Pen Names

Do you think Pen Names are necessary and is it an easy process to get one? I am asking this because I knew that there was an alternate name you could use, like the stage names, but never knew the term to search for. Any thoughts on this subject would be helpful.
Thanks in advance,
G.

Gurgle, Gurgle… Ug…

Richard’s two childhood friends, Chris and Scott, flew in from Wisconsin last Thursday. We did the standard Bar Harbor trip, drove up Cadillac Mountain, and got in some good leaf watching. It was definitely the peak weekend for leaf watchers and it was absolutely breathtaking. The night they arrived, we had lobster, which was precooked at a local seafood wholesaler. It was really good but mine might have been a bit undercooked. On Friday morning, I had pains in my stomach…

More Than One Way to Expose a Deadbeat By Angela Hoy

DISCLAIMER: Many deadbeats use legal threats and intimidation to try to scare their victims. These bullying tactics are common when you’re dealing with psychotic, anti-social crooks. While anybody can sue anybody for anything these days, you should remember that they would have to open all their books in the event of a lawsuit and many deadbeats don’t want to do this. In addition, they would likely have to sue you in your own state. And, defamation lawsuits are hard to prove and may be very expensive, especially if they are out of state. Ironically, some deadbeats would rather pay their attorney thousands than pay a writer the hundreds they legitimately owe. But, their legal hot air is usually just that – hot air. You may want to consult an attorney if you plan to take the action below against the deadbeat. We aren’t attorneys and none of this should be considered legal advice.

Letters To The Editor For October 17th

  • That Only Happens to Other People! – When Tragedy Affects a Writer’s Livelihood
  • All Publishers Should Aspire to Be Like This!
  • How Should I Handle Fan Mail?

Your Book Promotion Plan: One Size Does Not Fit All By Patricia Fry

Your Book Promotion Plan: One Size Does Not Fit All By Patricia Fry

As you enter into the world of publishing, you may ask experienced authors, “How do you promote a book?” or “What’s the best way to promote a book?” When someone asks me that question, I typically answer, “It depends on the book and it depends on you.” Anyone who responds differently could be leading you astray.

Using Real People/Places/Events in Fiction

Hi Angela,
I am currently writing a novel (Adventure/Fiction). My characters, plot, etc. are fiction; however, I am planning to include real places. Do I need to ask permission from the business establishment my characters would be attending?
Ex: I am researching (a popular event in Alaska). I won’t name the event in my novel, but if anyone has been there it’s pretty clear to what I’m referring.
Of course, each of my characters won’t be the same in their responses, so some of them won’t like/enjoy/might have bad things to say about their experience at the business establishment. Is that okay? I don’t want to be sued for defaming their establishment.

Success Story: An Introvert Speaks Up By Beth Hering

I have no qualms about stating that I am an introvert. Thus, being a home-based freelance writer is in many respects a great career for me. I’ve turned out hundreds of encyclopedia entries and other pieces of researched nonfiction over the years, as well as enough personal stories about my son to make his 8-year-old mind think he’s famous enough for a spot on “Dancing with the Stars” (sorry, kid, there are still more people from “Beverly Hills, 90210” left).

Flashers on Our Street!

While I wish it was my idea, it wasn’t. Somebody sent me an email last week that contained photos of creative things people have done with pumpkins. One was so cute that we just had to recreate it ourselves. It took most of the weekend, a bit of Richard’s engineering creativity, and about $75 in supplies (wood from Home Depot, pumpkins from the local nursery, and HUGE clothes from the Salvation Army store), but we did it! And, now we’re getting quite a few honks and people are even pulling over to take pictures.

The WritersWeekly Drinking Game!

  • drink one shot if a publisher says she is shocked — SHOCKED — that anyone could ever accuse them of nonpayment
  • drink one shot if a publisher denies that she ever got an invoice
  • drink one shot if a publisher says she got the invoice, but the invoice was incorrect
  • drink one shot if a publisher says it’s someone else’s fault that writers weren’t paid

Read further by following the link below 🙂