I watched a TV show which packed more excellent writing and publishing advice into 50 minutes than you’d see in 5 literary festivals. And because it involved little or no thought on my part, I collated it into a blog post. You’re welcome.
If we were really okay with Women’s Fiction, would we ever need to justify it? And why do I change so much on the inside every time I get my hair done? This and other truly shocking revelations in this week’s tardy but multi-tasking blog post extravaganza.
Famous writers are regularly asked to provide glowing blurbs, or one-line reviews, for other people’s books. While many find it difficult to say no, it’s impossible for an Irish writer to say no. So because I am always generous and charitable, I decided to write a few honest blurbs which might help them through this particular diplomatic minefield.
The way that publishing works today is unrecognisable in comparison to 15 years ago. For many readers and writers, it hasn’t changed for the better, resulting in much weeping, wailing, and a deluge of think pieces pretending to know what they’re talking about (just like this one). But you know what else changed as much in that time? Television. And it’s kicking ass. Why can’t publishing?
As we are now in a post-thinking society, I’ve decided to pose some questions relating to the publishing world after Brexit, and what it’s all going to mean for writers and readers. Warning: this post contains no fake news, and one shocking lean towards optimism.
There’s a new trend in successful book covers – but has it made its way into indie publishing, and if not, why not? And on another note, can I interest you in some psychedelic wallpaper designed by Delia Smith in a fever dream?
Arguments about positive discrimination usually get very negative, and the current one in publishing is no different. Some people think that promotion should be based on merit alone, no matter who you are. But are they missing the point?
A London hedge fund is going to pay authors to write full-time without the distraction of having to take other paid employment. Is it April Fool’s Day, or is there more money in publishing than we thought? As usual, I will attempt to answer none of these questions.
This week, I set out to enquire what drives people to write really nasty reviews. Not only did I find the answer, but I also found out that I was the culprit (and so are you). In an attempt to soften this shocking revelation I have turned this life lesson into unmissable advice for authors and internet users. Just call me Dr. Spin-ling.
How in Blog’s name is anyone supposed to sell a book nowadays, when 33,000 other books will be released on the same day as yours? The answer is to look for patterns. Unfortunately, this has global consequences… much like reading this blog on an empty stomach.
