Archive for June, 2008
Posted by Mark Shaw on June 30, 2008
Today I had the pleasure of hearing Dean Koontz speak at the American Library Association Convention in Anaheim. Of course, I am just the tag-a-long on this trip as my wife Lu, a linguistics librarian at Michigan State, is the real librarian in the family.
Nevertheless, Hemingwaywantabes, hearing Koootz speak was inspiring. Of course, what makes this author one to listen to, and carefully, is that he has sold over 325 million books and counting. Yes, the figure is right – 325 million books!
A humble man, Koontz related stories of his early “bookless” childhood and how he discovered books at the local library at about age nine. He said he read nearly half of the books there, ones in about every genre possible.
Koontz then talked about his evolution to the bestseller lists with humorous anecdotes but the main thrust of his message was, in my opinion, all about love- the love of books, and most of all, the writing process. This made me recall reading that one of Hemingway’s wives – there were a few – remarked that he loved books more than her. I have no doubt this was true since he poured his heart and soul into his writings.
Considering the great authors love for writing, and books, made me recall a thought I include in “How to Become a Published Author: At to Z,” my book about writing and publishing that you may download from the text sections above. It reads, “Remember what one trait you have in common with every great writer who ever lived, whether it is Hemingway, Joyce, Rowling, Hawthorne, Faulkner, etc. – they all started with one book being published.”
Keeping this in mind during the writing process is essential to grinding out the writing on the days when you want to play golf, go to the beach, or toss a ball with the dog. Writers must write, they live for writing, and most of all, they love it. Without this passion, this desire to fill the page with exciting words that will show readers they love it, there is little chance of publication. But, if you do love it, write and write some more and then edit, edit, edit, soon you will create your first book on the way to publication. With hard work, it will happen. I guarantee it.
Posted in Hemingway and Dean Koontz | Tagged: Bestsellers, Books, Dean Koontz, Fiction, Hemingway, Joyce, Koontz, Love, Non-Fiction, Novels, Publishers, Publishing, Rowling, Short Stories, Words, Writers, Writing | 2 Comments »
Posted by Mark Shaw on June 29, 2008
Ernest Hemingway never knew Stephen King, but I will bet the bearded master would have enjoyed King’s gift for storytelling. And King’s use of the language since both wrote gifted prose designed to involve the reader in every aspect of the story.
In King’s book, On Writing, he shares insight as to why reading examples of descriptive prose is so important: “Good writing . . . teaches the learning writer about style, graceful narration, plot development, the creation of believable characters, and truth-telling. A novel like Grapes of Wrath may fill a new writer with feelings of despair and good, old-fashioned jealousy—I’ll never be able to write anything that good, not if I live to be a thousand—but such feelings can also serve as a spur, goading the writer to work harder and aim higher. Being swept away by a combination of great story and great writing . . . is a part of every writer’s necessary formation. You cannot hope to sweep someone else away by the force of your writing until it has been done to you.”
Recently, I attended the American Library Association Convention with my wife Lu, a linguistics librarian at Michigan State, and heard a modern mystery writer, Stephen J. Cannell, the creator and producer of many hit television programs including “Rockford Files,” and more recently the author of fifteen successful novels, describe how he reads new books in his genre to better understand how successful writers tell their story. He is a fan of both the plot-driven story, and the character-driven story, but no matter the style, Cannell stresses the importance of involving the reader from page one on through the book chapters. Otherwise, he noted, the writer loses the reader, and soon the book is abandoned without the full impact of the writer’s theme unfolding.
Hemingwaywantabes, if you want to become a better writer, read what successful authors are writing whether the focus is fiction or non-fiction. Make notes, jot down ideas, and be certain to watch the flow of the story, how the characters are described, how they interact, and most important, how the writer keeps you involved in the story with such intensity that you hate to do anything but continue reading the book. Hook the reader, and then reel them in with exciting words that captivate. Doing so triggers your having written what is called a “pageturner,” a book that is guaranteed to attract publisher interest.
Posted in Hemingway and Stephen King | Tagged: Bestseller, Books, Cannell, Characters, Ernest Hemingway, Fiction, Hemingway, Myteries, Non-Fiction, Pageturner, Plot, Prose, Publishing, Stephen J. Cannell, Stephen King, Words, Writing | 1 Comment »
Posted by Mark Shaw on June 27, 2008
When Ernest Hemingway wrote, people read, and listened as his dynamic tone hit readers in the head like a sledgehammer. His storytelling gift, honed from years of observing the human spirit, guided him but it is the words he selected that are his greatest trademark.
Above all, Hemingway’s writing was clear, since he did not dabble in needless flowering language. His sentences, for the most part, were clear, crisp, clean, easily understood since each had three critical elements – a beginning, middle and an end. He wrote “true sentences,” ones that were almost short stories themselves as he weaved his story along with exciting characters and surprises at every turn.
If you read Old Man and the Sea, this is apparent for there is not a word wasted. It is like the perfect motion picture where each scene is paced so that viewer interest is never lost. Hemingway mermerized his readers, catapulting them into a fictional world where, as in Old Man and the Sea, they are right in the boat with Santiago fighting the fish.
In “How to Become a Published Author: A to Z,” my book about the writing and publishing process that you may download or print out from the above pages, I mention something important to remember: A book is like having a conversation with readers, but you are not there. If you keep this mind, then clarity is no problem since you write words that need no explanation, but instead stand on their own and convey a clear, crisp message to the reader.
So, Hemingwaywantabes, hone your craft so that every word you use has a purpose, adds to the pacing of the story, and never gets in the way of telling that story. Be clear, be concise, and you then become a true wordsmith like Hemingway. Ths will be true whether you are writing fiction, or non-fiction, since much of the latter is now written with the same dynamics as fiction.
If you wish for me to take a look at any of your writings, and give you an opinion/evaluation, send them along. Nothing pleases me more than to mentor writers, free of charge of course.
Posted in Merton and Clarity | Tagged: Books, Clarity, Ernest Hemingway, Fiction, Hemingway, Mentoring, Non-Fiction, Writers, Writing | 1 Comment »
Posted by Mark Shaw on June 25, 2008
Back in what is known as “the good old days,” literary agents were not a must for any aspiring author who wanted to have his or her novel or work of non-fiction published. Ernest Hemingway handled most of his own submissions through personal relationships with publishing company editors or by referral from other writers of his era who believed his books were worthy of publication. Being the ultimate “man’s man,” Hemingway forged ahead on his own, and after his first successful novel, publishing company editors were pounding at his door.
In today’s publishing world, all this has changed and most of the larger publishers won’t even take a look at an unsolicited query letter and/or book proposal. Each demands that the author be represented by a literary agent with connections to the publishing company. Locating a good, professional agent thus becomes a challenge for the aspiring author but fortunately with good planning and strategy, the task may be a pleasant one.
In How to Become A Published Author: A to Z, my book that you may download or printout free from this weblog (see above sections, etc.), I mention at least four strategies for locating a competant literary agent. They are: 1) www.publisherslunch.com, a daily email publication that details every deal made in the industry and includes information about the book sold, the author, the editor who bought the book, and the literary agent who sold it; 2) aar-online.com, (Association of Author’s Representatives), the professional organization that all professional agents belong to; 3) The Guide to Literary Agents, a publication that lists many agents, and 4) studying the Acknowledgment section of books with a similar genre as yours to see who represented the author. When you locate an agent of interest, check out his or her website to see what types of book they represent, guidelines for submission, etc.
A word of warning, hemingwaywantabes, be wary of any literary agent who wants to charge you for representation. Outside of their billing you for mailings, copies, etc., agents should charge a 15% fee but never any dollar amount for their services. If someone tries to do this, run the other way.
A relationship with a literary agent is a must for any aspiring author intent on a publishing career. Find one you like, find one that will fight for you and your book, and find one that will protect your interests regarding a publishing contract. You and the agent are a team, one that may enjoy a strong relationship for many years to come.
Posted in Hemingway and Literary Agents | Tagged: Agents, Authors, Fiction, Hemingway, Literary Agents, Manuscripts, Non-Fiction, Novelist, Published, Publishing, Words, Writers, Writing | 4 Comments »
Posted by Mark Shaw on June 24, 2008
Ernest Hemingway knew all about rejection from his earliest days as a writer. Many of his first attempts at fiction were scolded, thought unworthy of publication. But he was never one to give up, and through hard work, his writing became so good that when people read his words it took their breath away.
Hemingway’s honed his craft as a newspaper correspondent for the Toronto Star. Soon he had gained a reputation for vivid description and the ability to present characters as if they were standing right next to readers. When he began to write fiction, this trait aided his efforts and the result is many of the great books in history.
We may learn from Hemingway about rejection and never giving up. In Step 8 of “How to Become a Published Author: A to Z” that you may download or print out from this weblog, I talk about these subjects. And I do so from experience. When my first book, Down for the Count, chronicling the Mike Tyson rape trial, was published, the reviews nationwide were terrific. But my hometown newspaper critic hammered the book with the headline, “Shaw’s book on Tyson worthless.” After I yelled and screamed for a few minutes at the disappointment, i finally settled down and said, “I’ll show that critic. I’ll just write another book.” I did, and it did well, and fifteen years later, I have had nearly twenty books published with more on the way.
Hemingwaywantabes, never, ever let anyone tell you that you cannot do something. And don’t let rejection cause you grief. Learn from what you hear, but then keep going forward, using the rejection as inspiration like Hemingway did. This will help you when you are trying to find a literary agent or a publisher for your book, because as I tell writers at my seminars, it only takes one to say “yes.” Keep the faith, keep trying, and in the end, you will find the success you are looking for.
Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged: Books, Fiction, Hemingway, Inspiration, Literary Agent, Newspaperman, Non-Fiction, Publisher, Publishing, Rejection, Tyson, Words, Writers, Writing | 2 Comments »
Posted by Mark Shaw on June 23, 2008
When aspiring authors ask me what theme for a first novel might be successful, I always suggest that they try the “What if” scenario. This involves taking what may seem at first glance to be a simple plot but then giving it a twist by adding an unexpected element or two triggering a “What if” situation with a fresh theme and a dramatic ending.
For you hemingwaywantabes, or anyone who is writing a first novel, one only has to look at Hemingway’s Old Man and the Sea as a great example of the “What if.” Basically, the story is about a man and a fish, but the twist works when the author adds the element of “what if the fish is giant sized, almost like a dream fish.” Will the old fisherman, down on his luck, be able to conquer it?
Another good example of the “What if” is John Irving’s The Fourth Hand. The apparent story is simple: A television newscaster loses one hand when a lion bites it off while filming in Africa. Meanwhile, a lady in Minnesota is distraught when her husband, a beer truck driver, is killed in an accident. She sees the story about the newscaster and presto, offers to donate one of her husband’s hands to the newscaster.
The twist is terrific, since Irving wonders “what if the lady will only donate the hand if she has visiting rights.” Wow, this changes everything and the story then takes off by focusing on the relationship between the two people. Irving is at his best with this drama, and the ending is superb.
So, hemingwaywantabes, if you are looking for a hook for your book, try the “What if.” Even non-fiction writers may utilize this tool by writing a clever book that provides a bit of suspense to the “what if” with a biography or even a self-help book. The more dramatic the better these days as readers expect to be entertained no matter the writing genre.
Posted in Hemingway and the "What if" Theme | Tagged: Agents, Books, Editing, Fiction, Hemingway, Irving, John Irving, Non-Fiction, Old Man and the Sea, Publishing, The Fourth Hand, Writers, Writing | 1 Comment »
Posted by Mark Shaw on June 22, 2008
Recently, an aspiring author in Indiana asked me whether his new book is too short in length. I first said to him, “Well, one of the great books of all time, Old Man and the Sea, was a very short book and yet one of the great literary classics of all time. In fact, when someone said to Mr. Hemingway, ‘The book could have been longer,’ he is reported to have said, ‘Listen, the book is about a fisherman and a fish. Enough said.’”
The length of a book isn’t even close to as important as the content. A compelling story of any length is publishable and there are many examples of such books. Look at Tuesday’s with Morrie, or Marley and Me in the non-fiction area, or even Hemingway’s A Moveable Feast, one of my favorites. All these books are not lengthy, but the stories are gripping, true page-turners because of the pacing, the tempo, and the refreshing voice of the writer shining through.
So, Hemingwaywantabes, when you are assessing the viability of your book, first check the story to see if there is a terrific beginning, middle and end. This must be true with every sentence, every paragraph, and every chapter. Then take a good look at your characters, are they exciting, unpredictable, and unusual? Are they realistic, and have you permitted them to move forward, to grow, with drama and surprise as the text moves along. Remember that no book worth publishing may be labeled with the dreaded “B” word – boring! Make your book pages leap out at readers, excite them as they read every word you have written.
These ideas and more are featured in the good writing section of “How to Become A Published Author: A to Z” book that you may download free of charge on this blogsite. Read it when you have time, and then please send along questions so that I may help you. Meanwhile, blessings for your writings and for inspiration’s sake, keep saying “I will be published.”
Posted in Hemingway and Lengthy Books, Uncategorized | Tagged: Agents, Book Characters, Books, Chapters, Free books, Hemingway, Literary, Literary Agents, Moveable Feast, Old Man and the Sea, Pacing, Published, Publisher, Tempo, Writers, Writing | Leave a Comment »
Posted by Mark Shaw on June 22, 2008
Ernest Hemingway was a master of his craft, and he loved writing more than anything else in his life. He was encouraging to others, guiding them with words of wisdom that he hoped would inspire them to write as well.
I’m certainly no Hemingway, but I hope to inspire you as well by passing along practical advice about the writing and publishing process. Please take a look at the different sections of his weblog including your opportunity to download or print out “How To Become A Published Author: A to Z,” a book that has helped many people become published. Many are listed on the “Mentoring and Testimonial” page.
And please pass the address of this weblog along to your writer friends. Nothing gives me more joy than assisting aspiring authors and poets toward their dream of becoming published.
Posted in Hemingway and the Writing Process | Tagged: Books, Free Book, Hemingway, Literary Agents, Publishing, Words, Writers, Writing | Leave a Comment »
Posted by Mark Shaw on June 21, 2008
Welcome to the new hemingwaywantabes weblog! I hope his gifts as a wordsmith inspire you to write as well, whether it is fiction, non-fiction, or poetry.
On this blog, you will find Hemingway resources including a biography and a list of his books. But perhaps more important, I hope all aspiring authors and poets will discover practical, helpful information designed to assist with publishing dreams. On the “About” page, you will find out a bit about me, the blessed author of nearly twenty books, including five on the writing and publishing process. Nothing makes me have more joy that assisting aspiring authors and poets, and I trust you will let me help you with any questions you may have.
The blog also lists terrific resources to consider reading, and best of all, you may, if you choose, download or print out my book, “How To Become A Published Author: A to Z,” free of charge as my gift to you. Just click on the Author’s Note, then Step One, Step Two and so forth. There is also information about publishing industry forms, and tips on how to deal with literary agency and publisher contracts based on my experience as an entertainment attorney. And, you will find some great tips on locating the right literary agent for your particular book.
Other features includes links to some important sites, including Publishers Lunch, a great resource tool. So take a look around the blog and hopefully there is some good information that will assist you with writing your book and getting it published. This includes some great writing tips within the main book.
You will also get a kick out of the Hemingway Quote page, and one of my favorites is when he talks about a book being such a “loyal friend.” There’s no question about that, – books are great companions, – and i urge you to write a book so that you may become part of that friendship. One important thing I tell people at writing and publishing seminars is how proud they will feel when they hold their published book in their hands and shout to the world, “I am published.” Hopefully, through my daily comments, and your questions, I may help you reach that goal.
Posted in Writers Enjoy!! | Tagged: Books, Editors, Ernest Hemingway, Fiction, Free Book, Hemingway, Literary Agents, Non-Fiction, Poetry, Poets, Publishing, Writers, Writing | 4 Comments »
