I decided to use CHATgpt to research the backround for a minor character in Thecla, a novel I’m writing. Wow! My query: Pretend you are a experienced historical fiction writer. Produce about 500 words of background information, including work and family life, on a first-century man in Asia Minor who makes and sells idols. His Read more…
Henry Miller was known for breaking with existing literary forms and developing a new type of semi-autobiographical novel that blended character study, social criticism, philosophical reflection, stream of consciousness, explicit language, sex, surrealist free association, and mysticism. Many of Miller’s books were banned. It took a U.S. Supreme Court decision to free them from the chains of censorship. Henry Read more…
Twelve Ancient Storytelling Elements You Can Use to Attract and Hold Your Readers Have you ever noticed that certain elements in novels and movies seem to repeat themselves? For instance, in most stories the hero is reluctant to take the particular action that it is necessary for him to take Read more…
My favorite quote for the day:“I don’t think my book is going to change society. But I’m naïve enough to think that society will be changed by examination of ideas through books and the press, and that information can prove to be greater than the dissemination of stupidity.” Read more…
Here’s one I just posted on The Sexy Beast Diet book’s website. Grilled Halibut, Greek Style Why did the vegan go deep-sea fishing? Just for the halibut. There are legions of Greek-style halibut recipes, each claiming to be the authentic one. This is one of the simplest and best. Garnish your plates with a few Read more…
B & N’s Nook accounts for about 25% of the e-book market. Amazon, Apple, Google, Kobo—whichever company you buy your e-books from—knows more about your reading habits than you yourself may know. For instance, according to a Wall Street Journal article they know: • How many hours it takes you to read a Read more…
Physician and columnist, Peter H. Gott died June 13. He was the most famous syndicated medical columnist in the country, receiving 2,500 letters weekly. I was proud to publish his books and proud to call him a friend. I visited him in his Connecticut home once or twice and he came Read more…
Known for his (practiced?) eccentricity, T. E. Lawrence was, as described in the unattributed Introduction to his Revolt in the Desert, an “archeologist, philosopher, diplomat and student of military affairs, [with] the genius of a surpassing leader of irregular cavalry.” Apparently he was also something of an opportunist. Before World War I, while on Read more…
The following was excerpted from Michael Newton’s classic How to Write Action/Adventure Novels recently republished by The Write Thought. The examples may be a bit dated, but the advice is as solid as the day it was written. Many authors draw on personal experience for inspiration, falling back upon the maxim that it’s best Read more…
I attended the Digital Book World Conference in New York City toward the end of January. It was held at the Sheraton Towers on 7th Avenue, just down the street from Molyvos Restaurant where famed freelance editor Patrick LoBrutto and I lunched on roasted octopus. Here, to get you thinking, and in Read more…