Virginia S. Anderson's Blog, page 10
April 20, 2019
That $%*!!?# Novel Synopsis—Again!
I’ve been caught up in revisions, queries, pitches, and yes, my WIP synopsis for the past month. At least @BillFerris over at @WriterUnboxed gives me a reason to laugh at my wandering efforts to tell a 99,000-word story in 1000 … Continue reading →
April 3, 2019
A.P. Says We Are Now Free To Boldy Go!
Still on my “grammar rules” kick, but this is pure glee. The 2019 American Copy Editors Society Conference! As reported in The New Yorker. See what you now can and cannot do! #amediting, folks!
March 26, 2019
You Probably Don’t Fear Adverbs as Much as You Think You Do.
Every now and then, I just can’t resist a rant about hyper-devotion to “rules.” The many lists of THINGS YOU MAY NOT DO and surprising admonitions from writing-group colleagues (Eeek! A sentence that ends with a preposition!) remind me that … Continue reading →
March 10, 2019
You Might Be On An Illegal Book Downloading Site if…
Originally posted on The Cheeky Wench:
“How do I know if I’m on a legitimate book site?” You’d be surprised the number of times I get asked that question. As in at least five times a day. I get asked…
“How do I know if I’m on a legitimate book site?” You’d be surprised the number of times I get asked that question. As in at least five times a day. I get asked…
March 9, 2019
Not Everyone Will Like Your Story — That Doesn’t Mean It’s a Bad Story
Originally posted on Novelty Revisions:
One summer between college semesters, I wrote a book. I had only written several full-length novels before this, so it was not a publish-worthy book by any means. But I was proud of it. And…
One summer between college semesters, I wrote a book. I had only written several full-length novels before this, so it was not a publish-worthy book by any means. But I was proud of it. And…
March 4, 2019
Synopsis Do’s And Don’ts
Originally posted on K.M. Allan:
So you’ve done it! Created your characters, planned a world, plotted a story, and turned them into a whole book. It was hard. It took years. It filled your soul, and it stretched your…
So you’ve done it! Created your characters, planned a world, plotted a story, and turned them into a whole book. It was hard. It took years. It filled your soul, and it stretched your…
February 22, 2019
Who Owns Your Book Manuscript “Edits”?
Are you considering traditional book publishing? Do you have a contract in hand but haven’t signed yet? Did you work with an editor? Then beware. Victoria Strauss at Writer Beware has another warning for you—and for those of you considering … Continue reading →
February 18, 2019
2018 Best of Writer Beware!
Need to know what to watch out for when you publish your book? If you’re canvassing book publishers and publishing packages, you should always check out Victoria Strauss at Writer Beware. She’s onto every wrinkle and scam in the publishing … Continue reading →
February 10, 2019
The Em Dash— #amwriting
Originally posted on Life in the Realm of Fantasy:
Over the years, I have seen many books written by wonderful authors who overuse em or en dashes. I also tend to do that in blogging and in Facebook posts, and my…
Over the years, I have seen many books written by wonderful authors who overuse em or en dashes. I also tend to do that in blogging and in Facebook posts, and my…
January 26, 2019
3 Apostrophe Rules You Need!
One of those dastardly little conundrums of self-editing is the apostrophe. Our writing center at the institution where I taught had a handout titled “Rogue Apostrophes,” in recognition of the way these nasty squiggles had a way of popping up … Continue reading →
