Red Room Where the Writers Are

Print On Demand: a cautionary tale »

Ursula LeGuin told a group of midlist writers at WisCon several years ago that "Publishing has always been in trouble."  She was generous with her encouragement, and frank about her own

GenCon, Days One and Two »

I've been running around so much I haven't had time to post before now, but I'm at least keeping my promise to give you an update at some point.

Advice that Editors Have Offered: Pure Gold »

The wonderful Belle Yang has asked for some specifics about the kinds of editorial comments good editors have made on my poetry.

THE BUSINESS OF BOOKS, with author Barbara DeMarco-Barrett »

Barbara DeMarco-Barrett is the author of PEN ON FIRE: A BUSY WOMAN'S GUIDE TO IGNITING THE WRITER WITHIN, published in October 2004.

On Tod Goldberg and this month's RWA chapter meeting... »

One of the best things I did after selling my novel is to join the Romance Writers of America organization, both the national group and

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.

THE BUSINESS OF BOOKS, with novelist Eileen Cook »

Eileen Cook published UNPREDICTABLE, a romantic comedy about a woman who fakes psychic ability to get her boyfri

Giving it Away »

Why would an author ever give away a book?  A whole book, that took months, maybe years, to write?  It's a big question today, as publishers and authors both struggle to find readers in an online

Another thing I learned about writing from the movies: "The Lost Boys: The Tribe" »

Blah, Blah, Blog »

I haven't been as diligent about blogging here as I should.  However, I've been blogging just about everywhere else (not that I don't love my RedRoom space...I've simply spread myself a little thi

THE BUSINESS OF BOOKS, with novelist Seth Greenland »

The Writing Life: the Secret of Book Store Readings »

Years ago when I was working on my first novel SoMa, I went to a reading at Book Passage by Augusten Burroughs

The Writing Life: It Take a Village, People! »

It's been said that the odds of getting a debut novel published are about the same as winning $25,000 or more in the lottery.

Why Do We Write? »

Some people write for themselves. Their journals or dark poetry or rants help clear their heads and remind themselves where they’ve been.

The Writing Life: What the Heck is a Writers’ Grotto? »

Probably the most popular image of a writer has some angst-ridden guy sitting next to an ashtray overflowing with cigarette butts in a sparsely furnished room with a lone light bulb dangling from the

The Writing Life: The Math Equation That Determines Success as a Writer »

As I've traveled to Book Passage and other venues to talk about my debut novel SoMa, I'm often asked about my "writing pro

Dusting off my pearls »

As a literal debutante I'd be well past my expiration date, but as a member of the group blog ("grog") The Debutante Ball (http://www.thedebutanteball.com), I am ageless.

The Key to Success (or Failure) .. »

"I don't know the key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everybody." - Bill Cosby

The Key to Success (or Failure) .. »

"I don't know the key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everybody." - Bill Cosby

If only! »

So my husband and I were talking at dinner about publishing, and then he related a story he heard about an author on National Public Radio.

Real Career Success Is a Real Good Life »

I am still amazed by how many letters I have received from individuals who told me that they parted ways with their employer after reading one of my books.

changes to the paperback, and news of the book tour »

Some books come out first in paperback.

Books Will Say Adios! »

I have been keeping casual track of the ebook phenomena, the economy, the environment, and publishing and reading trends, and this morning as I lay in bed trying to fall back asleep--thwarted by th

Are you ready for the next step in your evolution as a writer? »

Psst...

My dulcet tones »

Well. It had to happen. Eventually some lunatic would want to ask me to talk about something and record the conversation.

Summer Reading Part Two »

Here is my summer reading list. It's a hodgepodge of books with something for everyone.

Our Corner of the World (www.voicesatvona.org) »

The Publishing seminar takes place in the VONA Writers Room. A glass encased lounge in Phelan Hall at the University of San Francisco.

What Else Is New »

Just heard from my agent: a publisher she recently sent my latest children's picture book to, has just turned it down. Crap!

Back To Blogging »

Life stops when my husband doesn't go to work. Don't get me wrong, I love him to bits, but he completely ruins my routine.

The Village »

Today I'm exactly one month out from my book's release ... and I find myself wanting to check into a rehab clinic. :)

Welcome to the Real World »

So about a week ago I attended my very first book signing.

Thomas F. Monteleone Interview »

This interview was conducted in May for the Maryland Writers' Association Conference.

Awards »

I almost forgot! I earned two finalist awards, from the Next Generation Indie Book Awards people: one in Humor/Comedy and one in Autobiography/Memoir.

Amazon's Feud with Brit Pub Houses: What that Means to Authors »

Even in good economic times, book sales only inch up, or stay stagnant. Revenue increases seem to be tied to jumps in the retail prices of books vs.

The Truth Is... »

The truth is, life as a writer is nothing like I imagined it would be. When I was in my teens I used to think that a writer's life consisted of excitement, romance and adventure.

My Friends and Associates at Book Expo America »

You can learn about a person by what that person does and what that person says. But you can also learn a lot about a journalist by the company he keeps.

Rejection »

Rejection. The word connotes so many things to so many people. Unrequited love, bad break-ups. Broken hearts, missed opportunities. Unattainable goals.

Video! »

Wow -- check out the short video for Dirty Words!  it's on my redroom home page.  Now I really feel like I'm celebrating pub date -- I've even got a song to sing!

First Novels »

I've got a new guest blog up at a writer pal's website.

New tools for publishing: a fairy tale on Issuu »

When I started out in the book business, publishing meant a serious investment of money as well as time.