I was thrilled to discuss life story and memoir writing, and an upcoming event at a meeting of the Coastal Dunes branch of the California Writers Club, with Dave Congalton of “Hometown Radio.” Photo of Dave and producer Craig Hill from KVEC’s website
Read MoreNew book release: What began as a packet of information for my publishing clients turned into a 168-page booklet! Your Publishing Path is for any author searching for information on publishing options, the steps of self-publishing, and practical tips for completing some of publishing’s more technical tasks.
Read More“Congratulations, your book is . . .”
The remainder of the email blurred, its words smearing together. The publisher was congratulating me, or rather trying to congratulate me, on the release of my latest novel, Ida’s Secrets, a 442-page historical tome about my mother’s life, her tragedies and triumphs.
But a gut punch doubled me over in my chair. I exhaled hard and refocused on the letters crawling across the screen. I attempted to shake away the feeling in my stomach. It persisted. Within seconds, a sensation of energy rose through my chest and finally settled at the base of my throat.
Read MoreQ: I wrote a biography about my mother’s life. After reading it, a couple of people mentioned that certain sections of the book were difficult to read. The book does address topics like trauma and suicide because those were realities in my mother’s life. What do you think about content that could trigger some readers? Should there be some type of warning?
Read MoreI’m currently wrapping up the spring semester of my life story writing classes. Thanks to a student request, for the past fifteen weeks I’ve been giving my students weekly tips for crafting more interesting and elegant sentences. Here’s the final list.
Read MoreWhile authors may get themselves through the publishing process just fine, many of us lose steam and confidence as soon as our books are published. We’re no longer working with the writing groups, editors, designers, and publishing assistants whose help and encouragement kept us motivated and on task. Now, it’s just us, our books, and the launch we were too busy with book creation to have planned or even considered. This post about planning the perfect book launch event is for authors on all publication pathways.
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Q: What’s the best way to use journal entries in a memoir? Should I quote myself as I would a passage from a book?
A: I believe journals and diaries are goldmines for memoirists and life story writers for two main reasons . . .
Read MoreQ: I’ve written the first draft of my memoir. My sister and I have been estranged for years. I know I have the right to tell my story, and yet I don’t feel good about using her real name without her permission. Do you have any ideas for how to approach her about it?
Read MoreA manuscript evaluation is a roadmap to a book’s future. It can sometimes replace a developmental edit, and it provides the author constructive critique on every element of their book, including (as needed) structure, tone, consistency, voice, flow, titles, permissions, and sensitive topics. It also answers the author’s specific questions. I include publishing advice in my manuscript evaluations for authors who want it.
Read MoreIf you could give a first-time author who’s midway through a book manuscript one piece of advice, what would it be?
Stay connected to the heart of your story, especially during the rough patches. There will be moments of doubt, but if the story feels meaningful to you, trust that there’s a reason you’re writing it.
Read MoreI’m excited to be expanding my class offerings to serve memoir and narrative nonfiction writers looking to give and receive true critique. In addition, I’ll be holding mentorship office hours on Saturdays for authors looking for guidance in all areas of book production and publishing.
Read MoreA book release announcement for How to Begin Writing Your Life Stories: Putting Memories on the Page, and twelve invaluable tips for authors interested in self-publishing.
Read MoreYour story has value. If it didn’t, you’d be able to let it go easily. It wouldn’t call to you from inside your dreams. It wouldn’t follow you on your walks. Its fragments wouldn’t bully their way onto scraps of paper around your house . . .
Read MoreSelf-publishing carried a stigma back in 2008 when the traditional New York publishing house W. W. Norton published my first book, Gumbo Tales: Finding My Place at the New Orleans Table. What a difference sixteen years, and a whole lot of technology, made in the publishing world. In the current market, anyone with a story to tell and access to a computer and a bank account can publish a book and find an audience. Authors like me come to self-publishing for many reasons. In her (self-published) workbook, The Publishing Workbook for Independent Authors: Your Step-By-Step Guide to Professional Book Design, Production, and Distribution, self-publishing guru Carla King lists six possible reasons for self-publishing, and all of them resonate with me.
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