L. Diane Wolfe's Blog, page 15

The Insecure Writer's Support Group Anthology Contest Winners

It’s time for another edition of The Insecure Writer’s Support Group, founded by Ninja Captain, Alex J. Cavanaugh.

Today’s option question: What are your favorite and least favorite questions people ask you about your writing?
I’m not sure I have a favorite. Questions regarding the characters and stories are always wonderful, because that means the person read and enjoyed the book.

My least favorite questions have to do with people wanting me to read their work or write their story for them....

The Insecure Writer's Support Group, WEP, and Otter Tales 2

It’s time for another edition of The Insecure Writer’s Support Group, founded by Ninja Captain, Alex J. Cavanaugh.

Today’s option question: What are five objects we'd find in your writing space?
A DKnight wireless boom box.
Several notebooks of publishing and schedule info.
My to-do list.
My reading glasses. (The evils of getting older.)
Of course, I’m surrounded by Minions in the Minion shrine.

Since I just read two entries from people with fans in their writing area, I'm going to mention th...

What Does a Publisher Do?

At events, I get asked a lot of questions. It’s made me realize that a lot of people don’t know what a publisher does.

Here is a basic outline of what a publisher does followed by some crazy questions I’ve been asked.

A traditional publisher...
Receives query letters from writers. Reads through the submissions.Selects the best and most marketable stories and offers the writer a contract.Goes through several rounds of edits with the writer.Sets release date and assigns ISBN.Creates cover art and o...

The Insecure Writer's Support Group, WEP Contest, Holiday Specials, and October Photos

It’s time for another edition of The Insecure Writer’s Support Group, founded by Ninja Captain, Alex J. Cavanaugh.

Today’s option question: How has your creativity in life evolved since you began writing?
I started writing when I was 13. I always enjoyed creating things and writing fanned that fire. I really got into photography at that time and eventually became a freelance photographer. (Portraits, weddings, stock photos in Cat Fancy, Homes Illustrated, etc.) I also learned to paint, do lat...

The Insecure Writer's Support Group and Responding to Emails

It’s time for another edition of The Insecure Writer’s Support Group, founded by Ninja Captain, Alex J. Cavanaugh.

Today’s option question:
How do major life events affect your writing? Has writing ever helped you through something?

When writing my series, The Circle of Friends, I’d say yes - writing those five stories helped me through a lot of things from my past. They were therapeutic and just about every main character dealt with a struggle that was once my own.


Rather than an insecurity,...

Gregory, Sammy, and a fun Halloween Ride!

Please welcome Gregory Green and Sammy!

Gregory: Are you a cat?
*Sammy looks over his furry shoulder at his tail*
Sammy: No. I’m a teddy bear.
Gregory: Then why are you such a scaredy cat? You were even frightened of a cloud! *giggles*
*Sammy crosses his arms* Sammy: Hey, you were scared, too.
Gregory: I was not!
Sammy: Then I wasn’t, neither.
*Gregory sighs* Gregory: Okay, so how are you a walking, talking teddy bear?
Sammy: It’s a secret. My secret.
Gregory: Come on. I’m your pal!
*Sammy shakes h...

Author Diversity

I am posting today at The Insecure Writer’s Support Group on diversifying as an author.
Writing, Publishing & Promoting Tips from SpunkOnAStick!

The Insecure Writer’s Support Group and Bubba and Squirt’s Big Dig to China

It’s time for another edition of The Insecure Writer’s Support Group, founded by Ninja Captain, Alex J. Cavanaugh.

Today’s option question: What publishing path are you considering/did you take, and why?


Wednesday submissions open for the 2018 Annual IWSG Anthology Contest!
Word count: 3500-6000

Genre: Young Adult Romance

Theme:
Masquerade
A Masquerade can be a false show or pretense, someone pretending to be someone they aren't. It can be a ball, a fancy dress party, it can be a mask. Open to in...

The Insecure Writer’s Support Group and Raleigh Supercon Experience

It’s time for another edition of The Insecure Writer’s Support Group, founded by Ninja Captain, Alex J. Cavanaugh.

Today’s option question: What pitfalls would you warn other writers to avoid on their publication journey?

I don’t teach a seminar on book publishing for nothing - study the publishing industry in depth! Take a few months and learn about both paths, traditional and self-publishing. Understand how publishers work, how to write a query letter, what’s expected of you as far as marke...

Is That Convention or Festival a Good Fit For Authors?

Getting out to events is a great way to network, learn, and sell books. But not all conventions and festivals are the same. You have to know exactly what kind of audience they attract and go prepared. Otherwise, you might be disappointed.

Book Festivals
Usually these are geared towards readers and encourage the purchase of books. Some are a few hours long while others span a three-day weekend. Be aware of the cost of a table or booth and if there will be travel expenses. Check past attendance...