Our Latest Blog Posts
Writers and Cage Fighters
Creative writing is a little like cage fighting before an audience of five. Cage fighting might provide more immediate satisfaction. At least there is a live crowd and an occasional cheer. Writers, after several rounds of circling their doubts, may land only one punch—on their inner critic. Common Wounds Sustained by Writers The writer’s wounds are made of commas,... Read More »
Winning Readers Up Close and Personal
After a recent event at which authors were set up at tables to sell their books, one of the authors commented on how disappointed she was with the way the event had been planned, marketed, advertised, laid out, managed, and handled. No wonder she had sold only four books all day! She could only hope they would do a... Read More »
The Marketing Mistakes Authors Make Before Their Book Is Even Published
More than once I’ve been asked a question like this: “My book comes out this week. What should I do to market it?” Unfortunately, by the time the author asks me that question, several important marketing opportunities have already passed. Book marketing should start at least six months before publication, if not longer. Does that mean everything is ruined... Read More »
No matter where you are in your writing journey…
There’s a place for you at Florida WritersCon. Whether you’ve just finished your first manuscript, are preparing to publish, or already have books on the shelves, every writer eventually reaches the same point: You know your next step is out there … you just need the inspiration, knowledge, or encouragement to get there! At Florida WritersCon 2026, you’ll be... Read More »
Leave with Something Tangible
Forget sitting in the back of a ballroom taking notes. Florida WritersCon 2026 is about rolling up your sleeves, practicing new skills, and connecting in-person. Throughout the weekend you’ll write, workshop, ask questions, receive feedback, meet other writers, and actively practice the craft alongside experienced authors and industry professionals. At Florida WritersCon 2026, you’ll have an opportunity to get... Read More »
Irresistible Reader Magnets
Email marketing is one of the most popular methods for communicating with readers. With all the emails people get these days, it’s a challenge to get folks to sign up. There is one trick to attracting readers to your email list: a stellar reader magnet. What Is a Reader Magnet? A reader magnet is a document you give away... Read More »
A Last Word About Endings: Where?
I’ve shared thoughts about the ending of a novel before, but I just read a book for review that brought the topic back to mind. It had a (groan) epilogue. So if you’ll indulge me, I’d like to reflect about a very important issue in novelizing. Where do you stop the story? Conclusion. Full Stop. This is an important... Read More »
Writers: The Fifth Estate
The Press The term fourth estate was coined centuries ago in reference to the press and is enshrined in the First Amendment of our Constitution along with the freedom of speech and the right of the people to assemble. Now, in this third decade of the twenty-first century, all three of those freedoms are under attack—especially the press. Consider... Read More »