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Fall 2020 24 Hour Short Story Contest



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Back Stories

After Winning a Publishing Package from BookLocker, This Burned Out Caregiver Wrote a Book in Less Than a Month! – by Debra Bilton

Published on May 17, 2020 author, backstories, write that book, writing career advice

After Winning a Publishing Package from BookLocker, This Burned Out Caregiver Wrote a Book in Less Than a Month! – by Debra Bilton

Becoming a published author was an unusual journey for me. At the beginning of September 2018, my parents’ dog, Toby, died. I was his primary caregiver and he died alone with me in my room. I grieved his loss for only three weeks. The dog in my life before him, Farley, was a different story. […]

Free Beach Therapy from a Stranger Leads to Lifelong Friendship, and a Book! – by Kelly McCardy-Fuller

Published on May 14, 2020 backstories

Free Beach Therapy from a Stranger Leads to Lifelong Friendship, and a Book! – by Kelly McCardy-Fuller

When I met Ahmad, I was a crazy, twenty-something from Michigan living the California dream. I was renting a roach-infested apartment that was close enough for me to walk to the beach. All of my free time was spent on a strip of sand that, unbeknownst to me at the time, was…

A Teacher Was Just Collecting Goofy Quotes From Students for Laughs With Friends When He Realized He Had The Makings of a Book! – by Eric Grippa

Published on May 14, 2020 backstories

A Teacher Was Just Collecting Goofy Quotes From Students for Laughs With Friends When He Realized He Had The Makings of a Book! – by Eric Grippa

My book, What Did You Say?, is a collection of the funniest, head-shakingly, goofy things my high school students have said. This collection of quotes are from the first 15 years of my teaching career. Many of my colleagues have asked me what made me decide to start collecting these quotes. Well, here is the […]

After Years of Writing in Secret, This Author Discovered That her “Fiction” Touches Young Adults That Share Her Experiences – Backstory by Mary Ann McGuigan

Published on May 7, 2020

After Years of Writing in Secret, This Author Discovered That her “Fiction” Touches Young Adults That Share Her Experiences – Backstory by Mary Ann McGuigan

When I was very young, I used writing to create a place where grown-ups couldn’t go. Life with my family was tumultuous, often violent, and always seemingly one step away from financial and emotional disaster. Into my stories I put my fears and shame about the way life was and my hopes for what it […]

Weird Things Witnessed by a Trucker Lead to Books That Will Blow Your Mind! – by Chris Hanly

Published on April 30, 2020 backstories

Weird Things Witnessed by a Trucker Lead to Books That Will Blow Your Mind! – by Chris Hanly

Then, there are those things that I and many drivers have witnessed that have not been too pleasant, while other things were unbelievable and, yet, still even other things that were very humorous…

MS Diagnosis Leads to White Crime Thrillers! – by PT Dawkins

Published on April 30, 2020 backstories

MS Diagnosis Leads to White Crime Thrillers! – by PT Dawkins

Initially, I scoffed at myself for thinking I could write something anywhere close to good enough. How dare I refer to myself as an author? I was out of my league before I even started…

Brain Tumor Leads to Six Novels! – by Steven D. Fisher

Published on April 23, 2020 Paying Markets for Writers, welcomes new writers

Brain Tumor Leads to Six Novels! – by Steven D. Fisher

One moment my head felt like it had detached and popped up to the ceiling. In the next, I thought my face would end up in the oatmeal. At the same time, a noise blasted into my right ear…

“If there is a message in life, find it, polish it, and write about it!” – by Elizabeth Cart

Published on April 23, 2020

“If there is a message in life, find it, polish it, and write about it!” – by Elizabeth Cart

“Becoming Human, A Short Story Collection” is my first publication. It was written over five years, taken from mostly true experiences…save for a small handful I created out of thin air. There is a part of me that harbors some sardonic wit; never to offend, but it is right there. It’s part of my personality […]

From Proverbial Napkin Notes to Published Book! – by Joy Osaka-Lu

Published on April 16, 2020 backstories

From Proverbial Napkin Notes to Published Book! – by Joy Osaka-Lu

The Dharma of Business – an Alchemy to Change the Nature of Business came into the material world on the proverbial back of a napkin. I was bold enough to invite a woman I had long admired, Wanda Wen, owner of Soolip, a luxury stationary store in West Hollywood, CA, to lunch because I wanted […]

From Public Education Program Writer to Novelist and Playwright! – by Robert Fripp

Published on April 16, 2020 backstories

From Public Education Program Writer to Novelist and Playwright! – by Robert Fripp

Writing became a major job component when I started producing and scripting public affairs television for CBC’s national network, for TVOntario’s educational programs—and one summer in Tokyo, turning NHK’s wildlife documentaries into English-language programs…

« Previous 1 2 3 4 5 … 8 Next »

Trivia Question!

WritersWeekly Trivia Question for 05/20/2022

May 20, 2022 7:03 pm

Per last week’s issue of WritersWeekly, what is one reason a freelancer might get sued? ***Please answer the trivia question using our contact form HERE. Do not post your answer in the comments section below.  You must be a WritersWeekly.com subscriber to participate in the weekly contests. Subscribe today. It’s free! NOTE: ONLY ONE WINNER PER HOUSEHOLD PER CALENDAR QUARTER, PLEASE. THIS WEEK’S PRIZE: A free print or ebook of your choice from Booklocker.com!           Read more →

 

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How Many Copies Of Your Book Would You Have To Sell In Order To Break Even?




POD Secrets Revealed!

SELF-PUBLISHING IN 2021? – How Many Book Sales Needed to Recoup Your Investment?

UPDATED: 03/04/2021 EDITOR’S NOTE: Please also see the Self-Publishing Price Comparison HERE. Considering self-publishing? Are you wondering how many books you will need to sell to recoup your investment? LISTED IN ORDER …
Read More

POD SECRETS REVEALED: Book Contests for a Publisher’s Authors? Pppfffttt!!! By Angela Hoy

Playing on an author’s vanity is one of the most common marketing ploys used in the publishing services industry. From promises of wealth and fame to ridiculous “your book can …
Read More

POD SECRETS REVEALED: “Free Publishing Guides” Are Used To Harvest Your Email Address, Phone Number, And More!

When I see the words “free publishing guide,” I think somebody is going to send me a free ebook that is an actual, factual, non-biased guide about the publishing industry, …
Read More

RIDICULOUS RED TAPE!! When POD Publishers Charge WAY Too Much to Make Changes, and Take WAY Too Long to Make Them! by Angela Hoy

We often hear from authors who are upset with their current POD Publisher. One in particular is currently moving his AuthorHouse book to BookLocker, which is never a surprise. We …
Read More

POD SECRETS REVEALED! – “100% Royalties?!” Don’t Be Fooled! By Angela Hoy

What are royalties? According to the I.R.S.: “Royalties from copyrights on literary, musical, or artistic works, and similar property, or from patents on inventions, are amounts paid to you for …
Read More

P.O.D. SECRETS REVEALED: “Free” P.O.D. Services Can Be Very Expensive!

PRICES WERE UPDATED IN THIS ARTICLE ON 7/13/17 NOTE: BookLocker.com offers a D.I.Y. option that costs $78. That includes the cost of the print proof (the first printed, bound copy …
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P.O.D. SECRETS REVEALED: Ridiculous Contract Clauses!

This week, we’re going to show you why reading contracts is imperative when considering a P.O.D. publisher. Did you know… 1. AUTHORHOUSE OWNS YOUR PRODUCTION FILES…AND SO DOES ALMOST EVERYBODY …
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Paying Markets For Writers, Photographers, and Artists

NEED WRITERS, BLOGGERS, EDITORS, AUTHORS, OR OTHER CREATIVE FOLKS?? We’ll post your ad on WritersWeekly FOR FREE. Please complete THIS FORM.

  • BookLocker’s Brian Whiddon Shares How it REALLY Feels to be a Street Cop

    October 15, 2020 11:54 am

    By: Brian Whiddon - Managing Editor

    3 responses

    Our own Brian Whiddon shares his stories from the street to help readers understand the humanity within the hearts of cops. Read more →

    PUBLISHER’S NOTE: Brian Whiddon lost his job as a cop after witnessing the wrongful arrest of a black individual. He knew, before walking into the chief’s office, that what he was about to do would end his career. The police chief told him to mind his own business so Brian then met with the Public Defender who was representing the victim. The charges were dropped but Brian was still fired from his job as a police officer for insubordination, and no other agency would hire him. The career he’d dreamed about since childhood was over. But, Brian would do it all over again because it was the right thing to do. 

    Shortly after Brian posted about his new book on Facebook, his Facebook account was banned, with no warning and no explanation.

    The story of how Brian lost his career for saving an innocent man from going to prison is included in his book. 


    Blue Lives Matter – The Heart Behind the Badge is a book about absolute truths. It makes no difference where you may land on the political spectrum today. This book addresses undeniable realities that all Americans (in fact, all societies with an established police force) must face.

    1. There is an active war in the U.S. against cops – and it is now violent.
    2. Having a police force in the community allows citizens to focus on things in life other than protection of their own lives and property. Imagine for a moment if you were the only thing standing between your family, your possessions, and those who would violently (and happily) take both away from you.
    3. Cops, first and foremost, are human beings.

    I knew I wanted to be a cop when I was in my early teens. I did not want to go to college, or the military (but I had to because nobody would hire an 18-year-old to be a cop). I didn’t want to be rich, or have a collection of letters after my name. I just wanted to be “that guy” who ran toward danger when everyone else was running away. I wanted to be the one that showed up in the dead of night in response to a frantic phone call to tell a frightened family, “It will be alright. I’m here.” I wanted to be the one who stood up to violent criminals when everyone else was afraid to.

    Cops learn early on that the world is not really divided into black and white, right and wrong, good and evil. They learn that they are often taken for granted, and are rarely  appreciated. From that point on, a cop necessarily abandons the fantasy world of heroes and villains, and saving the innocent from evil. They adapt to a life of staying alive for the duration of each shift. They sift through volumes of information at each call, trying to make sound decisions. And, they compartmentalize some of the most horrible and heartbreaking events than humans can witness. Sprinkled amongst all of that is a camaraderie with fellow cops, occasional heart pounding car chases, fights, arrests, manhunts, and experiences that are re-told and laughed over for years to come.

    And, occasionally, you even get to make a difference in someone’s life.

    I spent 15 years as a street cop. I never became a detective. I never joined the ranks of the brass. I never did police work from behind a desk. I was always on the street.

    My family always loved hearing the stories I’d tell of crazy and wild things I saw and dealt with on the street. But, there were a lot of things I didn’t tell them about. They were too ugly. They were too personal. Some of them showcased my own failures.

    Later, after coming onboard here at BookLocker, Angela enjoyed hearing my cop stories from “way back when.” She’s often told me that I should write my stories down, and create a book. But, I always thought that I had nothing to tell that people that they could not get from watching re-runs of “COPS,” and newer shows like “Real Time PD.”

    The war on cops that has become more vicious, more frantic, and more hateful than anything my generation has ever experienced. In just 19 years, since 9/11/2001, cops have gone from being considered heroes, to being maligned by the media, accused of “systemic racism” regardless of their own color or ethnicity, and “de-funded” by their own communities – all while under sustained violent attacks across the nation.

    They are being lumped into a group and de-humanized. That is a psychological tactic of warfare.

    In 1776, it was the “Redcoats.” In the Civil War it was either “Rebels” or “Yankees.” In conquering the West, it was “Injuns” and “savages.” In WWI we had to kill the “Huns.” In WW2, it was “Krauts” and “Japs.” Throughout history, lumping people into groups, and identifying them with a catchy or offensive name, helped societies wage war on each other. It’s easier to kill off someone that you don’t see as a human being. Today, it’s “Cops,” “Pigs,” and “White Supremacists.”

    America needs to remember that cops are human – and they are not the enemy.

    So, I wrote my book. I told my stories. And, I included the ones I never even told my family. Blue Lives Matter – The Heart Behind the Badge is a collection of stories experienced by one cop. But, they are the stories of all cops because we all carry these experiences around. That’s why I included the stories of mistakes I made, stories of cop mindset, stories of things I hope I never have to see again, and stories of things that will haunt me until the day I die.

    Cops are imperfect. They are not psychic. They are not omni-present. They have limited strength, endurance, and foresight. Cops get scared. They get angry. Their hearts break. They have homes, and debt, and kids, spouses, and parents. Cops love, hate, sympathize, lust, crave, covet, give, and take – just like you and I do.

    That is why I chose not to write a book that made me look like a hero. I wanted people to know how it feels to come a fraction of a second from shooting a suspect, how it feels to try to save an abused little girl, how it feels to deal with homeless people, how it feels to see evil and death up close and personal. If reading my book makes you laugh out loud, cry uncontrollably, or punch your fist through a wall, then I’ve done my job as the author.

    There has never been a time in modern history that we’ve needed our police more. It’s time to recognize that they are people, like us. But, they have chosen to see and deal with the things in society that we do not want to have to face ourselves. It’s time for us all to recognize that Blue Lives Matter.

    Read More Author Backstories HERE!

    Before becoming BookLocker’s Operations Manager, Brian Whiddon spent 15 years as a cop. He served in the US Army as an MP. He then went on to serve as a police officer in the Kissimmee Police Department, then in the town of South Palm Beach, and, later, in the city of Mulberry, Florida. He was a patrolman, a motorcycle officer, and a firearms instructor, and taught at the Police Academy in Palm Beach County.

     

     

    He has also started an ongoing blog called “Our Blue Lives” – check it out here : www.ourbluelives.com

     

    RELATED

    • What’s the #1 Hidden Trap Authors Fall Into When Self-Publishing? by Brian P. Whiddon, Managing Editor
    • From “Professional” Writer to Whiny Internet Troll (or, How to Get an Editor to Shelve Your Work Even After They’ve Paid for It!) – by Brian Whiddon
    • If You Are “Sympathy Pitching” Editors and Publishers, PLEASE STOP! by Brian P. Whiddon, Managing Editor
    • Despite a Few Readers’ Accusations, WritersWeekly is NOT a Political E-Rag! by Brian Whiddon, Managing Editor
    • SAY CHEESE! Your Photo is as Important as Your Writing! By Brian Whiddon
    • Because We Refuse to Buy Bad Articles, Now We’re RACISTS?! by Brian Whiddon, Managing Editor
    • WritersWeekly Investigative Reporter Goes Undercover to Investigate POD Publishers! By Brian Whiddon, a.k.a. “Secret Squirrel”
    • Brian Takes His “Home Office” on the High Seas! – Days 1-4




    Fall 2020 24 Hour Short Story Contest




    The Art and Craft of Writing and Editing


    Writing is a constant dialogue between author and reader.



    The craft of writing involves an interchange of emotions between an author and a reader. An author creates a story line, conflict, and characters, gives his characters words to speak, and then hands off these materials to a reader. This process results in a constant dialogue between the mental imagery produced by a reader and that proposed by the author.





    Read more here:


    https://writersweekly.com/books/6712.html







    Writing FAST: How to Write Anything with Lightning Speed


    A systematic approach to writing that generates better quality quickly!


    Chock full of ideas, tips, techniques and inspiration, this down-to-earth book is easy to read, and even easier to apply. Let author Jeff Bollow take you through a process that brings your ideas to the page faster, more powerfully and easier than ever before.




    Read more here:
    https://writersweekly.com/books/3695.html





    Categories: Back Stories

    Tags: backstories

How Many Copies Of Your Book Would You Have To Sell In Order To Break Even?




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