Red Room Where the Writers Are

Body, an elegy (Poem text) »

from my forthcoming book, "How God Ends Us" (University of South Carolina Press 2009)  

THE FUNNIEST BOOK PROPOSAL IN HISTORY »

I've written several jillion book proposal for several jillion non-fiction projects, but T.J.

To Err Is Human… »

...and I am a lot more human than I thought.

What Do You See? »

The last time John and I were on Topsail Island, we were having dinner in a restaurant when John suddenly said, "Do you see that waitress over the

On getting over myself... »

Some of you have asked why I don't include much about my own writing and publishing experience on this site, and my answer is simple: I don't like to write about myself.

One Book Wonder?  »

Friends have been bombarding me with this question for weeks: “What’s your next book going to be about?” It’s a fair question that keeps me from getting too comfortable and complacent.

Care for a Meme? »

This one's been making the rounds--

Today: an Interview on The Midwest Traveler »

Kimberly, the

Reward Yourself! »

I don't know about you, but I'm a great believer in rewarding myself for major accomplishments, such as writing books, finding the same person fascinating after 20 years, having a MAJOR birthday, e

Peace and quiet? Phooey! »

Like Pavlov's conditioned dogs at the sound of a bell, I salivate at the sight of a computer keyboard.

Whatever Happened to the "Paperless Society?" »

I don't own a Kindle Reader and I don't know anyone who does. Being a hands-on person, I would miss the tactile quality of a real book. Wouldn't you?

Setting The Record Straight (a Me2 interview) »

sharing good news and (three more) good books »

New Village Press will publish By Heart: A Prison Conversation , a two-person memoir I'm writing with Spoon Jackson.

Today Sonoma County, Tomorrow the World! »

I was amazed by many things at BEA, but none more than the ability to walk up to a salesperson for, say, Random House, and talk a bit, maybe get a free book, and give them a bookmark or a book in r

Book I've Been Hoping For »

Teach the Free Man is a book of stories by someone who knows prison.

The new entrepreneurs -- self-published authors »

From: "Corinne  Copnick" <ccopnick@earthlink.net>

Dos and Don'ts Inside BEA—A Cowgirl's-Eye View, or, You Had to Be There »

If you've no idea what to expect of the second largest book fair in the world, you will not be alone. Here are some important Dos and Don'ts:

Surviving a Book Fair: Accidental Cowgirl in L.A. »

Book promotion is challenging at best, as most of you know, and having survived three days of intense book marketing, I can tell you it works, but not unless you work it. Accidental Cowgirl

A Life's Work »

I encourage anyone wanting to know more about prison and prison arts to read Richard Shelton's

Book Marketing from the Ground Up »

This marketing thing is all new to me, but I'll let you know what has worked for my book, Accidental Cowgirl, so far:1. I now have several web pages (this one is the best); 

How to Self-Destruct »

I'm excited to announce that this summer, travelers will be able to find solace in airport delays by enjoying learning How to Self-Destruct...

First PW review »

I've been terrible about keeping this blog current, and I apologize.

Podcast Fiction: Take my book. It's free. (In SF Chronicle) »

You've got to see the layout for this article in the print version to believe it. Seriously! Here's that PDF.

I have a book! »

I have a book! Yes, I do. A book. Just one. Keep away. No! Mine! You can’t have it! Have a heart man! It’s the only one I’ve got! Get yer own!

A Red-Letter Day! »

 Today is a Red-Letter Day! 

Waiting and Waiting and Waiting »

The gestational period for an elephant is 22 months. Twenty-two months of discomfort and anxiety. Twenty-two months of nurturing and hoping. Twenty-two months of waiting and waiting and waiting.

THE LIAR'S DIARY »

Today is a very special day.