How to Get Published

by John Bowers

(NOTE: Some content in this article may offend the sensitive reader. Proceed at your own risk.)

In Part 1 I mentioned the writer’s workshop where my friends and I are in an ongoing debate about whether sex and language are appropriate for the novels we are writing. One camp seems to be opposed to these elements in all their forms, others think there should be no limits of any kind, and probably the majority falls in the middle.

What do you think? When it comes to swearing, profanity, and sex in a novel, where do you fall in the debate?

I have my own view, of course, which I will share, but by no means do I think it’s the “only correct” view. There are good arguments for every side in the debate.

Definitions

Before we proceed let’s get our definitions straight, so we know what I’m talking about. When I say, “swearing”, I’m not talking about the “F-bomb”-that falls under profanity. Swearing is the simple use of “damn”, “hell”, “son of a bitch”, etc. These are mild forms of swearing; more extreme forms include “goddamn”, “Jesus Christ”, “asshole”, etc. These are words not heard on the more mainstream TV networks, while the milder versions are quite common. (more…)

A Rerun
[The last in the series]

By Al Kalar

Write something every day

You’ve found a publishing house and they’ve agreed to publish your book. The editing/re-writing process is over. All the decisions about cover, dedication, and such have been made. It’s time to celebrate!

Maybe a trip to the Bahamas? A cruise? Why not? You’re gonna get rich off your book. Right?

Weeellllll, maybe. (more…)

When dealing with rejection as writer, remember: it’s a numbers game. You have to go through ‘no’s to get to ‘yes’. Play the game!  -Cheryl Tardif

by Al Kalar

Some of the best writing on television goes into the production of 24, the high-tension fast-moving thriller staring Kiefer Sutherland as agent Jack Bauer.

What makes the show so riveting? What can novelists learn from the show?

A huge appeal of the show is the almost non-stop action. There is always something happening. For twenty-four hours (over 24 episodes), the characters are constantly challenged by the “bad guys”. No rest, no ruminations, no time to sit down and just chat.

And forget about sleeping.

Every episode is filled to the brim with tension. Not something you want to view just before going to bed.  But their formula brings you back every week to see what happens next; especially if you’re an action junkie like me. (more…)

by Laura Holka

Are you ‘going on the air’ as an expert? Things you should know about tv media

Real television is very different from the “dramas” that entice us on a daily basis. Everyone is beautiful, spoiled and catered to, but the truth of television is very different. Here are the top seven “real situations” you will encounter as a guest.

(more…)