This week in fiction: Ottessa Moshfegh on writing predators and their victims
newyorker.com – Monday October 17, 2016
The inspiration for writing “An Honest Woman” came when I met someone who was so physically unattractive I felt sorry for him, and so I kept mum and polite while he lamely attempted to seduce me. I never called attention to the fact that his motivations were transparent and that, by ignoring him, I was protecting his dignity. I was in denial, and he was delusional.
What really happens to manuscripts sent to publishers?
abc.net.au – Monday October 10, 2016
There's a lot of mystery surrounding the book publishing process. But what really happens to the slush pile of unsolicited manuscripts that are sent to publishers by wannabe writers?
How Jonathan Ames Approaches Writing for TV
splitsider.com – Tuesday October 4, 2016
Jonathan Ames began his career writing novels and performing in small theaters around New York City before landing a job writing and starring in his own pilot for Showtime. As a newcomer to running his own TV show, Ames acclimated himself to the fast-paced position through on-the-job training. After creating and working on three seasons of the HBO cult classic Bored to Death, Ames moved to STARZ to help develop and oversee the Seth MacFarlane-produced Blunt Talk, a comedy centered around popular TV newsman Walter Blunt (Patrick Stewart). Blunt Talkpremiered its second season last night and Ames appears to have found his rhythm as a showrunner. He approaches each season of the show by constructing an “idea document” which is later molded into ten scripts. I spoke with Ames about what it’s like writing comedy for Patrick Stewart, the difference between crafting novels and television scripts, and working on a talk show with Moby.
How writing an audio-first novella changed John Scalzi’s writing process
theverge.com – Tuesday October 4, 2016
Audiobooks are more popular than ever, and as more people listen to novels on their phones or computers, publishers are beginning to experiment a bit more with the form. One example is John Scalzi’s The Dispatcher, which arrives today from Audible. The novella is debuting as an audiobook months before a print edition, and presented some interesting opportunities for its author.
Challenges for Publishers in Uncertain Times
publishersweekly.com – Saturday October 1, 2016
The demise of print has been famously and erroneously predicted for years. In the early 1990s, the CEO of a major professional publisher announced that “print is dead.” To his credit, he publicly recanted that statement several years later. Despite the incredible advances in digital technology and new opportunities for selling e-products, print sales have remained the bread and butter of almost all publishers.
5 Writing Tips From Creative Powerhouse Tavi Gevinson
bustle.com – Saturday September 24, 2016
Writers talking about writing is usually a 50/50 deal. Either their words are powerful and shed new light on an act we thought was so simple, or else it's so sterile and heartless that you're reminded how terrible learning how to write can be. The good news is when it's good it's great and probably better beyond that. Some writers have inspired generations with their words of wisdom and vulnerable introspections about their writing journey. One such person — who is presumably far from the end of her journey — is Tavi Gevinson.
10 People (Besides The Author) Who Bring A Book Into the World
bustle.com – Wednesday September 21, 2016
It wasn't until I began working in publishing that I realized what a huge and complex industry it is. I think most people have an idea that book publishing consists mainly of a writer and an editor, duking it out over comma-placement in a battle of the wits. In reality, there's much more to the process, and many people are involved in the publication of a book.
The Long and Winding Road to Finding a Literary Agent
huffingtonpost.com – Tuesday September 20, 2016
This summer, one of my writing dreams came true — I signed with a literary agent!
I’ve been writing my entire adult life, so this wasn’t my first attempt at attracting representation, but this time, I succeeded. I thought I’d share some reflections on the process that might help other aspiring writers out there. How do you know when you’re really ready to pursue and work with an agent?
13 Writing Tips From J.K. Rowling, Because She Knows A Thing Or Two About Perseverance
bustle.com – Saturday September 17, 2016
If you're an aspiring writer, then you know how hard it can be to stay focused, motivated, and inspired while trying to finish a book and get it published. Whether it be writer's block or rejection letters, you're bound to hit a wall at some point during the incredible yet painful process of creating, but whenever you find yourself ready to thrown your manuscript out the window, turn to these writing tips from J.K. Rowling. After all, she knows a thing or two about writing a fantastical, bestselling series.
5 Things You Need To Know About Writing Before Becoming A Writer
huffingtonpost.com – Friday September 16, 2016
Writing is difficult. If I could encapsulate writing I would say that it’s the equivalent of stepping up to the plate and either hitting a 600 foot home run or taking the most embarrassing swing only to find you didn’t come anywhere near the ball.
Some days I sit down and it seems like words I didn’t know I had just keep flowing out of my fingertips, and other days it feels like my brain can’t properly communicate with my hands to tell them what the hell to write.
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