Mistakes, errors, bobbles and boo-boos
I am going to wander a little off topic this morning, although it's still writing related. On the discussion forums in reaction to Aprill Brandon's column on sexism, someone posted a comment about a grammatical error. We all make mistakes. ...

Saving stuff
The "box" I mentioned in my last blog contained some interesting stuff. I was correct about letters from the mother of the murder suspect, who is now in prison herself for murder. She wrote me a lengthy letter when she ...

The Box
 I have this box. It's about the size of a box that a case of 8 1/2 x 11 paper would come in. It is very full of stuff. Inside the box...newspaper clippings, notes, letters -- all related to ...

Market sources
For years I have used the annual Writer's Market to research potential agents and publishers. If you can't afford to buy it, check your local library. Also check the library for the Literary Market Place. Both are excellent places to ...

Submission guidelines
I got a comment on my last blog that we all need to make sure to follow the listed submission guidelines in a market listing for a potential agent or publisher for our work. I can't emphasize this enough! I ...

Studying the markets
As you study listings of potential publishers for your projects, one very important thing to look for is if that publisher even accepts submissions from unpublished writers. They'll tell you in no uncertain language if they do not. I don't ...

SASE
Another important thing to watch for when studying market listings is the acronym SASE. This stands for self-addressed stamped envelope Most agents and publishers require you to send one if you expect a reply from them and especially if you ...

Simultaneous submissions
Of course you want to get your work into the hands of as many potential agents and publishers as possible -- that will increase your chances of acceptance, right? Not necessarily. Pay careful attention when studying the markets and choosing ...

Thanks for the suggestions
I heard from several folks about recovering some files from an old Mac. Thanks for the suggestions. I'll get it figured out I am sure. It sure would make my life easier if I didn't have to start from scratch ...

Unfinished projects
I had a fellow writer ask me the other day about unfinished projects. It seems she has several writing projects started, but can't seem to finish them. As far as advice goes, I am not sure I am the best ...

Dumb and dumber
Well for some reason I put my old desktop computer with the original files of the book I am working on in the BACK of the storage unit. Dumb. Moving everything in the way was such fun. I still have ...