After three months of doing everything we've been putting off for the last four years, Kara and I finally wrapped on home improvements, and got the house on the market.
Scariest. $%&^. Ever.
Read MoreAfter three months of doing everything we've been putting off for the last four years, Kara and I finally wrapped on home improvements, and got the house on the market.
Scariest. $%&^. Ever.
Read MoreWhen it comes to writing a book, there are essentially two types of authors.
The first is the plotter—the person who starts with a bullet list or a story treatment or story beats, and follows that plan from beginning to end. These authors can be meticulous and exacting, or they can use a more "loosely outlined" approach.
The second type, and the category I most often fall into, is the pantser. Yeah ... irony.
Read MoreGet in on the training that redefines training! Go to tumthack.com/anticourse RIGHT NOW.
If you've ever wanted to write a book but didn't know where to start ...
Or if you've written a book, but can't figure out how to publish it ...
Or if you've published, but need a push to figure out the marketing ...
DO NOT TAKE A COURSE.
Instead ... take the Anticourse!
Read MoreI've been blessed with a pretty cool gift. It's kind of amazing, when I think back on it, how not only my whole career but my whole life has been shaped by this thing I do—this super power I have.
I'm telepathic.
Read MoreBuilding an authority business is a pretty brave decision. Mostly because you're proclaiming to the world that you are, in fact, an authority on a given topic. You're an expert, and your expertise has value. That's a bold statement to make.
Here's how you back it up.
Read More"What do you do?"
It was maybe the 20th time I'd been asked that question since walking into the Global Writes Partner Summit. My good friend and fellow author, JoAnn Takasaki, had pulled together all of her vendors and partners and contractors so we could all meet and greet in one place. I had about fifty things booked for that same time on the same day, and almost didn't go. Now I'm ecstatic that I did.
Read More'm a big fan of anyone who takes charge of their own dreams and makes them into a reality. And no one does that better than the indie author. I'm proud to be a part of this community, because the whole industry is filled with helpful, supportive, brilliant people who are out to accomplish their dreams, no matter what. They're self aware, generous, responsive, innovative thinkers who take responsibility for their own path in life. What's not to love?
This week I'm putting a spotlight on one indie author in particular, my new friend K.C. O'Neill. She's recently released her book, "Just Parker," now available on Amazon. Put it on your Kindle and give it a read. But before that, get an inside peek into its development and promotion, and the author behind it.
Read MoreQ: “I want to be an author when I grow up. Am I insane?”
Neil Gaiman: “Yes. Growing up is highly overrated. Just be an author.”
[source: https://greenbaywriters.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/neil-gaiman-quote.jpg]
Read MoreHere's irony for you—I spent a huge chunk of my life writing for a living until I could figure out what I wanted to do for a living.
I kept trying out new careers and new industries, taking new jobs and building new businesses, and all the while doing anything but considering writing as my career.
What makes it worse is that all the while, I was saying things like, "I wish I could win the lottery or get a job or build a business that gives me the time to just write full time." I kept putting off actually writing, waiting for "some day" to come, so that I could finally start writing.
What a profound disrespect for the skill that has served me so well, all of my life.
Read MoreIn early November I had a dream that led to an idea, which eventually led to me starting a new book. This was something completely outside of either Citadel or Sawyer Jackson—a new, independent story that could stand on its own or become a series in its own right. I titled the story “Evergreen.”
Read MoreThis morning I decided to start going through my old journals, stretching all the way back to 1989—my first "official" journal. I have an old "Diary" that was sort of a guided writing book. But my earliest, honest-to-God journal started in a black and red records book.
Read MoreIf it's important, it gets done. But how do you decide what's important? Planning and scheduling have traditionally driven me into anxiety-fueled hysterics, but it doesn't have to be that way. Scheduling things is a way to prioritize what you need to accomplish, and help you focus on getting the important stuff done. And there's a tool that might help with that.
Get the 2015 Productivity Planner today!
Read MoreAnyone who knows me, knows I'm a talker. So it shouldn't be any shock to learn that I have a weekly podcast called The Wordslinger Podcast. And I want you to tune in!
Read MoreUpdates galore!
Read MoreI'm stupid excited about this one. I just posted the very first Wordslinger Podcast!
I've worked on this one for a while now, and it's been fun pulling it together. Every week I plan to feature a new story. In fact, story is the point! I'm looking at all aspects of story in our culture, in business, in indie publishing, and anywhere else I can find it. So I hope you dig it. Be sure to subscribe, and come back every week to fill your brain with the sweet, sweet tones of a man in a closet.
Studio.
I really should put both those words on the same line.
Read MoreThis week, I had the privilege of swapping interviews with one of my fellow Unboxers, author Stacy Claflin (you can read my interview here). Stacy discusses her work in YA paranormal romance (aren't all YA romances paranormal?), and talks about some of her upcoming projects including her Gone series.
Read MoreSo last night I was hanging out with John Scalzi ...
Ok, hanging out might be a little strong. I was at his first stop on a book signing tour for for Lock In. So there was much reading, and much signing, and everyone rejoiced.
Read MoreClick through to check out my new Pinterest board, and be sure to share it with your friends!
Read MoreAnother episode is up and ready for your viewing pleasure! You can watch it below.
Before that, I thought I'd muse a bit on what it means to have a workflow as an author. If you're an indie publisher, I think you'll vibe to this. If you're a reader, think of it as a sneak peek into how the magic happens!
Read MoreI am stupid excited to announce that Sawyer Jackson & the Long Land will be available as an ebook on July 1, 2014!
Read More