The cost of publishing

The cost of publishing

Publishing is free. Really. Many misguided authors speak of “self-publishing” companies they hire to provide comprehensive services to produce their books and publish them; however, there’s no such thing as a self-publishing company. When you publish...
Ain’t no such thing as a self-publishing company

Ain’t no such thing as a self-publishing company

Over the last year, I have seen with increasing frequency people asking advice about “self-publishing” companies. Let’s get one thing straight: There is no such thing as a “self-publishing company.” When it comes to publishing, the author...
A necessary escape

A necessary escape

I returned from vacation last week. Although I write stories that take place in different countries, on different planets, and in different realms, I actually had never traveled outside the USA until this year. I actually hadn’t even possessed a passport until...
Feeling contemplative

Feeling contemplative

The nice thing about WordPress (and other programs) is that I can schedule posts in advance of their publication. The timing of this post comes a couple of days after my elder son’s birthday. We used to joke about birthdays. I was born on Friday the 13th. The...
Use the right tool for the job

Use the right tool for the job

Within the various writers groups to which I subscribe and in which I participate, I come across every day someone posting about difficulties producing a book. People ask about appropriate program to write their books, create illustrations, design their books, and...
Pobody’s Nerfect

Pobody’s Nerfect

I read a book over the weekend. That’s not significant. The book was a fluffy romance—basically brain candy. No mental exertion required. The writing was engaging but not stellar, and the editing satisfactory until my eyes stumbled to a halt over “She lied...