For today's 1 Thing Thursday, I offer you a charmingly funny little four minute video of Kurt Vonnegut talking about story structure, with a big thanks to my …
1stBooks
#1ThTh – Find Where Your Readers Gather on Social Media
I decided when I was traveling to add what I hope will be a regular feature here on 1st Books, which I'm calling 1 Thing Thursday (#1ThTh). The idea: share each …
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15 Quotes on War from Journalists and Others
Since today is the 71st anniversary of the End of WWII, I've put together some quotes on war -- and women journalists' experiences of it -- together here with …
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17 Social Media Tips for Authors and Others
What makes people follow, favorite, click, and retweet? This post again updates one I did two years ago–a generation or more in social media right? Info comes …
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In Praise of Writing Friends
When I first started this blog, I wrote a post (run with an adorable slideshow my editor made with her baby daughter) on how important my writing friends were …
The Inspiration of Competition, with Ave Maria Notes from the Vienna Boys' Choir and the Vienna Philharmonic
Did you know that Sunday mornings from mid-September through June, the Vienna Imperial Court Music Ensemble -- "Wiener Hofmusikkapelle," consisting of the …
5 Tips on Writing (War) from the Masters, for Memorial Day
For Memorial Day, five quotes from great writers about the writing of war: One from Richard Price: "You don't write about the horrors of war. No. You write …
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Low-Price Promotion and the Value of Books
Harper Books, which published my latest novel, has had it deeply discounted for Mother's Day. I greatly appreciate this for my particular book, as it …
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5 Irish-leaning Quotes (and 2 Songs) to Celebrate St. Patrick's Day
I've collected a few nice Irish quotes -- and two versions of one Irish song -- to go with your silly hats and green beer. Happy St. Patrick's Day! “Being …
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Remembering Pat Conroy through his Own Words: 6 quotes
I woke this morning to the news that Pat Conroy has passed away. I had the honor of meeting Pat last September, at the Decatur Book Festival, where our mutual …
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