Tag: Writing

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Tip #4

What is your job, your function as a writer? Do you write poetry or prose? If you write prose, what genre do you favor If you write novels, you probably tell stories. James A. Michener was a storyteller, and he excelled at it.

Tip #4. “The job of a storyteller is to tell stories, and I have concentrated on that obligation.”

And Mr. Michener did an outstanding job! You might have noticed that his novels are long. For example, Texas has 1,474 pages, and Hawaii has 1,490 pages. But he conducted extensive research, he did his homework, and rewrote them several times with editorial assistance. The first printing of Texas was 750,000 copies.

But don’t try to copy Mr. Michener. Don’t try to write long stories. Instead write what you feel comfortable with. Be yourself, establish your voice and your style, do your homework, give yourself time to excel. But write! And you may be thrilled with the results if you …

Write Creatively.

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Tip #1

James A. Michener was a prolific writer, and several of his books became movies, such as South Pacific and Sayonara. Read Mr. Michener’s tips numerous times and let them become part of your thinking.

Tip #1. “The rules seem to be these: if you have written a successful novel, everyone invites you to write short stories. If you have written some good short stories, everyone wants you to write a novel. But nobody wants anything until you have already proved yourself by being published somewhere else.”

In today’s culture, the best place might be to self-publish. One of my clients has published several books through us, P&L Publishing and Literary Services, two of which are selling like hot cakes. She has proven herself – as Michener mentioned – and a major company negotiated with her to write more.

We at P&L Publishing and Literary Services are here to help you achieve your dream. You may contact us through the Get in Touch button found above. So, keep dreaming, and keep writing, but …

Write Creatively.

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Valentine’s Day Special

P&L Publishing and Literary Services is offering a $100 discount as a Valentine’s Day special. If you are writing a book – or are ready to publish one – contact us on our “Get In Touch” or contact page and tell us you read this blog. You’ll be surprised at how little it costs and how quickly we can publish your book. Contact us on or before Leap Day (February 29, 2024) to receive this offer. (https://plpubandlit.org/)

And just as this critter is passing on this information, share this blog with your friends.

Write Creatively

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First Impressions

You’re going for a job interview. How do you dress? If you’re applying for a managerial position, don’t dress like a surfer. If you’re going for a position as a plumber, a suit and tie might not be appropriate. Your appearance, interaction, and attitude must convince the manager that you are the person for the job. First impressions are usually long-lasting, and can make the difference whether you get the job.

In a similar manner, when someone picks up your book, he or she must be quickly convinced that the book is worth reading. Your first sentence, or at least your first paragraph, must arrest the reader’s attention. For example …

In the book, APRIL 1865 (Jay Winik, HarperCollins, 2001), Mr. Winik opens his introduction with: “Atlanta had been overwhelmed. Columbia had been surrendered – and burned. Charleston had been abandoned. The peace conference at Hampton Roads had been fruitless. And the British and the French had refused to intervene.”

That opening salvo got my attention! I continued reading.

Like Jay Winik did, we must make that very important first impression in the opening lines of our book. We don’t want readers to put our book down until they devour the whole story.

And remember, the last lines of each page must prompt the reader to turn the page. The last page of the chapter should present a hook to pull the reader to the next chapter. And the first paragraph of each chapter should be a lure to entice the reader to keep reading. Yes, the book must be interesting!

All that is wrapped up in two words:

Write Creatively