Great work, webmaster, nice design!

2J0dVQ

lO2ZdF

BadFbe

Interviews you must listen and view, many times over
http://www.authormagazine.org/interviews/Deaver_Interview.mov
http://www.authormagazine.org/interviews/C...obert_Interview.mov
http://www.authormagazine.org/interviews/Lehane_Interview.mov

When in Rome...reading, writing and publishing in ancient Rome
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/19/books/re...ed=2&_r=1&ref=books

Edited by author 04-24-2009 08:50 AM
I don't want to be one of those writers
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/booksblog/...1/jgballard-fiction

The only effective habit that writers need is revealed in this great interview with Salvatore Scibona
http://fictionwritersreview.com/interviews...ore-scibona-the-end

Edited by author 04-20-2009 09:58 AM
Do yourself a big favour, buy this will you
http://www.screenplaymastery.com/product_pages/heros_dvd.htm

REad this and you will see why
http://screenplaymastery.com/structure.htm

Aspiring writers in Australia
http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2003/04/23/1050777281426.html

Writing advice from the bloke they are calling the 'next Rowling'
http://ndwilson.com/blog/?p=52

Edited by author 04-20-2009 08:38 AM
How David writes his thrillers
http://www.newsweek.com/id/190339/page/1

Edited by author 04-19-2009 09:56 AM
All these great links via NOVELR
http://www.lonegunman.co.uk/2009/02/18/ira...ctive-storytelling/
http://www.yalealumnimagazine.com/issues/2009_03/zinsser.html

When I say this next one is Invaluable, I want you to trust me, just like you would trust your mum, or god or whoever
http://www.shunn.net/format/

You will need to head to net rehab after this one: WRITER'S Desks
http://sittingprettymagazine.blogspot.com/

Some decent writing advice
http://www.chrisbrogan.com/cultivating-a-writing-habit/

The amazing Mr.Patterson
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2009/apr/0...n-author-bestseller

National Poetry Month. Hurray!!!
http://www.poets.org/page.php/prmID/41

Its truly the end of an era, Marquez you are my hero
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2009/apr/0...arcia-marquez-books

Edited by author 04-03-2009 04:13 AM
If these don't have bibliophiles fawning at their mouths
http://www.miragebookmark.ch/most-interesting-bookstores.htm
http://curiousexpeditions.org/?p=78

Writer's life is so tough, phew
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y_Ggz06-Jec...ure=player_embedded

Cornelia Funke invites you to her writing room
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-1161699155507960723

The lastest INCREDIBLE INDIA! promo is just fantastic
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U8BocC08I34...ure=player_embedded

This is just fantastic stuff - finally some discussion on story arcs and their relation to chapters
http://www.booktrust.org.uk/show/feature/WIR-Ness-writing-tips-2

Keira Knightley in "Edge of love"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3j0GbUKVKZc&feature=related

The movie has revived my interest in Dylan Thomas and his absolutely delightful poetry

Writers Recommend
http://www.pw.org/writers_recommend

I approve. I APPROVE
http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertai...arquez-1649106.html
Book Of A Lifetime: One Hundred Years of Solitude, By Gabriel Garcia Marquez

Interviews with Jack Dann and Sara Douglass

http://blogs.abc.net.au/articulate/2009/03/flycon-intervie.html
http://blogs.abc.net.au/articulate/2009/03/flycon-interv-5.html

Edited by author 03-13-2009 10:25 PM
BOOKLOVERS ATTN:
http://widmerpoolscoat.wordpress.com/category/modern-library/
http://theasylum.wordpress.com/
http://www.booklit.com/blog/
http://myreadinglife.blogspot.com/

I have always been in love with Kamila Shamsie
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/audio/2009...amsie-burnt-shadows

Patrick Ness's writing tips - here is a writer-in-residence we can all access
http://www.booktrust.org.uk/show/feature/WIR-Ness-writing-tips

MUST READ FOR FOLKS PARTICIPATING IN WITSWRIMO
http://witsnq.blogspot.com/2009/02/reminder-wits-nowrimo.html

How to write a synopsis
http://pubrants.blogspot.com/2009/02/art-of-synop.html
This is a good blog to keep an eye on to get an idea of the publishing industry from an agent's point of view. I've subscribe to it through my Google reader.

From final draft to the store
http://litpark.com/2009/03/04/ann-kingman-bookseller/

Writing is not fun
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2009/mar/0...in-writing-pleasure

More "Writing is not fun"
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2009/mar/03/authors-on-writing

NICHOLAS SPARKS is the man
http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20230339,00.html

He makes all of us look so lazy.

What an inspiration.

Via BIBLIOBIBULI (http://thebookaholic.blogspot.com/) the best book blog ever!!!

I believe that – if you are serious about a life of writing, or indeed about any creative form of expression – that you should take on this work like a holy calling. I became a writer the way other people become monks or nuns. I made a vow to writing, very young. I became Bride-of-Writing. I was writing’s most devotional handmaiden. I built my entire life around writing. I didn’t know how else to do this.
http://www.elizabethgilbert.com/writing.htm

MORE from the amazing Elizabeth Gilbert here
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=86x-u-tz0MA

Why it's pointless telling anyone that writing isn't worth it

In the first post of a new blog series, the novelist explains why no amount of bad food and discomfort will put people off an author's life

http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/booksblog/...ennedy-writing-life

The God of all literary agents talks
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1066583.html

and we MUST listen and learn

Meet the editors
http://www.pw.org/content/agents_and_edito..._four_young_editors

READ THIS BIT CAREFULLY
I never wanted to know who the author was. I didn't want to look at their pictures. I just wanted to exist in the worlds that they had created. That was it. When I got into the industry, I quickly learned that that was not acceptable. The first thing I get asked at our editorial meeting is, "Where have they published?" You want to know that somebody has been publishing their short stories, even if a total of a hundred people have read them. It's always the first question.

Inside publishing: How book covers are produced
http://bookroast.blogspot.com/2009/02/cover-me.html

How successful writers keep up their confidence
http://www.alanrinzler.com/blog/2009/02/08...p-their-confidence/

Edited by author 02-21-2009 06:44 PM
If only we were as brave as this kid - poet takes on Taliban.
http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/asiapcf/02/1...eref=rss_topstories
http://edition.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/asiapcf/...stories#cnnSTCVideo
Writer's rooms - the series
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/series/writersrooms

Edited by author 02-20-2009 08:27 PM
And you thought working in isolation was great. Find writing buddies, they will come in handy
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2009/feb/1...ts-avoiding-cliches
Book advertising - latest examples of ingenuity
http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2009/feb/16/advertising-industry
List of freelance publicists you might want to hire
http://yodiwan.wordpress.com/2009/02/18/li...ce-book-publicists/

Hours of fun picking the brains of successful authors
http://www.bookdepository.co.uk/interview/...thor/richard-watson

WARNING: HIGHLY ADDICTIVE

*The midlist crisis: an inspirational tale
http://charlotte.creativeloafing.com/gyrob.../Content?oid=567017
(Please note: She did not go the self publishing route, she has a publicist etc.)

Kindle2, you are my valentine, I love you, but not as much as my Iphone
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00154JDA...1&pf_rd_i=133141011

Edited by author 02-07-2009 06:27 AM
Writing Tips from Mr.Patterson
http://www.borders.com.au/chain-thriller/v...writing-tips-01.asp
NEVER SIT DOWN TO A BLANK PAGE
SIT DOWN TO AN OUTLINE

BONUS: Writing Tips and Original Outlines for MAXIMUM RIDE
http://209.85.173.132/search?q=cache:GNftG...au&client=firefox-a

AND YOU CAN WRITE A BOOK WITH HIM (No Kidding)
http://www.borders.com.au/chain-thriller/home.asp

Edited by author 02-07-2009 03:24 AM
Are you ready for the revolution
http://www.computerworld.com/action/articl...c&articleId=9127538

Ignore ebooks at your own peril

RANDOM FACT: I had to go through approximately 350 posts/articles to`create this week's update, which consisted of 8 posts.

A great query letter
http://bookendslitagency.blogspot.com/2009...ren-macinerney.html

The most heartwarming self-promotion story out there
http://www.mediabistro.com/galleycat/autho...ion_106827.asp#more

Get that arc right http://www.alanrinzler.com/blog/2008/07/07...-the-narrative-arc/ and your plot will just go KABOOM!http://www.alanrinzler.com/blog/2009/01/30...or-a-dynamite-plot/

Begin your novel like a pro
http://www.floggingthequill.com/flogging_t...story_as_river.html
http://www.floggingthequill.com/flogging_t...pen_your_novel.html

Publishing massacred
http://www.boston.com/lifestyle/articles/2...uide_to_publishing/

Edited by author 02-06-2009 05:03 AM
Jeff is really open about his plotting. I suggest you have a peek. He won't mind.
http://www.jeffvandermeer.com/2009/01/30/s...leting-first-draft/

You know what, I have a great instinct for identifying crap.
And now my man, Stephen King has confimed what I always suspected:
"The real difference is that Jo Rowling is a terrific writer and Stephenie Meyer can't write worth a darn. She's not very good,"

http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2009/feb/05/stephenking-fiction

PODCAST your way to publishing success
http://www.time.com/time/arts/article/0,8599,1872381,00.html

I have these grid things for every book—well I have about twelve grid things for every book. It’s just a way of reminding myself what has to happen in each chapter to advance us in the plot. And then you have all your sub-plots. It’s just a way of keeping track of what going on.

J.K.Rowling and her chamber of secrets. DECODING the plot of Harry Potter Books.
http://www.the-leaky-cauldron.org/books/hp7/harrypotterlooseends

For a glorious comment on the state of the English language go to the blog of the magnificent Stephen Fry:
http://www.stephenfry.com/blog/2008/11/04/...-language%E2%80%A6/
To get the most enjoyment out of it, you need to read it aloud. Or alternately, listen go to:
http://www.stephenfry.com/media/audio/109/...pisode-3--language/
and download the podcast instead.

http://www.glimmertrain.com/wa43bits.html
What is your submission hit rate?

My friend Kara Vaggs would have said POW POW
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/01/opinion/01dowd.html?ref=opinion

Mr.Obama, I hope your actions speak louder than your words.

I am in love with Naomi
http://www.naomiklein.org/main

One could watch her and listen to her for ages
http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=JG9CM_J00bw

Edited by author 01-31-2009 11:53 PM
Miguel Syjuco is someone to look upto and the University of Adelaide can be proud of its ward
http://mbstudentsandcampuses.blog.friendst...9-in-miguel-syjuco/

What a humble guy
http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/t...literary-prize.aspx

Sebastian Barry, you champ
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2009/jan/2...costa-prize-winner1

That is the way publishing works, get over it,
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/booksblog/...y-medal-controversy

And you, yes you, after reading this, pay for a PR guy will you.

If you want proof of its effectiveness go to neilgaiman.com

Graywolf Press is one of the best publishers out there
http://www.columbusdispatch.com/live/conte...ACL806.html?sid=101

http://www.graywolfpress.org/

Liu Xiaobo needs you...listen to him here http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=2QJGuPOMPvE

Support freedom of speech
http://www.pen.org/viewmedia.php/prmMID/3009/prmID/1610

She is my hero...the 93 year old writer still waiting for her big break
http://www.statesman.com/life/content/life...01/27/0127work.html

MUST READ for those who give up and self-publish their novels or collections

Naomi Klein's book trailer was shot by the great ALFONSO CUARON with a crew, if only I was that lucky, please god please, can I have Inarritu shoot mine, pleaseeeeeeeeeeeee

http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=cvG0gbvZ4tY

Get Rabb to design your author website and you are set
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/25/books/review/Sullivan-t.html

I am in heaven - more translations of work from Latin America
http://www.rochester.edu/College/translati...t/index.php?id=1633

Goat Held For Armed Robbery (yes, you read it right).

What a great stimulus for a story!

http://www.reuters.com/article/oddlyEnough...lyEnoughNews&rpc=69

To blog or not to blog? The advantages and disadvantages of blogging by writers is discussed at:
http://www.writersdigest.com/article/is-blogging-right-for-you

Edited by author 01-26-2009 12:03 AM
Prominent novelists pick their favourite books for B&N
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/bn-review/gu...x.asp?cds2Pid=22560

I have discovered I have similar tastes to Stephen King and George Pelecanos

Also Mr. Forsyth agrees that the reason why he loves ONE HUNDRED YEARS OF SOLITUDE is because he will never be able to write something half as good as it.

Also I have a crush on Sophie Kinsella. Isn't she cute, she is , I know.

Tons of great advice here
http://kayedacus.com/writing-series-index/

462 books an year, and "2666" was in Sarah's reading list!!!
Somebody please pinch me...please
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/jacketcopy...ow-to-read-462.html

Edited by author 01-24-2009 02:36 AM
Another classic entry into SHOCK AND AWE literature with a strong feminist tinge to it

and when I say strong I mean promiscuous chick, bodily fluids, shaving accidents, more bodily fluids

Curious???
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2009/jan/1...ebut-novel-wetlands

She's clever and cute.

and that German http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=4s8ZiQBrNiQ

I am in love

Edited by author 01-24-2009 02:26 AM
Dennis Lehane is a proper writer and I have always had a deep and healthy respect for him.

He had learned a certain stubborn self-belief at writing school. Lehane himself went to Eckerd, attracted after his freezing Boston childhood by the Florida sun and the fact that Raymond Carver went there. He had already dropped out of two other degree courses and finally stopped pretending he wanted to be anything else; he had been writing short stories since he was eight. The brutal workshop rite of students critiquing each others' work toughened him up and also, he says, gave him perspective. "It's good not only to realise that you can't please all of the people all of the time, but that you don't want to. There's a certain type of reader that you don't ever want to write for. And that really helps. I impressed a moron, why should I care? Or I pissed off a moron, why should it bother me?"

http://www.guardian.co.uk/culture/2009/jan/24/dennis-lehane

Listen to the master. DEVOUR THIS!

Which is not to say that he isn't a "deeply committed" capitalist. But there is a difference, he says, between capitalism and consumerism. "If you want to find out everything that is wrong not only with American but with capitalist culture, it's all in that security guard who got killed on Black Friday" - the man who was trampled to death during the first day of sales at a Long Island branch of Wal-Mart. "Everything is there. Everything that is wrong in our culture, right there. Do people understand that a life was lost so that, what, they could get a cheaper piece-of-shit DVD? That they didn't fuckin' need? It's disgusting. This wasn't Stalingrad 1943; they weren't running for food. They were running for some piece-of-shit MP3 rip-off, flat-screen TV." Lehane's Boston accent is quite strong at this point.

Thank you GUARDIAN for this great piece. For this and the heartbreaking piece on Yates below.

His meticulous stories were sent to the New Yorker for three decades without success; the editors there thought his material too relentlessly miserable.

This is Richard Yates I am talking about.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/2009/jan/17...-road-richard-yates

More people are reading, thank god
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/12/books/12reading.html

Have this for breakfast for the next year, atleast
http://www.theurbanelitist.com/how-to-get-your-ebook-read/875/

PROMOTION! PROMOTION! PROMOTION!, remember what I keep telling you, you are not ****&^&**& Hemingway

Also learn some basic photoshop while you are at it, will you.

Authonomy to publish manuscripts from users on its social networking site
http://blog.authonomy.com/2009/01/publishi...cts-have-begun.html

As usual, I have trust issues.

A great online tool that's easy to use. One Look is an online dictionary that allows you to type in a word and find not just one definition, but multiple definitions. In other words, it shows you the definition in a number of different dictionaries.
For example, I typed in the word 'baroque' and it brought up a listing of 41 different online dictionaries including genereal dictionaries such as the Oxford Compact, Webster's etc, but also including specialised art, business, computing and tech dictionaries.
The thing I like most about it, however, is that it has a REVERSE DICTIONARY, which means that you can type in a concept and get back a list of words and phrases related to that concept. A bit like a Thesaurus. But your description can be a few words, a sentence, a question, or even just a single word.
Powerful and useful stuff.
Find it here:
http://www.onelook.com/

A great article by Cory Doctorow about dealing with distractions (family, internet, research) when writing that seems entirely practical and useful:

http://www.locusmag.com/Features/2009/01/c...ting-in-age-of.html

He talks about using short (20 min) regular work schedule; leaving a 'rough edge'; suggests that you don't research when you should be writing (and includes a great idea for replacing 'the facts' with a marker in your text that's easy to find and replace later; advises not to be 'ceremonious'; not to use a word processor; and to turn off your realtime communication tools (emails, instant messaging etc.) during your writing block of time.

His explanations are much better than this summary, and well worthwhile.

What's a WOVEL?
http://www.underlandpress.com/wovel.cfm

My favourite bookclub
http://andrewsbookclub.wordpress.com/2009/...-andrews-book-club/

Letter from Chuck
http://chuckpalahniuk.net/news/welcome-2009

Some fantastic (and at times, extremely funny) writing advice from Justine Larbalestier. She is posting "Writing Advice" for the whole of this month.

http://justinelarbalestier.com/blog/

An example is her post about getting started: "So it could be that what you think is slowness in getting started is, in fact, all part of the process of writing the novel. Some people work things out on the page, some in their head, and some in an interperative dance with finger puppets. (*Shudder*)"

John Banville is GOLD. One of the funniest interviews I have read in recent times
http://wordpress.hotpress.com/petermurphy/...ille-directors-cut/

Factoids on books
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/bookfiles/

After all these years of browsing, finally a forum which is truly worth it, where I truly belong

http://www.worldliteratureforum.com/forum/...olo-ammaniti-q.html

Canongate - at the forefront of the digital revolution
http://www.sundayherald.com/news/heraldnew...ooks_revolution.php

An interesting reminder about how much we fall in love with our own characters - and why we should be careful of other people's characters:
http://menwithpens.ca/dont-touch-my-character

ScrollMotion eat your heart out, because no one is going to buy you 30$ ebooks on the Iphone.

I also suggest that you guys spend some time here http://www.onedollarorbit.com/

Wishing you good sense

Nikesh

For all of you procrastinators out there. If Mr.Cory can do it, you can.
http://www.locusmag.com/Features/2009/01/c...ting-in-age-of.html

Good on you Paris. I Love you! (I am not talking about Miss Hilton)
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/jan/0...death-threats-paris

Having trouble finding the time and place to write? Writer Iain Broome faces the same problem, and writes about it in his new blog Write for your life. As he says, "we all have to find the balance between writing and real life. But it doesn’t have to be a constant battle. It can be done."
Some clever and quirky ideas in his post about what you can write on when inspiration/ ideas strike in inconvenient places.

http://writeforyourlife.net/10-things-to-write-on-in-an-emergency

If you love translations, if you love world literature, you love three percent
http://www.rochester.edu/College/translati...ent/index.php?s=btb

This is why you never got accepted by THE NEW YORKER
http://www.themillionsblog.com/2009/01/new...y-numbers-many.html

We write the books we want to read, and through the writing I discover people out there who are searching for many of the same things I am. That's the paradox of both reading and writing: we read and write alone but both activities join us with people we don't even know.
http://www.beaconbroadside.com/broadside/2...hy-write-books.html

When life meets art. Barak Obama is apparently a fan of Spiderman and is going to feature in an upcoming edition of the comic.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2009/jan/09/obama-marvel-comic

Just found a new Australian specfiction publisher - CoerDeLion. Check them out at:
http://www.keithstevenson.com/coeurdelion/cdlindex.html

Their next offering by 6 great Australian specfic authors is due out in mid 2009. It's called X6 and is an anthology of 6 novellas. What a great idea. Check out the rationale behind the collection at:
http://www.keithstevenson.com/coeurdelion/cdlx6main.html

Just because I'm still a Star Wars nerd, here's a review of Carrie Fisher's new book "Wishful Drinking".
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/02/books/02book.html

Edited by author 12-27-2008 08:32 AM
Beginning of the end of the publishing business as we know it
http://www.salon.com/books/feature/2008/12...blishing/print.html

and interestingly, this bloke predicted it
http://www.tomdispatch.com/post/175015/the_time_of_the_book

Translations are the new black and I am rejoicing
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08342/93282...d=entertainment.xml

At last, an honest interview with a first time author
http://blog.inc.com/one-person-business/20...book_published.html

Book group stalking
http://www.philly.com/philly/living/200812...oup_is_calling.html

I respect this bloke (in fact i respect anyone who spends 11 years writing a book, broke, homeless and in solitude)
http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertai...-honour-731732.html

FACEBOOK STATUS FICTION - this is just mindblowingly original
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/booksblog/...cebook-status-books

I am so totally a fan of Jeff
http://www.jeffvandermeer.com/tags/read/nonfiction/60-in-60/

''Books are not written on tables at cantinas or in cafes or by sitting around telling people what you're writing,'' he said. ''Books are written in absolute solitude, in isolation. You write books by writing, by hours of work as if you were a monk. There is no way to create literature other than work, work, work, and then by creative correcting, by seeing what is good and what's bad. You have to have the cold courage of the surgeon and cut what doesn't work. Realizing what isn't good is the writer's hardest job.''
http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html...pon=&pagewanted=all

Literary Prizes, a criticism
http://www.prospect-magazine.co.uk/article_details.php?id=10526

Some good thoughts about why forums are a good idea for writers:
http://menwithpens.ca/forum

"Men With Pens"also have great writing tips - and ideas about marketing. They are writers as well as web designers. A good combination in this online world we now live in. Check out their posts about better fiction writing:
http://menwithpens.ca/category/better-writing/fiction-writing

MUST READ - Why books need blogs to supplement their content
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/booksblog/.../blogs-books-blooks

She makes sense
http://www.glimmertrain.com/fosept08.html

The amazing Orson Scott Card on the difference between writing short stories and novels.
http://www.hatrack.com/writingclass/lessons/1998-07-16.shtml
Worth a read.

Just read the link in the previous post about the procession to publication. You see, it's not a bad thing to take your time with a book ... be patient and polish.
Be patient and polish ... but don't procrastinate.
(I think I've just found my new motto!)

Edited by author 11-24-2008 09:12 AM
The procession to publication
http://dbshan.co.uk/thecity/booknotes/proc...f-the-dead/#more-43

Rejection letters that are the stuff of dreams
http://literaryrejectionsondisplay.blogspo...ins-rejections.html

If you can relate to this (I can)
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/booksblog/.../bad-novels-fiction

Go here and try some of the items on the menu (You are in good company)
http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2008/nov...-history-literature

And before the effects wear off signup for some topreads at
www.bookswim.com

an interesting reading experiment
http://thegoldennotebook.org/

He is one of the reasons I started reading too
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/booksblog/...ichton-boys-reading

Pitch your book idea, get it published. I love this site!
http://marketplace.meettheauthor.com/pitches/

uncle Orson's Writing Masterclass
http://www.hatrack.com/writingclass/index.shtml

Illustra Novellas
http://www.dopplegangerchronicles.com/overview.asp

Checkout the first chapter

More about the value of blogging for authors:
http://www.mediabistro.com/galleycat/web_t..._blogging_97758.asp

Be careful what you write. It could get you into trouble. In the US, a high school student's short story about zombies overrunning a school has landed him with a terrorism charge.
http://www.lex18.com/Global/story.asp?S=2989614
Only in the US - we hope!

Neil Gaiman's GRAVEYARD BOOK virtual tour
http://www.mousecircus.com/videotour.aspx

Get your books published for free
http://www.youwriteon.com/info/info/welcom...ouncil-england.aspx

Guardian's excellent series
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/series/howtowrite

Found on Boing Boing this morning, is a link to:
"The Sorted Books project picks books out of collections whose spines, when placed in sequence, can be made into a sentence or story."
An example of Flash fiction?
http://www.ninakatchadourian.com/languaget...ks-sharkjournal.php

My favourite is the last one. You'll have to scroll down to see it.

Timely and pertinent advice about how to find an agent - not just ANY agent, but the RIGHT agent for your book. Check out the short video at:
http://www.mediabistro.com/galleycat/agent..._research_95368.asp

I find this inspiring. If you want it hard enough ....
http://www.mediabistro.com/galleycat/autho...estseller_95272.asp

More on the increasing popularity of reading electronic books - specifically on the iPhone:
http://www.mediabistro.com/galleycat/on/pr...book_apps_95342.asp

My new favourite blog has just been named number 2 in the "Top Ten Blogs for Writers". Their post lists the other 9 blogs in the top 10 - worth a look:
http://menwithpens.ca/top-ten-blogs-for-wr...-takes-second-place

Books for men

That's what I am talking about
http://www.esquire.com/the-side/feature/75-books

Angus & Robertson today became the first Australian book chain to install the Espresso Book Machine (EBM), capable of printing, trimming and binding a paperback book on demand within minutes.
Read about it here:
http://www.smh.com.au/news/technology/prin.../1221331003780.html

Why can't amazon be like this?
http://www.untitledbooks.com/

Are you lonesome tonight
http://penguin.match.com/matchuk/cp.aspx?c.../penguin/index.html

THE INCREDIBLE JAMES PATTERSON and his views on publishing
http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertai...le-ages-926598.html

More about the effect of the internet on publishing. The last comment on the video about readers wanting to be more interactive with what their reading is an interesting one. To watch the video, go to:
http://www.mediabistro.com/galleycat/publi...ublishers_95024.asp

Here is the link:
http://www.pool.org.au/

Go to www.pool.org.au and register to get terrific exposure.

Further to giving things away for free, check out what happened when a publisher of a book about Barak Obama gave away a limited number of free copies in return for book reviews (mostly on blogs).
One way to make sure you dvelop a 'web presence'.
http://www.michaelhyatt.com/fromwhereisit/...logger-reviews.html

should I buy this
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v226DYqlbHQ

or this
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dJzR5AXkR28

When I already have this
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0lfmlKYZ-vU

Giving away your stuff for free works,I rest my case
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/booksblog/...usrc=rss&feed=books
http://www.conversationalreading.com/2008/09/4-novellas-4-fo.html

This is way too cool! And useful too.

Got some information today from a writing site I subscribe to, information about "word clouds". I've tried it out, and it's fun and I suspect will become one of my bookmarks, because it's so useful.

To quote from the post I read:

"Man, I love this thing. Wordle is a free online tool that takes any text and creates a "word cloud". The more a word shows up in the text, the larger it appears in a cloud. Above is a Wordle cloud I created using the text of Abraham Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address.

I can think of a few interesting uses for writers:

      Run your manuscript through it to see if you're overusing certain adjectives. If a word that has nothing to do with the theme of your story is larger than those that do, perhaps it's time to take out the thesaurus and vary your word choices a bit.

      Need to write a plot synopsis, but you're not certain what to say? Let Wordle show you what the overriding themes of your story are. It's pretty clear what President Lincoln had on his mind while crafting his speech by examining the Wordle above.
 
      Perhaps you can find a novel way to use one of these for storytelling purposes. Maybe providing a Wordle of each chapter throughout a manuscript would be a memorable way of summing things up? Or take the dialogue from each character and create their own Wordles and run them back-to-back. I leave the possibilities to your own creative minds.

Have a look for yourself at http://wordle.net/

Edited by author 09-07-2008 09:24 PM
Is it possible to plan a blockbuster book, yes it is
http://www.philly.com/inquirer/magazine/20...domOrd=090708061754

For an example of e-publishing in the sci-fi/ fantasy area, check out Jim Baen's Universe:
http://www.baens-universe.com/
Short stories are published in this way: the first half of the story is available on the website. When you read to the halfway point, the story stops and you are told to subscribe to the current magazine for $6 (or become an annual member for $30) to download the rest of the story. I assume the $ is in US dollars.

Are Big Publishers Strangling the Short Story? An interesting post on "Galley Cat"'s regular blog. Some of the posted responses are particularly interesting.

http://www.mediabistro.com/galleycat/publi...ort_story_93362.asp

Million dollar advances
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2008/sep/0...usrc=rss&feed=books

All you ever needed to know about writing
http://www.mikebrotherton.com/?p=782

In the words of the Big Bopper:
"Oh baby, that's what I like!"
in reference to your previous link about Vision Writers group in Brisbane. Love the website, love the discussion board, and especially love their 'vision' and purpose.
Yep, that's what I want. Roll on "The Shack".

Link
Check out this writer's group in Brisbane
http://www.visionwriters.org/index.html

A list of blogs and newsletters about publishing
http://inkandpapergroup.com/2008/08/readin...blog-resource-list/

Mohammed vs Fiction = publicity
"My portrayal of Muhammad is extremely respectful, and of the origins of Islam is very accurate and respectful," she said. "Muhammad says in the Koran that he was a mortal. I assume he did all the things a man does. He had 12 wives – I'm sure he had sex with them."
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2008/aug/1...usrc=rss&feed=books
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/20...usrc=rss&feed=books

I wish I was in Canada
http://www.thestar.com/article/475465

Yours is Rowling. Robyn Rowling.

A bit of fun ... what would your pen name be?
http://www.jeffvandermeer.com/2008/04/28/e...your-literary-name/

I suspect Nikesh's first name would be Gabriel and Kerry's last name would be Wodehouse. Am I right? Still thinking about mine ....

Thanks for the podcasting post Nikesh - really interesting. You can either listen to the interview with Seth Harwood or read a transcript of it, whatever works for you (I would often listen, but this time I read the transcript, so as to be less intrusive to those around me). He mentions Podiobooks, which can be found here:
http://www.podiobooks.com/

Edited by author 08-09-2008 07:46 AM
Podcasting your work: a success story
http://booksquare.com/how-to-succeed-after-the-writers-workshop/

Featured podcast publisher
http://podiobooks.com/

The only way
http://www.publishersweekly.com/blog/67000...post/990031299.html

Edited by author 08-09-2008 06:57 AM
All about 'the hook'
http://nathanbransford.blogspot.com/2007/0...aft-great-hook.html

Write a novel in 30 days
http://www.jeffvandermeer.com/2008/07/31/h...a-novel-in-30-days/

Check out this site - International Slushpile Bonfire Day.
Not what I'd usually post, but this site is FUNNY! It also makes you think about writing from the editors point of view. I'm adding this site to my favourites, for a reality check and a bit of humour. It's also well written! Enjoy it at:
http://101reasonstostopwriting.com/2008/05...shpile-bonfire-day/

More about one of my favourite YA authors, Jackie French. Check out her website for an interesting read. She has some great advice about 'overwriting' (that is, NOT overwriting) in her post about getting kids to enjoy writing - as applicable to adults as to kids. See:
http://www.jackiefrench.com/kidswritingstories.html

Check out her advice about how to get published too - you will have read the same before, but it's still good advice, and she has a great way of telling it like it is, without the crap.

A discussion about the effectiveness or otherwise of a book cover, which compares the US and UK covers of the same books. Interesting.
http://www.mediabistro.com/galleycat/book_...rs_behind_80539.asp

An overview of one author's complaint about his publisher can be found at:

http://www.mediabistro.com/galleycat/publi...ts_public_90084.asp

How's this for a great quote:
"Outside of a dog, a book is a man's best friend. Inside a dog, it's too dark to read." - Groucho Marx
Check out insideadog.com.au for a list of YA (and other) books to read

http://www.insideadog.com.au/books/booklists.html

Why aren't Indian writers living in India?
http://www.littleindia.com/news/126/ARTICLE/3139/2008-07-15.html

http://www.itravelnet.com/publications/inflightmagazines.html
this is the link to all the inflight magazines that you can submit to, including the guidelines.
I found the guidelines useful in formatting stuff. They are pretty particular in some and not so in others.
get cracking and submit.

A useful site for readers and writers is The Reading Stack. It has a FREE newsletter of revieww of mainly children's and YA, but also adults books, with an emphasis (it seems) on Australian authors. The editors don't claim to be experts - in their words they say "we’re a raggle taggle bunch of people brought together by our love of books and our desire to tell as many people as possible about the ones we have enjoyed." They don't write critical review, rather they provide recommendations. Again, in their words: "If we don’t like a book, you won’t find it in these pages." It contains a wide range of reviewers of all ages.
They do accept guest reviews.
Go to:
http://www.thereadingstack.com/index.htm

A site I've just discovered is Australian online magazine on children's books which is targeted at writers, illustrators, librarians, teachers, editors and children’s book lovers. You need to subscribe for receive the fornightly magazine and it looks very useful for those of us interested in writing for children. A free sample copy is available to download in PDF format so you can see what you're paying for. Having downloaded the sample copy I'm impressed with it.
Check out:
http://www.buzzwordsmagazine.com/index.html

Gwen Harwood poetry prize for 2008, entries due Friday 1st August.
For more details and to download a PDF of the entry form, go to:
http://www.islandmag.com/

Sound advice for people who do creative work
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-hidvElQ0xE...le.com/reader/view/

Reading out your novel
http://www.thepublishingspot.com/2008/05/s...write_better_d.html

Interview with Junot Diaz and a great new online video series
http://slatev.com/li_openbook.html

Illuminating notes on creating a narrative
http://www.powells.com/blog/?p=3504

More time management tips
http://www.thejohnfox.com/bookfox/2008/07/...-an-inexpensiv.html

The truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth
http://whenfallsthecoliseum.com/2008/07/09/making-time/

NEWS: Reading fiction makes you sensitive to the society in general
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/sto...Story/lifeMain/home

Great interview with Nam Le
http://www.wnyc.org/shows/lopate/episodes/.../18/segments/101546

The best post ever on 'characterisation'
http://www.floggingthequill.com/flogging_t...he-care-factor.html

"throughout his (Ernest Hemingway) lifetime he used the guidance of the Star's style guide as a foundation for his writing style: "Use short sentences. Use short first paragraphs. Use vigorous English. Be positive, not negative." (From Wikipedia)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ernest_Hemingway

A useful site for lots of things, including advice about finding an agent:
http://www.spacejock.com.au/LiteraryAgent.html

50 great tools for writers
http://www.jobprofiles.org/library/student..._online_writers.htm

Erotica or E-rotica is BIG!!!
I have always said it and here is the proof:
http://agentinthemiddle.blogspot.com/2008_...4536828133572921837

Peruse these links if you are:
(a) embarking on the arduous task of writing a novel
or
(b)Looking for an agent
O wait, and
(c) If you are revising your drafts

http://floggingthequill.typepad.com/
http://writerunboxed.com/2008/06/24/homeru...-her-perfect-agent/

Don't waste your money on conferences, on books on writing etc.
Just read this and the section titled "ON WRITING"
http://www.katedicamillo.com/onwrit3.html

That is what I call a book tour
http://www.omnivoracious.com/2008/06/friday-night--2.html

Edited by author 06-23-2008 12:38 PM
Read this or perish
http://writerunboxed.com/2008/06/20/interv...damcage-publishing/

  Q: You’re pretty skeptical about self-publishing, PODs, and other DIY publishing. Do you think writers should bother going the self-pub route? Are they doing damage to their careers if they do?

PW: I’m skeptical about all publishing; I’m cynical about self publishing. It’s the promise of a shortcut, and those are usually rip-offs. Why don’t people believe this by now? Let me be clear: Writers should cash checks, not write them.

I don’t know if they are doing damage to their careers, but they aren’t helping.

I don'think 'THE ROAD' is pedestrian. But the other ones I have to agree...
http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol.../article4170954.ece

this is a very interesting pick and mix. Good advise and good reading too.
Who doesn't want to hear what the author that made it has to say to the plebs that haven't.

http://www.panmacmillan.com.au/author_interviews.asp
really interesting

It seems we have a similar taste in books
http://bostonreview.net/BR33.3/mda.php

True, True, True
http://whenfallsthecoliseum.com/2008/06/19...orship/#comment-109

Storytelling is not always traditional
http://www.inanimatealice.com/

Now thatis podcasting at its best
http://www.leviathanchronicles.com/

Is ghostwriting right up your alley?
http://books.guardian.co.uk/departments/ge...l?gusrc=rss&feed=10

Enjoy this video about the joys of being a writer in the digital age:
http://alanrinzler.com/blog/2008/05/21/boo...0-video-goes-viral/

How to write good dialogue - short but sweet advice by Alan Rinzler (editor and publisher):
http://alanrinzler.com/blog/2008/06/16/sec...ting-good-dialogue/

Just finished reading Craig Clevengers blog as recommended by Nikesh - ALL his blog, not just the one about the best 2 writing lessons. Liked his reasons about preferring to write (in the beginning at least) in longhand. Check it out at:
http://www.redroom.com/blog/craig-clevenger/serpent-box
(see the final response to an earlier comment at the bottom of the post).

There is something different ... fundamental ... 'earthy' perhaps ... about the scratch of the pen on the page. When I'm 'stuck' on where to start with a piece, I too go back to the old pen and paper. And yet I'm joined at the hip to my laptop in so many other ways.

Curiouser and curiouser.

Craig's nailed it
http://www.redroom.com/blog/craig-clevenge...est-writing-lessons

Someone will have to explain this to me...

"Bush Poetry for women"
http://www.bushverse.com/ladies.html

A primer on Australian poetry
http://www.cultureandrecreation.gov.au/articles/poetry/

The state of poetry books in Australia
http://www.austlit.com/a/brown-p/aust-po-pub.html

The article might be old but the situation sadly hasn't changed.

Patrick Carman talks about writing childrens books in this series of videos
http://www.athertonseries.com/educators.html

All about author platforms
http://alanrinzler.com/blog/2008/06/07/bui...10-tips-from-a-pro/

I never get tired of reading this story of how Nicholas Sparks found a publisher for 'The Notebook'

http://www.nicholassparks.com/WritersCorner/Publisher.html

Actually I have changed my mind. This is http://www.bookvideos.tv/videoid/1155

Edited by author 06-07-2008 11:38 AM
Book Trailers!!! I think I am ready to embrace the idea with my arms wide open.
http://www.beneaththecover.com/2008/06/05/...sales-are-booming//

My favourite one by the way
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CFJRn7akXeQ

Now that's prolific: http://fantasybookcritic.blogspot.com/2008...onrad-williams.html

All I did was google how many pages make a novel.
and this site was most informative.
http://crofsblogs.typepad.com/fiction/2004...ow_many_pages_.html

For writers or want to be writers who say things like "But I can't go online, I can't do it"

Here is one author promoting his book via the WWW
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CFJRn7akXeQ

Thanks for the heads up Kerry.

Redroom.com is out of beta. A great venue for wannabes to hangout online with those who have made it big in the publishing world.

Another plaform on the web to showcase your work and to self promote www.redroom.com/member/nikeshmurali

linq number 58 on the list below is ok but they take soooo long to get back to you. I submitted and it took Ms Kelso about 8 months to say no thanks. Submit by all means but be prepared with a packed lunch and a good book.

I found this of interest. It sounds a good deal if you win.

http://www.autumnhouse.org/index.cfm?metho...ge&pagename=Contest

Edited by author 06-04-2008 05:21 PM
Allen & Unwin have an interesting section on their website about writing - entitled "Being a writer". With sections on getting started, getting published, tips on technique and writers on writing, it contains useful information for aspiring writers, with extracts from their books, interviews and publishing advice. There is a newsletter available also that you can subscribe to. Check it out at:
http://www.allenandunwin.com/default.aspx?page=20

Check out Clarion South's website, for spec fiction writers:
http://www.clarionsouth.org/index.html
Clarion South - which runs every two years in Brisbane, Australia - is the most intensive professional development program for speculative fiction writers in the southern hemisphere.

The next workshop will run January 4 - February 14 2009. Applications will close at the end of June 2008.

Submit to http://www.jcu.edu.au/etropic/LINQ/LiNQhome.htm

"Why writers need editors", by Pamela Hewitt (an editor, writer and trainer). Part of an interesting blog about editing:
http://www.emendediting.com/blog/
She also writes a journal about editing, "The Fine Print", for those who are interested:
http://www.emendediting.com/html/ezine/index.html
You can also subscribe to "The Fine Print" through a link on the site.

Is friday going to be your lucky day? Find out here...
http://www.allenandunwin.com/default.aspx?page=462

Edited by author 05-31-2008 09:59 AM
Do you have it in you to fight till the last round???
"After ten years of writing, I’d published about a dozen short stories. This is after ten years of writing every day, hours a day. I’d also written three novels, all of which were bad in about a thousand different ways. Then I wrote two more bad novels. When I wrote my first published novel, Big Fish, I was closer to 40 than 30, and I’d been writing for fourteen years."
Daniel wallace did.
http://cosmoetica.com/DSI12.htm

this is a really good Australian site. loads of competitions, submission opportunities etc. they have an anthology of opportunities.
www.goingdownswinging.org.au

Yet another post about marketing yourself and your book:
http://www.beneaththecover.com/2008/05/21/...se-colored-glasses/

Another interesting article about marketing your work. There is a new program for authors for setting up websites. Read about it at:
http://booksquare.com/harpercollins-author...rketing-done-right/

The marketing 101 article was really interesting - and worth keeping in mind for the future! Marketing is SOOO important now. You can't just let someone else do it all for you.

You think you have a problem with being rejected, you need to spend more time here http://literaryrejectionsondisplay.blogspot.com/

Marketing 101 - Dealing with bookstores
http://www.tcdailyplanet.net/article/2008/...-book-now-what.html#

Michael Chabon's piece of advice
http://in.reuters.com/article/lifestyleMol...rtualBrandChannel=0

Writer's Digest 101 best sites for writers
http://www.writersdigest.com/101BestSites/...008&m_sCategory=all

I hope we are able to recreate the success of writers groups such as this one at WITS
http://www.visionwriters.org/index.html
and the results are obvious
http://www.corydaniells.com/RCDrornews.html

How insightful is this article
http://www.booksquare.com/piracy-uh-what-is-it-good-for/
Do yourself a favour bookmark this wonderful blog

You’re an Author? Me Too! is the title of the article and I suggest you should read it too. Will help you put things in perspective!!!
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/27/books/review/Donadio-t.html

Just when you thought making it big in Hollywood was a distant dream
http://www.variety.com/article/VR111798414...?categoryid=13&cs=1

And I have been saying this all along...
http://www.booksquare.com/not-a-formula-for-success/

More disturbing trends in the world of publishing
http://www.publishingnews.co.uk/pn/pno-new...97fdc2f9a51c976ed02

Here is someone who you should be emulating
http://www.roykesey.com/

Especially people who say things like "And ya then I write this 50000 word epic and chuck it in the bin because I am so friggin good."

Writing is hard work, respect the craft!

Great Interview on TEV about flash fiction and the increasing number of online journals. Also checkout WIGLEAF top 50 online short fiction

http://marksarvas.blogs.com/elegvar/2008/05/tev-guest-inter.html

Another interesting site, this time run by the BBC. It's called "Get Writing" and has a "tools" page as well as mini courses and links to the BBCs "Writers Room", which is interesting in itself.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/getwriting/

Here is the link to YouWriteOn.com:
http://www.youwriteon.com/
Pretty simple really!

Check out "How to outsource the slush pile" an article in the Guardian's blog about a new online peer review site through Harper Collins.

Called "Authonomy", it "will theoretically help separate the unpublished wheat from the chaff. The idea is that aspirant scribes can upload up to 10,000 words to the site and then have their masterworks judged by what HarperCollins refers to as "keen, talent-spotting readers" - other people,
that is, who have registered on the network."

Check out the rest of the article at:
http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/books/2008/05/..._the_slush_pil.html

Could be interesting. Some of the posts to the blog are equally as interesting, especially those that talk about another site called YouWriteOn.com

I will have to break your heart with this one. My apologies
http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/books/2008/04/...ished_good_luc.html

Penguin's new experiments in storytelling
http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/books/2008/04/...nguins_experim.html

What the future might bring for poetry mags
http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/books/2008/05/...etry_magazines.html

this is exactly how to frame your writing ego.
Great comments. Only do it if it feels good.
as the andrew sisters said,
"You gotta accentuate the positive,
eliminate the negative and don't mess with
Mr. In-between"

Greg you have spoken the truth and lifted my spirits. Thanks mate!
http://charles-tan.blogspot.com/2008/04/gr...out-on-writing.html

The best site on WWW for audio poetry
http://www.laurable.com/

Edited by author 04-24-2008 11:10 AM
Edward Hirsch on 'how to read poetry'
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5331955

Head over to npr.org for some great podcasts - listen to novelists and poets speak about the craft and what it takes to be good at it.

Another spec fiction idea. This is to do with an anthology being put together to 'rejig' the "Canterbury Tales" as written by Chaucer in the 14th century. The hitch is, that this is the Canterbury Tales as of the year 2100. It's a very cool idea, and they are still after submissions from Australian and New Zealand authors, because they didn't get enough of the right quality so far. Check out the details at:
http://www.catsparks.net/agogpress/canterbury2100.htm

Well worth checking out.

Another post about Australian speculative fiction. Check out this blog from Australian spec fic writer/editor/publisher Cat Sparks about the state of Australian spec fic publishing at the moment. Some entertaining comments.

http://catsparx.livejournal.com/49624.html

Check out this link to an Australian speculative fiction publisher - about a new series of novellas to be published this year. They are looking for submissions. Here is what it says on the post:

Twelfth Planet Press is looking for unique novellas to publish in our novella series.

We expect to publish one to two novellas a year in this ongoing series. We are looking for speculative fictional stories between 20 000 and 40 000 words in length. We are especially looking for strong, tightly written pieces with subject matter that may tend towards not fitting into the usual specfic novella outlets.

Word count: 20 000 to 40 000 words
Genre: science fiction, fantasy, or horror
Payment: A$250 advance for the story plus 8% royalties
Reading period: Now to July 29th 2008
Submit: send your story as an rtf attachment to twelfthplanetpress@gmail.com

(There will be a second reading period towards the end of 2008 and into 2009)

The link for the above post is:
http://www.fictionscribe.com/twelfth-plane...ll-for-submissions/

Good luck!

hi, jnu, the hottest centre for australian lit studies in india. pass the word.
regards
http://pappyrus.blogspot.com

Is this depressing or what?
http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/busi.../article3378297.ece

Great short story comp at Skive Magazine and a chance to get your work published in a 'best of' anthology

details at http://www.skivemagazine.com/sssp.html

The only show you should be watching
http://www.titlepage.tv/

Edited by author 03-02-2008 11:17 AM
Amy Hempel insists that we need to ask ourselves as writers if we are doing justice to the reader - if what we write is essential or unique or special OR are we just wasting someone's precious time in the process...

Here is another outstanding interview with Amy Hempel
http://www.theatlantic.com/doc/200604u/hempel-interview

And also remember to checkout these authors who are highly rated by her.

Barry Hannah
Grace Paley
Leonard Michaels
Walter Kirn (Whose written a serial novel on SLATE.com http://www.slate.com/id/2137804/)
Chris Kraus
George Saunders

Check out these great interviews with Amy Hempel and Raymond Carver. Two of the finest minimalist/miniaturist shortstory writers ever!!!

http://www.powells.com/authors/hempel.html
http://titan.iwu.edu/~jplath/carver.html

Great tips for writing romance (for that matter writing any form of engaging fiction)available at http://www.eharlequin.com/

Here is a sample:

Here are the most common writing personalities and their mistakes that our editors see when they’re reading unsolicited submissions while searching for new Presents talent:

    * The Free Spirit has no idea what her story is or where she’s going when she begins her book.
    * The Procrastinator “writes herself in.” She spends two to three chapters unfolding a long, rambling back-story and setting the scene, and there’s no romance or hero-heroine action in sight.
    * Ms. No-Man’s-Land doesn’t introduce the hero until chapter two…or even later!
    * She-who-saves-the-best-for-last, and who clings to the assumption that readers (and editors) will be understanding and hang in there until chapter four or five when her romance really gets going.
    * Me-Me-Me uses a lot of descriptive narrative, choosing to tell the story by inserting herself between the readers and the characters, rather than letting characters speak for themselves.
    * The Party Animal includes loads of minor characters—but who are the hero and heroine?
    * The Show-Stopper thinks of a great opening line or paragraph and then…her book goes downhill from there!

Let’s be clear about a couple of things. In terms of word length, these are short books (50,000 words total). So you haven’t got time to warm up or wait for the hero to arrive! And, despite the quickness of the read, every reader expects to have taken a ride on an emotional rollercoaster by the time she finishes your book.

The Harlequin Presents Editor’s Golden Rules for Packing a Punch from the Very First Page:

    * Write the synopsis of your story first.
    * Know who your hero and heroine are before you start, and aim to get them together as soon as possible.
    * Keep the focus on the hero and heroine and their developing romance as much as you can.
    * Give your reader a tantalizing taste of the emotional conflict within the first few pages.
    * Give evidence of the sexual attraction between the hero and heroine, too.
    * Unfold the back-story in bite-sized pieces throughout your book—not immediately in one long, indigestible chunk!
    * Use dialogue—when the characters speak for themselves, readers will be instantly engaged.
    * Keep minor characters to an absolute minimum and use them to support the unfolding romance—don’t give them a life of their own!
    * Keep an eye on your pace—it should be tight and fast from page one, with the aim of keeping the reader turning the pages.
    * End your first chapter on a climax and invite the reader to read on.

Thanks for correcting me Robyn. Thanks for the links!

I am glad they have stores in Australia as well. It might be worth before you sign up for the publishing program to enquire if the instore promotions are available downunder too.

Wow! What a lot of reading I have to do now. Thanks :-)

While we're posting resources, here is a link to an Australian speculative fiction publishing press - as it happens, run by a friend of mine from high school, Cat Sparks (no, I haven't contacted her yet - it's on my "to do list").
http://www.catsparks.net/agogpress/index.html

By the way, Borders does have Australian stores: there is one in Canberra, where I spent a lot of money in early January, 3 in Brisbane, several in Sydney, Victoria and WA. Whether the publishing program applies to the Australian stores I don't know. Anyway, here is the link to Borders:
http://www.borders.com.au

I've just spent about 30 minutes checking out one of the sites you mentioned in an earlier post:
http://www.ralan.com
What an awesome site! The links to publishers, competitions, magazines etc are really helpful, and the page of other writing links is, in a word, extensive! REALLY worth checking out, if you are interested in speculative fiction.

You have been busy in the last month Nikesh! Keep it up.

Those of you working on a novel. Here is a great essay from the Varuna Awards panelists telling writers what gets you noticed. Go to the webpage and look for the essay link
http://www.varuna.com.au/diary.html

What is good flash fiction
http://diaryofaliteraryfictioneditor.blogs...ion-slush-pile.html

Straight from the horses' mouth

Daniel Oran gets innovative with his second novel. A fantastic idea!!!
http://www.readwriteweb.com/archives/autho..._beta_test_book.php

For those of you contemplating SELF PUBLISHING here are the two best options at the moment.
http://www.createspace.com/
http://publish.bordersstores.com/publish_public.html

I think the Borders publishing program is far better than the Amazon.com service becuase it provides an opportunity to display copies of your book online and in borders stores and even organise events like readings in stores for a reasonable amount of money. Unfortunately I don't think there are any Borders stores in Australia.

A wonderful resource for published authors to announce their book tour dates.
http://booktour.com/readers

Thanks for the info Kerry. I will try and google the terms to see if I can get a hold of those videos.

Here is a great post from the founder of the best literary fiction blog on planet earth
http://marksarvas.blogs.com/elegvar/2008/02/harry-revised-u.html

I can thoroughly recommend the writing essays by vandemeer. They speak volumes
also the link to the agent and his take on the publishing world.
I can't remeber where I heard it but by googling the words literary agents I found some videos of what reviewing and submission editors of the big mags in America want and when and how to submit. mags like the new yorker etc.

If you are serious about writing fiction, do yourself a favour and sign up for the next masterclass organised by THE CULT http://www.chuckpalahniuk.net/workshop/masters-class

and even if you are not a great Chuck Palahniuk fan like I am, join the great writers community on the official Chuck Palahniuk site to participate in their workshops and critiquing forums. Visit http://www.chuckpalahniuk.net/workshop/tour

"The first sentence is the catastrophic equation. . . is a sentential event. . . is congested. . . is dense with utterance. It comes from the body, not the mind and cannot be taught; the rest can.

You are trying to produce an opening . . . You have to find in yourself the bearing of a god . . . The best way to start is to build more fear of dying, cultivate an awareness of its omnipresence in your life; then the consequences of your act, your utterance, are more likely to reach farther . . .

You should have nothing but that object of your fascination . . . Go to an extreme of desire . . . Engage in an act of self-interrogation; what is the real mystery? Who is talking? Who has the need? Who sees? Who sees me? Who's talking when you talk? What do you see first? Go deeper, what aspect of this fascinates you? What language do you need to describe them?

Your task is to produce an illusion of the world beginning now . . . Don't write until the totality of the song is in your head as a total eruption . . . The sentence should not be a sentence that communicates, but one that presents. Not a sentence about the world, but one that is the world entire. "

This quote appears in the article "Lish, Gordon:Notes and Reflections of a Former Student by George Carver" found at http://www.pifmagazine.com/SID/692/

READ IT!!!

and also read the prologue to the collection STRANGE PILGRIMS by the GOD of writing Gabriel Garcia Marquez available here as a free preview thanks to AMAZON.com http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/1400034698...5665256#reader-link

Some great insights into the art of writing short stories

Sounds like a gret antho to submit to
http://www.eneitpress.com/index.php?page=8

New magazine recommended by Jeff Vand Der Meer. http://www.polluto.com/

Check out his great blog -"Ecstatic Days" http://www.jeffvandermeer.com/
I love it!!!

Must read blogs and i mean MUST. Its reading stuff like this that gets you published more often

http://diaryofaliteraryfictioneditor.blogspot.com/
http://rejecter.blogspot.com/

Great piece for the those who write literary fiction
http://steveersinghaus.com/narratives/?p=338

Michelle Paver's WOLF BROTHER read by Ian McKellen for free from Guardian's book podcasts http://books.guardian.co.uk/wolfbrother/0,,2097767,00.html

A wonderful tale read by one of the finest actors of our time. Its also worthwhile to checkout the author's official website where she talks about researching the book in this etailed interview http://www.michellepaver.com/Features/p2_articleid/6

oops here is the permuted press link http://www.permutedpress.com/anthologies.php

 *Checkout this great article by Jeff Van Der Meer
http://www.jeffvandermeer.com/2008/01/15/h...ovel-in-two-months/

*Please if you do get the time read through all the installments of Dan Simmons' 'WRITING WELL'. Certainly one of the best series of articles i have read in a while.
http://www.dansimmons.com/writing_welll/archive/writing_index.htm

* Steve and the others. Here is the link to the anthology call for GIANT CREATURES. I loved the GIANT Kangaroo idea.

*www.ralan.com one of the larget marketlists for scifi/horror/fantasy/speculative literature

Welcome to The Shack! A forum, a discussion space, a pool of resources, a portal to share contacts and links that will lead to greater success in the publishing arena for all of us struggling writers!

So till you sign that million dollar book deal and move into that superfluously luxurious chateau on the banks of Lake Como, this is the place to be. So come all ye faithful, let's shack up and do some sharing, writing, bitching and supporting!