After taking a hiatus from hosting my Author Exhange Blog, I've got it back up and running with a slightly different format. In addition to interviewing published authors (any genre/format) and other publishing professionals, I'm now also publishing Guest Blog Posts and doing some book reviews.
In the year between February 2009 and Feburary 2010, I published nearly 100 interviews with a variety of published authors, editors, publishers and other industry professionals. All genres were represented, as were a magazine and a couple of book publishers. My aim is to help other writers spread the good word about their work and their passion.
We writers walk just a step out of time with the rest of the world...after all, how many people do you know who actually prefer sitting in room all by themselves, living with imaginary friends and lives?
Due to time constraints (I was actually spending between 15 and 20 hours a week with duties related to the Author Exchange Blog before going on hiatus), I've implemented strict submission guidelines and have extended the length of time I need before scheduling guest appearances on the blog. I'm hoping the new guidelines will not only help me manage my time better, but will also streamline the process of getting more people up on the blog.
Feel free to spread the word to any writers, or other people in the industry, you may know.
Showing posts with label Author Exchange Blog. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Author Exchange Blog. Show all posts
Friday, May 28, 2010
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Book Reviews...and How They Help My Writing
I review books on my Author Exchange Blog and, aside from being treated to some excellent stories, the process has helped my writing.
I have always read books by both men and women. In fact, my favorite writer of all time is the late Ed McBain/Evan Hunter. I must admit, however, that most of the books sitting on my bookshelves were written by women. Where am I going with this? In this direction: men and women write differently while, at the same time, writing precisely the same. Clear as mud, eh?
The first handful of books I reviewed were written by men. In two of them, the gender of the protagonist became immediately clear. Not because of their names but because their actions, vocabulary, and insights were indisputably male. I loved re-reading sections involving their inner thought processes because they highlighted excellent examples of superior characterization. Men and women often think and behave differently. I recall one particular male character who was emotionally involved with a woman in the story. While he cared deeply for her and angsted over their relationship (something we women do), he did so in a purely male fashion. I've since re-read a number of scenes and chapters of those books to research the way a male mind works. I could, of course, simply ask my husband. But I suspect it's better all the way around not to delve too deeply into his mind...
I also noticed that these prolific, award-winning, and often bestseller list-authors all excel in a particular area: plotting, characterization, dialogue, or wringing emotion from the reader. Most also had a subtle area of weakness. (A couple did not!) This realization made me look at my writing from an objective standpoint. I am now able to capitalize on my strengths, while simultaneously keeping a lid on my weaknesses.
The most important benefit I've received from these book reviews involves the concept of approval. One of the authors--famous, prolific, and a bestseller--was unable to wring a drop of emotion from me during my read of his book other than irritation. He is educated, intelligent, a terrific plotter, and tends toward philosophical soliloquies and, in my opinion, pomposity. A bazillion people love him and his books or they wouldn't have hit the bestseller list. Which just goes to show that no matter how famous you are, or how excellent a writer you are, someone is always going to think you stink. (I didn't think he stinks, but you get my point, right?)
Stepping outside the parameters of what you normally read, and treating yourself to books by unknown (to you) authors, serves two purposes. 1) You treat yourself to enjoyment you'd never have known otherwise, and 2) You gain insight to methods of improving your own writing.
To visit my book reviews, visit the Author Exchange Blog and slide down the right sidebar until you find the list.
I have always read books by both men and women. In fact, my favorite writer of all time is the late Ed McBain/Evan Hunter. I must admit, however, that most of the books sitting on my bookshelves were written by women. Where am I going with this? In this direction: men and women write differently while, at the same time, writing precisely the same. Clear as mud, eh?
The first handful of books I reviewed were written by men. In two of them, the gender of the protagonist became immediately clear. Not because of their names but because their actions, vocabulary, and insights were indisputably male. I loved re-reading sections involving their inner thought processes because they highlighted excellent examples of superior characterization. Men and women often think and behave differently. I recall one particular male character who was emotionally involved with a woman in the story. While he cared deeply for her and angsted over their relationship (something we women do), he did so in a purely male fashion. I've since re-read a number of scenes and chapters of those books to research the way a male mind works. I could, of course, simply ask my husband. But I suspect it's better all the way around not to delve too deeply into his mind...
I also noticed that these prolific, award-winning, and often bestseller list-authors all excel in a particular area: plotting, characterization, dialogue, or wringing emotion from the reader. Most also had a subtle area of weakness. (A couple did not!) This realization made me look at my writing from an objective standpoint. I am now able to capitalize on my strengths, while simultaneously keeping a lid on my weaknesses.
The most important benefit I've received from these book reviews involves the concept of approval. One of the authors--famous, prolific, and a bestseller--was unable to wring a drop of emotion from me during my read of his book other than irritation. He is educated, intelligent, a terrific plotter, and tends toward philosophical soliloquies and, in my opinion, pomposity. A bazillion people love him and his books or they wouldn't have hit the bestseller list. Which just goes to show that no matter how famous you are, or how excellent a writer you are, someone is always going to think you stink. (I didn't think he stinks, but you get my point, right?)
Stepping outside the parameters of what you normally read, and treating yourself to books by unknown (to you) authors, serves two purposes. 1) You treat yourself to enjoyment you'd never have known otherwise, and 2) You gain insight to methods of improving your own writing.
To visit my book reviews, visit the Author Exchange Blog and slide down the right sidebar until you find the list.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Why did my Author Exchange Blog Win a Kreative Blogger Award?
Because Patricia Stoltey at http://patriciastoltey.blogspot.com// says so, that's why! I received the award for my Author Exchange Blog, where I interview published writers and other professionals in the publishing world. Amazing how helping market other writers generates world-wide friendships!
Thank you, Patricia, for bestowing this award on me.
- Thank the person who nominated you for this award.
- Copy the logo and place it on your blog.
- Link to the person who nominated you for this award.
- Name 7 things about yourself that people might find interesting--or that thay don't know...
- Nominate 7 Kreativ Bloggers.
- Post links to the 7 blogs you nominate.
- Leave a comment on each of the blogs letting them know they have been nominated.
Well, I've followed Rules #1-3, so here are my 7 things in compliance with Rule #4:
- I love Rottweilers.
- I'd like to be a member of the panel of insurance professionals who draft the verbiage for the "stupidity" exclusion in an insurance policy.
- I played the violin in 2nd grade, graduating to the guitar and piano--much to my parents' delight. Still have the piano they gave me for my 18th birthday.
- Met my first boyfriend at age 5 - at the school bus stop. He lives in Colorado and we still keep in touch.
- Met my husband on the school bus in high school. (Yes, he lives here with me in Montana - and we still keep in touch!)
- I'm scared to death of heights - and about 47,000 other things.
- I believe that true friendship is one of the most valuable commodities in the world.
- Copyblogger
- Colleen Collins' Guns, Gams, and Gumshoes
- D.P. Lyle, M.D.'s Writer's Forensics Blog
- Bill Kirton's Living, Writing, and Other Stuff
- Amigo's Pets and Their Authors (he owns author Mayra Calvani)
- The gang at Type M for Murder
- The gang at Carolina Conspiracy
One thing I've learned about blogging is that it's all about the readers. Hopefully, the blogs I've listed will offer you readers a variety of interesting and humorous new resources.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Author Interviews
I believe it is important for writers to band together to help each other professionally--which is why I'm a member of half a dozen writer's groups.
I also believe it's important for us to help market each other. We can do this in a number of ways:
Check out my Author Exchange Blog if you want to help market other writers OR if you're just looking to find another good book: Author Exchange Blog.
--Linda
I also believe it's important for us to help market each other. We can do this in a number of ways:
- Posting links to other authors' sites on our web sites and blogs
- Talking other writers up
- Hosting blogs, hosting radio shows and other media events, writing magazine and newspaper articles, posting to blogs, etc.
Check out my Author Exchange Blog if you want to help market other writers OR if you're just looking to find another good book: Author Exchange Blog.
--Linda
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