wood desk with typewriter vinyl record scrabble tiles paint and music

Are book signings and appearances worth it?

Karin Kallmaker Business of Books, Craft of Writing

SuperpowerWriters

The payback for appearances and signings is after–sometimes long after–the event.

The hardest part of working with some bookstores is the apathy of the staff, and I’ve run into that regardless of size or ownership of the store. I think that means that each writer should put the effort in where she sees the reward and “reward” is like beauty, in the eye of the beholder. Read More

Which Comes First, Plot or Characters?

Karin Kallmaker Craft of Writing

This debate always interests me, as I know people on both sides of the divide. Personally, I don’t see it as chicken or egg, but rather primordial ooze, spontaneous mutual creation. For me, some projects are wholly organic while others start firmly with an idea of general themes. Read More

wood desk with typewriter vinyl record scrabble tiles paint and music

Off the Top of My Head – Character Building Exercise

Karin Kallmaker Craft of Writing, Kiss That Counted

CONTENTS

What If, What If, What If…

I know I fall into the more intuitive approach to creating characters and it’s a relief to know I’m not alone! I do take note of how different the strategies seem to be between those who write short stories, standalone novels and series. Read More