Category Archives: Writing Tips

Writing tips I’ve learned from experience, books, other writers, etc., that may benefit others and that I don’t want to forget.

Career Advice from a Successful Author

Posted on August 16, 2012 by mike

Today I had the privilege to learn from a New York Times bestselling author, Michael A. Stackpole.  His seminar “Digital Publishing and the Independent Author” at Gen Con Indy 2012 was very well-attended.  Some of the take-aways from the seminar: … Continue reading →

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How to Write an Essay Easily

Posted on August 15, 2011 by mike

Writing, in general, is something many people find difficult.  Stringing together words and sentences is something they struggle with.  Writing an essay can seem like a difficult task.  But it doesn’t have to be that way.  In this tutorial, I’ll … Continue reading →

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Apple’s Effect on Book Publishing

Posted on August 14, 2011 by mike

Apple and five leading publishers have been served with a lawsuit alleging that they have conspired to keep electronic book (eBook) pricing artificially high, and that they used their power to prevent Amazon from establishing “pro-consumer” eBook pricing.  According to … Continue reading →

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SEO for Authors

Posted on August 13, 2011 by mike

What is Search Engine Optimization (SEO)? Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is the art of helping search engines like Google or Bing identify what the content on your site is about, so that people searching for the kind of information you’re … Continue reading →

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Why Self-Publish?

Posted on July 24, 2011 by mike

A heated debate is raging in the community of professional authors on whether self-publishing is a good idea.  On one side are authors who have always worked through traditional publishers to offer their works.  On the other side are authors … Continue reading →

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10 Things Readers Want from a Novel

Posted on April 30, 2011 by mike

James V. Smith Jr., in The Writer’s Little Helper, includes a list of 21 traits your book should have.  In the article accompanying his list, he recommends building your own list the same way he did… visit Amazon.com and read … Continue reading →

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What is Hypnotic Writing?

Posted on March 6, 2011 by mike

Being a writer by nature, I’m always looking for information about the craft.  The term “hypnotic writing” got my attention as soon as I saw it.  What did it mean?  How did it differ from “regular writing” and why would … Continue reading →

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Viral Writing

Posted on December 20, 2010 by mike

As a writer, I’m always watching for interesting writing tips and tricks.  For example, Ken Rand’s “The 10% Solution” claims to reduce the size of your written fiction by 10% while improving the quality, by doing a series of “find” … Continue reading →

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How I Wrote a Novel in a Month

Posted on November 28, 2010 by mike

How I wrote 50,000 words for NaNoWriMo in under a month, including tips on brainstorming, using a revision log, using placeholder text, modular plotting, novel-writing software, and writing quickly. Continue reading →

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Create an MP3 of an iOS Voice Memo

Posted on October 26, 2010 by mike

How to convert an iPod or iPhone Voice Memo file into an MP3 for use with other software or devices, using nothing but iTunes. Continue reading →

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