It's been a while since I had new headshots done, so I decided to take the plunge! I love helping out local artists, so I got Kelly Krauter's name from a friend. When I arrived at her studio, I loved the ambience there. She had a candle lit and was playing soft, relaxing music. Her picture-taking space consisted of different backdrops, a few chairs, and a shiny reflector. Throughout the session, she gave me great tips on how to best post (I'm quite awkward at being in front of the camera). And I … [Read more...]
Uncorrected Manuscripts
September 27, 2023 Leave a Comment
Jubilant about receiving my uncorrected bound manuscripts, I posted the "unboxing" or "unenveloping" video on social media. Then I had a friend ask: "Why would you want an uncorrected copy?" Good question. Guess I'm so entrenched in the publishing world I forgot I had to explain the process. First off, bound manuscripts aren't pretty. They're not like true advance reader copies with the cover art and a marketing plan on the back. Exhibit A: Yep, they're plain. Simple. But they have all … [Read more...]
To Swag or Not to Swag?
March 15, 2022 2 Comments
It’s conference season time! As an author, a lot my time is spent in solitary creation. There comes a few points every year where I actually get to go out and meet folks, including readers. This happens at book festivals, and to a smaller extent, at bookstores. Fan conventions, though, are a different beast entirely. These gatherings invite readers to mingle with their favorite authors. They’ve been on pause (or virtual) for the last few years, so I’m excited to see them up and running … [Read more...]
Revisions Cave
July 8, 2019 4 Comments
"Efficiency is doing better what is already being done." Yes, folks, the revisions cave is real! I've been in deep edits for my upcoming mystery novel the past couple of weeks because I received an editorial letter. In the author-editor-agent panel I attended at the California Crime Writers Conference, Leslie Karst mentioned that she's received an editor letter of eight to ten pages. Thankfully, my own spanned only two pages (single-spaced, though). Her advice was to make sure … [Read more...]
