Recent content by TWErvin2

If I really I enjoy the characters and the plot, I will re-read a book (or a series).

If you shrink the cover image down to thumbnail size, the titlework nearly disappears. On online stores, your cover will be placed next to many others, vying for attention. The image seems to blend in and lose definition. Something to consider.

I've been an author guest at some conventions over the years. One neat discussion was with Harry Turtledove. I've read and enjoyed some of his works (he is very prolific). When he found out that I really liked Roger Zelazny's writing, he shared some of the instances they'd spent time together...

The Derelict Saga (four novels) by Paul E. Cooley.

A good marketing tool is to finish and publish a second book, especially within a series. And more books in the series, or more books period. More chances to be seen, true. But if you market one book successfully in the series (usually the first book), and a reader likes it, they are likely to...

Prince of Spires provided some solid insight and advice. Most authors strike out with their first novel attempts. Just the way it is. Sometimes what an author wrote and submitted just didn't match what publishers (or agents) are looking for, and the rejection has little to do with low quality...

I like reading but I also enjoy audiobooks. A good narrator can make a big difference. I may set my audiobooks to 1.05%, as that is a little faster, but doesn't affect the narration much. Going too fast takes the enjoyment/story telling away for me. But others (even mentioned above) go much...

I largely agree with Prince of Spires. What it sounds like you're really seeking is a ghostwriter. Most authors have their own stories to tell. Unless there is a great financial or creative incentive, why would they collaborate on a creation that, at its core, has been already set and isn't...

I do an outline, usually a few pages in a spiral notebook, often from ideas I typed in a file and let simmer in the back of my head for a while. The outline isn't written in stone, so to speak, but it helps me keep on track and avoid writing myself into a corner, which would then require major...

If you're world building to tell a story (novel, series, short story, etc.), focus on the world building aspects that would be important or necessary for you to tell the story intended. It should give you a few important starting points to flesh out and a somewhat limited initial scope.

Welcome Michael Robling. Looking forward to crossing paths with you here on the forum. Terry

I write left handed, and they work for me. I guess it depends on the pen/brand. Felt tip or fountain pen (especially) have always proven troublesome.

I sign with a ballpoint pen, usually blue or black. My handwriting is not great. But it seems to work and never had any complaints.

Write the prologue. Keep it as short/brief as possible. Then, as you complete the tale, see if you can work the background/history into the narrative and plot as the story unfolds. One of the weaknesses of a prologue is that the reader is often introduced to names/places/events that have...

I am not sure that I have a "topic" that I most enjoy, other than writing what I think is entertaining, and will hopefully entertain readers. That might include an intriguing plot, interesting characters and dialogue, engaging action scenes. Things like that. I don't really set out, with my...