Month: August 2012

This week has been the hottest so far in Sacramento this summer. (I’d like to claim that’s why I haven’t blogged as I should, but the truth is I’ve just been busy lazy). In medieval Japan, people wore lightweight clothing during the spring and summer, and heavier winter kimono through the colder months. The change from summer to winter clothing (and vice versa) was controlled by the calendar, not the weather. The Japanese have a term for this: koromogae, which means changing clothing at the turn of the seasons. During the Edo Period (1600-1868), koromogae took place on April 1

As promised, our Writing Wednesday series now shifts to the all-important topic of the author business plan. All authors should have a business plan, regardless of whether the author plans to self-publish or to pursue a traditional publishing contract. For some, the business plan may even help clarify that choice. It’s never too early for authors to start writing a business plan. The author’s business plan will differ a little from the plan for a traditional “brick and mortar” businesses – but not all that much. We’ll talk about those differences, and how to write an author’s plan, in the

It’s Friday, which means it’s time to clean the lint-and-lobster traps and see what we’ve caught this week. The spam filter seems unusually happy with my work this week. It contains sterling reviews like: “[A]mong the best blogs on the web.” – Fake News Site That “MIGHT” Contain Pornography “I think you have a lot of good info, saved to bookmarks.” – Vampire Fanfic Site “It’s an awesome paragraph in favor of all the web users; they will take advantage from it I am sure.” – People Associated With Gambling (And Apparently Also Alcoholic Beverages) And one suggestion for improvement:

A new month is upon us – time to celebrate! For those not in the know, August 2012 is official: Catfish month (though mine prefer having the catch delivered.*) (*statistically, 5% of you caught that the first time through and another 77% still haven’t caught the joke.) Happiness Happens Month (That’s not how I learned that phrase…) Water Quality Month (A hint…don’t eat yellow snow.) Get Ready for Kindergarten Month (The yellow snow comment suggests I’m well-prepared.) Celery, Fennel and Cactus Month (Hint: one of these should be skinned before eating.) and, last but not least Win with Civility Month

You’ll find today’s Wednesday post over at Writers in the Storm, where I’m guest-blogging about publishing perils and pitfalls every author should avoid. We take a look at the “big three” hidden pitfalls: impatience, peer pressure, and the lure of “big money” (that usually isn’t). Fortunately, all authors can avoid these dangers with sufficient information and careful planning! Hop on over to Writers in the Storm and join the conversation!