“It is with books as it is with men…”

Voltaire French philosopher and all-around smartypants Voltaire had a great deal to say about a lot of things. Including men and books. One of my favorite all-time t-shirts, given to me by a drunken Swedish publisher at the Gothenburg International Book Fair years ago, sported the following quote from M. Voltaire: “It is with books asContinue reading ““It is with books as it is with men…””

Readers first, please

Most authors working today still labor under the misplaced assumption that nothing’s changed in the publishing world. Big mistake. In fact the the old publishing model — author comes up with an idea, writes a manuscript based on this idea, finds a publisher who edits and designs the manuscript, then prints and binds it, turningContinue reading “Readers first, please”

Author adrift?

Every author I work with these days seems to be struggling with two issues. The first: ‘how do I start?’ is as old as writing itself. The answer’s as easy and complex as breathing itself, so I’ll skip that one, as this is a brief blog, not a book, and go on to common questionContinue reading “Author adrift?”

Is the Internet threatened?

PROTECT-IP is a bill that has been introduced in the U.S. Senate and  House, and is moving quickly through Congress. It gives the government and corporations the ability to censor the net, in the name of protecting “creativity”. The law would let the government or corporations censor entire sites– they just have to convince aContinue reading “Is the Internet threatened?”

Five Hot Tips on How to Be a Happier Guy

http://www.manupin10lessons.com Someone just sent me a video clip of Mitt Romney denying he has lobbyists associated with his campaign… Perhaps someone could send the link to this video to Mitt’s campaign — he might find it useful, especially the part about the importance of “truth.” For everyone else, here are a few tips based onContinue reading “Five Hot Tips on How to Be a Happier Guy”

It’s beginning to look a lot like….

OK, many of you have told me you’d like a copy or two of Man Up in time for Christmas this year.  Your wish is my command. To order physical books, just go to my publisher’s web store (click here). The price is $16.95 until the end of the year, then goes up to $19.95Continue reading “It’s beginning to look a lot like….”

eBook fans rejoice, MAN UP has arrived!

For those of you who have made the Great Leap from the world of Gutenberg to the world of Jobs and now proudly tote around an iPad or a Kindle or a Nook wherever you go, glad cyber tidings! The eBook versions of MAN UP, for iPad, Kindle, and Nook are now available, for theContinue reading “eBook fans rejoice, MAN UP has arrived!”

Author! Author!

Every month the PNWA publishes a fantastic web resource for writers (and readers), called, quite simply, AUTHOR. Here’s the most recent installment. It’s full of really interesting video interviews with authors (I particularly like the interview with Cherie Priest, who tells an amazing tale of how she found a publisher), writing tips, and literary news. PourContinue reading “Author! Author!”