent way to gather ideas, phrases, or even stories that spark the imagination. Now, be careful not to eavesdrop on discussions that people are having. However, it…

Write

Make Good on Your Ideas

MJP Editor April 14

Make good on your ideas. The first four words in the previous sentence often relate to fulfilling your word or promise. But, what if we applied those same words to the many ideas that writers come up with? It would sound exactly like the title of this post, “Make good on your ideas.” Thomas Edison said, “Genius is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration.” If we applied this to writers the ratio would be 1% ideas and 99% perspiration. Whether it is inventive genius or an idea for a book; there is little doubt that it takes hard work to bring either of them to fulfillment. What’s so hard about writing? The act of writing itself may not actually be the hardest part. However, getting past the internal gatekeeper, time wasters, and personal obligations that interfere with writing can be hard. Sitting in the chair and completing the word count for…

Write

5 Rules for Writers

MJP Editor April 1 5 rules for writers how to find time to write keep writing make time to write writing

5 rules for writers These five rules for writers may seem simple, however, in order for writers to master them takes effort, fortitude, and discipline. Make time to write A simple search on the Internet on “how to make time to write,” results in an abundance of ideas on ways to do this. The majority of it is great advice for writers who face time challenges. For example, Joanna Penn has a recent article1 on her website and on her YouTube2 channel about this very subject. In her article Joanna asks’ “What are you going to give up in order to make time to write?” It’s a fact, that writer’s make sacrifices in their day-to-day schedule to write. They choose to convert time spent watching TV, golfing, commuting, sleeping, socializing, web surfing, and other activities into writing time. However, the real key is not only to make the time to…

Resources

Stephen King On Writing Still Best Out There

MJP Editor January 27 about writing writing writing tips

On Writing by Stephen King is one of the best out there! He may “put his pants on one leg at at time like everyone else,” but let’s face it… he is a hero to novice and experienced writers alike. The 10th anniversary edition of his book is part memoir and part King’s philosophy on what writing is, how he does it, and a small dose of old fashioned common sense. King just says it in an entertaining way On Writing provides a small glimpse into Stephen King’s writing life and tells how he got his start. It contains writing tips such as: reading makes a good writer, writing is about mastering vocabulary and grammar, consider what ifs, get the story written first. (Then handle rewrites after.) Much of this has been said in other books; King just says it in an entertaining way. Some have read it multiple times…