Terry Shames's Blog: 7 Criminal Minds, page 132

It Takes a Community

Terry Shames talking about this week’s theme:Writing is a lonely pursuit but the community is strong and supportive. Tell us who has mentored you in your writing career or gone above and beyond to help you get a leg up in the business.This has been one of the hardest blog subjects for me to address, because in my short career, with eight published books, I have been overwhelmed with generosity from people in every aspect of the business.I started making a list of names and had to stop because a ...

Celebrating Acts of Kindness - Brenda Chapman

Writing is a lonely pursuit but the community is strong and supportive. There are many unsung acts of kindness and generosity going on behind the scenes. Tell us who has mentored you in your writing career or gone above and beyond to help you get a leg up in the business.

The one constant in my writing career has been the support given to me by so many people in the industry. While I only have time and space to acknowledge a few, I'm appreciative to each and every person I've encountered along th...

I’ll Show You Mine If You Show Me Yours

Lately, some authors on social media are saying that it’s time authors shared details about their book contracts and income to break open the financial secrecy inherent in this business. Do you agree or disagree with this idea?

by Paul D. Marks

That’s an interesting question. And since I was just going over a contract yesterday it’s definitely timely. As I was going over the contract I was thinking, hmm, I wonder if this jibes with other people’s contracts. Do they have the same terms? Better? Wor...

Grubby Commerce Division - by Catriona

Business: Lately, some authors on social media are saying that it’s time authors shared details about their book contracts and income to break open the financial secrecy inherent in this business. Do you agree or disagree with this idea?
Nope. I'm guessing this idea originated in the US - or at least not in the UK. Maybe it's less exposing and threatening for American people. For me?


In contrast, actual bodily nakedness . . . I'm much more easy about it than my new country-mates in general. Althou...

Grubby Commerce Division

Business: Lately, some authors on social media are saying that it’s time authors shared details about their book contracts and income to break open the financial secrecy inherent in this business. Do you agree or disagree with this idea?
Nope. I'm guessing this idea originated in the US - or at least not in the UK. Maybe it's less exposing and threatening for American people. For me?

In contrast, actual bodily nakedness . . . I'm much more easy about it than my new country-mates in general. Althou...

Pity the poor author... by Cathy Ace

Business: Lately, some authors on social media are saying that it’s time authors shared details about their book contracts and income to break open the financial secrecy inherent in this business. Do you agree or disagree with this idea?

The short answer is: hmmmm....

I realize this topic has been raised on social media in an attempt to shine a light on the underpaying of certain groups of writers vs others, both historically and today. I also want to say I think it’s a conversation worth having. ...

Hey, Nunya!

Business: Lately, some authors on social media are saying that it’s time authors shared details about their book contracts and income to break open the financial secrecy inherent in this business. Do you agree or disagree with this idea?

From Frank

Agree or disagree?

Both.

Allow me to explain.

Ever bump into someone at a gathering who sidles up to you and asks, "So what's the favorite sexual position for you and your partner?"

No?

How about "How much money did you make last year?"

Not that, either?

That'...

A pocket full of small change

Q: Lately, some authors on social media are saying that it’s time authors shared details about their book contracts and income to break open the financial secrecy inherent in this business. Do you agree or disagree with this idea?

-from Susan

I really don't have much to offer on this issue. A few years back, I recall a similar initiative. Some people were forthcoming, many others not. But the publishers hold all the cards and advances continued to fall. I will say I've learned a lot about the clev...

You Can Handle the Truth!

By Abir

Stephen King says, “If you intend to write as truthfully as you can, your days as a member of polite society are numbered.” Should an author be concerned about the impact of their stories on the reader? Is there a point where you believe that truthful is too truthful? Have you ever cut something from your book for fear of offending somebody?

 

 

Morning.

Good questions this week. 

 

Let me deal with them in reverse order:

 

Have you ever cut something from your book for fear of offending somebody...

Pardon My Prose by James W. Ziskin

Stephen King says, “If you intend to write as truthfully as you can, your days as a member of polite society are numbered.” Should an author be concerned about the impact of their stories on the reader? Is there a point where you believe that truthful is too truthful? Have you ever cut something from your book for fear of offending somebody?

As a general rule, I believe politeness is good in society. We’re rude enough already. A little kindness wouldn’t hurt.

On social media, for example, I don’t ...