Conversational Reading spotted that faux-trailer for a soap opera about stuffy academics. Check out the comments section, it's hilarious to see how many people want to see this show for real.
Finally, for all the aspiring novelists out there, Guide to Literary Agents has ten tips that will clean up your pitch letters. Here's a highlight, some clean, clear advice:
"Single-space your query letter, and keep it to one page. Double-space your manuscript and synopsis ... If you lack a good opening for your query letter, just give the facts. A simple yet effective opening line would be, 'I am seeking literary representation for my 75,000-word completed thriller, titled Dead Cat Bounce.'"
Do you want to read books with movies built into the story? Literary blogger Sarah Weinman unpacked a Variety story about how CSI creator Anthony Zuiker just landed an expensive book deal with Dutton, as the article explains, to create...Continue Reading
Unhappy with your life? Write a new one!Over at the Poet's Market blog, they have a fake author biography contest running until September. Check it out: "since we just recently released the 2009 Poet's Market, I can offer that up...Continue Reading
Ever wonder who writes all those novels based on movies or television shows?At the L.A. Times this weekend, Tod Goldberg wrote an ode to the fine art of tie-in writing. Check it out: "My brother had long regaled me with...Continue Reading
Can you finish that tagline? Why not let a computer do it for you?The excellent Script Reader blogger this essay about the awful glut of science fiction scripts they read on a regular basis. Inspired by the mediocrity, one reader...Continue Reading
Sooooooooo. I'm swamped with work at The Day Job this week, so I'm going to leave you with some educational and edifying weekend reading. The Write To Done website is inviting practicing writers to actually interact with commenters in a...Continue Reading
What music do you listen to when you write?Like I said yesterday, I'm guest-blogging over at the music site Gimme Tinnitus, and I'd love to include some of your favorite songs. Drop me a line about your favorite writing music....Continue Reading
I've been guest blogging at my buddy Bob's music blog (Gimme Tinnitus) all week. So, I've got writing and music on the brain. Here's a taste...Have you ever read John Berryman's poetry? Half of the indie rock songwriters in the...Continue Reading
That's a video of thriller novelist Jason Pinter reading from his new book, The Stolen. Pinter has three suspenseful novels under his belt, following the hardboiled adventures his fictional journalist, Henry Parker. Today, for the conclusion of his exclusive visit...Continue Reading
That’s a video of crime novelist Jason Pinter describing how he built his third novel, The Stolen, from the ground up. It’s so important for aspiring writers to hear these stories, to remember that novels don’t magically appear out...Continue Reading
"As I lie in bed with Amanda, ignoring another late-night call from my ex, a shot rings out in the New York night and a beautiful starlet dies outside the city’s most popular nightclub. This is the kind of story...Continue Reading
"[T]he novel becomes an intrigue-generating machine, marching us steadily uphill towards the elusive narrative summit at which, though we cannot see it, we sense that all will be revealed. Alas, we reach the summit, and discover that the breathtaking view...Continue Reading
"Six months ago, a killer began terrorizing the city by publicly executing those he felt deserved his wrath. I was able to weave together the strands of his mysterious past and learned the horrific truth about his ancestry. During my...Continue Reading
What kind of prose do you prefer in crime novels?Over at Sarah Weinman's excellent blog, mystery readers are debating crime writer George Pelecanos' style--he's the author of 12 novels and and a producer on my favorite retired television show, The...Continue Reading
Can suspense ruin your novel?Critic Wyatt Mason makes the case that too much build-up and too little pay-off will kill a good book. Suspense is a powerful narrative engine, and this blogged essay will help you control it. Check it...Continue Reading
Looking to tell people about your book? The Book Publicity Blog posted what be the most useful sentence you read all week. Follow the links: "The Build Buzz blog offers some suggestions of how to use (and not use) LinkedIn...Continue Reading
The Save Segundo Campaign has begun, as Edward Champion works out advertising rates, a media kit and an upcoming fundraiser reading. It's a fascinating look at the art of DIY literary fundraising. Check it out: "we concluded that $350 per...Continue Reading
“I have no idea whether beginning with my accident was the best decision, as I've never written a book before. Truth be told, I started with the crash because I wanted to catch your interest and drag you into the...Continue Reading
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