Writing and Creating Books

The Writer’s Dilemma: 1,000 Words for Love

I read once that the ancient Egyptians had 50 words for sand and the Eskimos had a 100 words for snow. I wish I had a 1,000 words for love, but all that comes to mind is the way you move against me while you sleep, and there are no words for that. Are you […]

8

How to Use a Pen Name

Some authors like to use pen names when writing books, especially fiction. Below is a Q&A email I answered for an author who wanted to use a pen name (aka nom de plume or pseudonym) — and had a lot of questions on how to use a pen name successfully. Book Publishing Question: Using Pen […]

14 9

Ricky Gervais on How He Learned to Write

Comedian and scriptwriter Ricky Gervais talks about his writing process and how he learned to write. Good info here . . . The key bit of advice that he received as a young man is important: Write about what you know. That’s true for nonfiction as well as fiction. That’s true for poetry as well […]

4

Tim Hartman: 7 Powerful Storytelling Secrets

Learning how to tell stories is a key skill for writing books, publicizing books, social sharing, and marketing books. Readers respond to stories. Here are a few tips from storyteller and comedian Tim Hartman on how to tell powerful stories: 1. Don’t be spastic. Tone it down. Relax your delivery. Talk more softly. 2. Keep […]