When describing lake water, the words scummy and murky convey very different images, even though they’re synonyms. I had a preconceived notion of the word murky. I believed it portrayed water as dark, cloudy, and difficult to see through. I understood the word scummy to mean water that has a layer of algae on top of it, making it unpleasant to swim in or to… [Read More]
Whether you are starting a new research project or revising the final draft of a book manuscript, there are resources a nonfiction writer will want to keep closer at hand than a dictionary or thesaurus. Some of these references you may already be familiar with, but you may discover one or more here which belong on your desktop for handy reference. You are the subject… [Read More]
If you’re an aspiring author, pursuing a career in the world of words, or just writing an email to your boss later today, chances are your work will need some editing. New to the world of books, I quickly learned the best sentences can become even better by using some great free tools at your disposal. No, I’m not talking about the pamphlets we received… [Read More]
It’s January and the time of year when you need to prepare your taxes or gather the information together to take it to a tax professional. Before January 31 you are required to file 1099-MISC forms for income you paid to independent contractors during the last year. If you paid more than $600 to an individual or a contractor for professional services related to the… [Read More]
The Authors Guild is the nation’s oldest and largest professional organization for writers in the United States, aiding and protecting authors’ interests in copyright, fair contracts, and free expression since 1912. It supports working writers, advocates for author rights, and provides a community for its members. Until recently you needed to be a published author before you met eligibility requirements for membership. This past year the Authors… [Read More]
It’s no secret, I like history. It offers us lessons about the future. You won’t be surprised then to hear this past year I’ve read a lot of books about the years in Europe leading up to WWII. From Richard Halliburton’s world adventures as a swashbuckling celebrity travel writer in American Daredevil by Cathryn Prince to the international search for the incredible artwork of Moshe… [Read More]
ONE Record your mileage of your vehicle on December 31, 2016. If you’ve been keeping a log of your mileage for business trips this year, you will need to know the actual odometer reading for your tax calculations. You’ll need to document your mileage on business separate from the vehicle’s mileage used for personal purposes. TWO Prepare a list of business expenses related to your… [Read More]
During this month of December, I offer a one-time special to writers who seek professional editorial feedback on their work-in-progress. Send me 10 pages of your writing and I’ll do a developmental edit and provide you with a tracked version of your Word document with a one-hour consultation by phone or Skype for the special rate of $150. Why 10 pages? I can diagnose common… [Read More]
A common problem for writers of narrative is overwriting. They work on a piece, edit, add more, read it again, out loud, and add a few more things. Overkill. The writing becomes so writerly it draws attention to itself and gets in the way of the story. The raw authenticity evaporates in the translation to prose. There is enormous pressure on the unpublished writer to… [Read More]
The work of being a writer is never ending. When you’re not writing, you’re reading. When you’re not reading, you can listen! Podcasts are a wonderful way to learn about new books, hear authors talk about their writing practice, learn new skills, improve your writing craft, and gain fresh perspectives on the business of publishing. Here’s a short list of some of my favorite podcasts… [Read More]
