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Welcome, Friends!
Beginning with this month's Author's Corner, I'm going to cover different aspects of book publishing. I've spoken with a number of people who are interested in becoming writers but aren't sure how to get started.
August has been a busy month for me. Dark Horizon, the third book in the trilogy, is in progress. Dragon*Con begins on August 29 in Atlanta, so I've been preparing for that as well. Twisted Fate is moving along well and is on schedule for a March release.
I learned about Dragon*Con a few months ago and it seems like a science fiction/horror/fantasy fan's paradise. I'm looking forward to meeting other authors and movie people while there. The entertainment sounds really amazing as well. Next month, I should have pictures and a report on this event. If you have time, take a look at their website at www.dragoncon.com.
My next book signing is on September 28. I'll be at the Cherry Hill Mall's Waldenbooks again. Tom and Jean, the managers, have been very supportive of authors and have graciously offered me an opportunity to return again. There will be more signings scheduled as we near the holidays.
Now, for those who would like to become writers, I have to tell you the most important rule: DO IT FOR FUN. I talked to many people in Los Angeles at last year's Hollywood Film Festival and I was surprised how many hoped to go right into a full time career from school. Many of these individuals were feeling a lot of stress and frustration over their situation. Start off as a hobby while you hunt for that springboard. The quality of your work will be impacted by your feelings.
There are easy ways to build a resume or track record. It's much easier to get attention when you can show work that was already published. Begin with baby steps like short stories and essays. Submit them to Readers' Digest and magazines of that genre. Remember, your work is like a painting. You want it to be a masterpiece.
If your work needs improvement, consider taking a college writing course. Imagination is the main ingredient for a good writer but your writing skills are essential to bring that story to life in your reader's imagination. It provides a smooth transition from the page to the reader's mind.
So, your writing is good enough. You've gotten a few articles published in magazines and you want to write a book. Keep in mind that this is a business and you are writing for your readers, not yourself. You want to entertain them, not yourself. Your topics and views can either expand or reduce your audience by injecting personal opinions on subjects. It's good to avoid controversial topics like politics and religion unless you can portray them in a manner that will appease everyone. Newspapers are for opinions, while books are best when used for entertainment and information. If you have specific questions, contact me through the website. I'll do my best to share my experiences. Thanks for joining me.
- Michael D'Ambrosio
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