M.A. Cassata's Blog

TMW Interview with Miss Piggy

One of my most fun interviews was with Miss Piggy and Kermit. I talked on the phone separately to The Muppet Stars. Of course, the actors that portrayed them did the entire interview in their voices. If you close your eyes long enough (I did as we spoke) it seems very real I did this for my TMW site. Hope you enjoy.

 

The Mac Wire

By M.A. Cassata

 

Miss Piggy makes her long-awaited and much-sought-after return to the big screen in 2011 in Disney's "The Muppets." The larger-than-life star of...

25 book Publishers Open to Submissions

I'm always checking out sites for new writers. I've been writing and publishing for a long time, so people are always asking me questions. This time I discovered Authorspublish.com. These guys are dedicated to helping authors build their writing careers and become successful.  They are and will send you for free via email reviews of book publishers that are actually accepting submissions with or without agents.
 
If you have a manuscript that you think is worthy of being published  then this list ...

10 Ways To Overcome Writer’s Block

 
Have you ever been in a situation where no matter what you do, it seems as if the words are not coming? I know that this has happened to me many times. When people ask me how I overcame my writer's block, well truthfully when working for an entertainment magazine on a day-to-day basis there was never any time for writer's block. The deadlines were so tight and we had to just keep writing despite our lack of creative ideas or inspiration.
 
Now that I no longer work in that capacity, my writing ha...

Guest Blogger Author Ro Leone on Her Children's Book Ella Phantasy and a Trunkful of Dreams

 

My guest blogger is first-time children's book author, Ro Leone. Her Ella Phantasy and a Trunkful of Dreams is a delightful read filled with glorious illustrations. The story follows t he journey between Ella Phantasy and her BFF Ozzie Owl. 

 

 You can find it on Amazon in both ebook and print. You  can follow Ro Leone on Facebook. If you prefer to hear the author's rendition, you can access it here on YouTube. Don't forget to tell her how much you enjoyed her book! 

 

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The story ...

Amazon.com and 'Big Five' Publishers Accused of eBook Price-Fixing

 

 

I'm not surprised? Are you? Similar events with eBook pricing have happened before. According to The Wallstreet Journal, Amazon is facing a new lawsuit alleging that a deal between the company and five book publishers has created higher prices on e-books. Read on...

 

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Amazon.com and the "Big Five" publishers -- Penguin Random House, Hachette, HarperCollins, Macmillan and Simon & Schuster -- have been accused of colluding to fix ebook prices, in a class action filed by the law fir...

Pretty Soon There’ll Be Just One Big Book Publisher Left

Pretty soon there'll be just one big book publisher left. When I read these words I didn't want to believe it. With the acquisition of Simon & Schuster by Penguin Random House shows that the industry is headed toward a monopolistic singularity. NewRepublic.com has the story. Read on ...

 

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America's biggest, most powerful book publisher is about to get even bigger and more powerful. On Wednesday, a number of outlets reported that Penguin Random House had reached an agreement with Via...

The Top 20 Must-Have Free Apps And Software That Writers Can’t Live Without

I'm always in search of the latest and greatest apps for writers even if I don't use them. I found the following list on Web Design Relief— a web design and marketing guidance site for authors— and would like to share it with you.

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Most writers know that creating a great, memorable short story, book, or poem takes a considerable amount of determination, energy, and craft. Keeping track of ideas, edits, and revisions—while avoiding the temptation of social media and cat videos—can make ...

Word Counts of A Few Famous Authors

If you want to be a published writer you should sustain a regular writing routine. Nearly every writer I've met or interviewed has one and adheres to it. I taught a recent adult writing class onhow to promote good writing habits that included churning out 1000 words a day. Writing every day not only clears your mind but it will give you more confidence.

Many authors believe creating a habit of writing every day even if you are not so good at it will help you to become a better writer. The only...

Ultimate Guide to Becoming a Freelancer--The 2020 Update

A freelance writer today faces many challenges. As a longtime freelancer I know because I've faced them all. There will always be obstacles, there will always be struggles, and that's why you must never give up.

This following resource sitehas one of the best guides for new writers I've seen on the Internet. It coves everything from "Finding the Right Freelance Writing Job" to "How To Discuss a Freelance Project With a Client" to "How To Manage Your Freelance Writing Time" and "How To Get...

Best 5 Books About Writing Every Writer Should Own

If you want to become a better writer, you have to keep writing and studyingyour craft. Over the years, I've read hundredsof books on writing better and faster and I keep researching for new titles I haven't read yet. It takes courage to write honestly and to write well. Bookfox.com is one of the dozens of writing sites I visitregularlyto stay engaged.

What I like best about this site is that it a great resource for writers just starting out. Sometimes I forget what that is like since I...