Articles

On the whole, the articles listed on this page relate to writing and storytelling.

In the first part, I created a list of articles I wrote that focus on writing a novel. Thereafter, I’ve created an alphabetical list of articles written by others. They have been collected over many years.

You are welcome to consider any of the articles listed below for publication in your website/blog/newsletter. Permission is granted to reprint for free with the resource box and byline intact (this information is placed at the bottom of each article).

To view the articles, just click on the article you would like to view and you will be taken to the appropriate page.

I am aware the list is long. So, please don’t get overwhelmed and close this page. Do take some time to view it. Scroll down the list (all entries have been placed in alphabetical order) and I’m sure you’ll find something of interest.

Use Time and Timing Wisely for Powerful Storytelling Anyone who has told stories often knows the importance of time and timing. Used with planning, time can be a storyteller’s best friend. Used without thought, however, time can ruin a performance and rob a teller of credibility, reputation, and the joy of experiencing eager listeners. In this article, I will highlight the ins and outs of time management for storytellers – and I am not referring to the Day Planner kind of time management! First and foremost, pay attention to the times set for your performance. It should go without saying…
Use the Power of the Pause to Strengthen Your Storytelling When we are telling stories to a group, and especially as a newer storyteller, one of the most difficult techniques to master is the use of the pause. Even in everyday conversation, most people have a problem with silence. Somehow we feel we must always fill a space with words. And yet silence and a pause during the telling of a story not only enhances the audience’s understanding of the story, it also builds anticipation. In this article I will discuss the whys and how of using pauses to strengthen…
Understanding Ebook Rights: The Basics You Need to Know Information products are big online. Generally, they’re PDF products packaged in what is known as an “ebook format”. Years ago another popular option was .exe but due to viruses and their incompatibility with the Mac they have lost a lot of their popularity. An easy way to start your own web business with low start up costs is to purchase ebooks with what is known as “resale rights”. But what are resale rights? Are they the same as “Master Resale Rights”? Ebooks often come with different types of rights. Translation: The…
Sunday, 19 May 2013 04:50

Understanding Children's Book Genres

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Understanding Children’s Book Genres I just received a letter from a writer who said, “Alas, I find myself adrift in a sea of unexplained and/or contradictory publishing terms.” It’s true — you can read three different books on writing and find three different definitions of “picture book.” So, to make your life easier, here’s what I hope is a definitive glossary of children’s publishing genres: * Picture books — In its broadest definition, a picture book is a book in which the illustrations play a significant role in telling the story. Under this umbrella are several types of books: 1.…
Sunday, 19 May 2013 04:44

Run Your Own Race-At Your Own Pace

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Run Your Own Race-At Your Own Pace On Thanksgiving Day, dawn spills over Dana Point Harbor where thousands of runners gather for the annual Turkey Trot. The largest holiday race in California beckons folks of all ages, sizes, shapes, and abilities. Waiting at the starting line for the 10-K, I talk to a Dad and his 7 year- old daughter. Around me, I hear bravado talk about marathons, triathlons, hard bodies and zippo fat content. Thankfully, I spy silver haired folks with knee braces, a young couple with babies in jogging strollers and runners decked in costumes ranging from Santa…
How to Write a Romance That Publishers Will Buy Romance fiction is designed to entertain. At its best, it can transport a reader to a fantasy place where happy endings are guaranteed, where there are always resolutions to problems and the girl inevitably gets her perfect man. Is that your understanding? Perhaps. From an objective (some might say cynical) point of view, romance fiction is an exercise in marketing. Publishers like Harlequin and Silhouette have identified a need, which they set out to fulfill. From a romance publishers’ point of view, the writers actually get in the way of this…
Sunday, 19 May 2013 04:34

Researching The Market

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Researching The Market Editors always plead with authors to research the market before submitting manuscripts. This makes sense–it cuts down on the number of inappropriate submissions an editor may receive, and presumably will lower the chance of a manuscript getting rejected. But how, exactly, does one research a market that produces thousands of new products each year? I suggest a systematic, three-part approach which works for book and magazine publishers. This involves studying a publisher’s overall list, individual books or issues, and their writers’ guidelines. It doesn’t matter which part you do first as long as you cover all three.…
Questions Storytellers Need To Ask Themselves Who am I and why would someone hire me? Can I work a crowd? Can I work in any weather environment? What do I have to offer a festival or event? Can I be flexible enough to fit the needs of the audience? Can I be a team player? Will I be our partner to the producer? Will I promote the festival or event? Do I have any "non negotiable" points? Am I fun and enjoyable to be around? Am I comfortable around kids, animals, the elderly, etc.? Am you available for picture taking…
Questions Storytellers Are Often Asked and How They Answer When I tell people that I am a “storyteller” right away they fire back a slew of questions. In this article I am going to share some questions and answers from two of my favorite storytelling friends. These mini-articles appeared originally as posts on the StoryTell List. Whether or not you are a storyteller and/or a listener, you will find them insightful, entertaining and illuminating. From Karen Chace: For me, first and foremost I seem to always have to explain “what” a storyteller is as most people assume I read. I…
Thursday, 16 May 2013 23:44

Query Writing Mistakes to Avoid

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Query Writing Mistakes to Avoid You know that you’re not supposed to start your letters with “Dear Editor,” need to follow proper formatting protocol, and should always send your queries to the correct person, right? You’ve no doubt also mastered the art of kicking out embarrassing grammar goof-ups, know more about your word processing software than you do about your fiancé, and have learnt the dangers of the begging routine (also known as the my-mom-thinks-it’s-fantabulous syndrome). Why then, do most of your neatly-crafted, SASE-containing queries come boomeranging back? Maybe you’re making the mistakes no one’s telling you about. Here’s a…

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