Category Archives: For Authors

Discovering the Humor of Being a Self-Published Author

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A couple of years ago, Charlie D. Weisman decided to quit his job and travel the world while living in his car. He went far and wide, telling tales to all who would listen. Upon realizing nobody wanted to listen to his stories, he decided to write them down. And so it was that Charlie D. Weisman became an author.

He now lives in Michigan where he writes satirical science-fiction and fantasy books. He primarily deals with themes of addiction, love and self-improvement. His debut novel, The Great Ooflan From Corplop, was released in April 2023, with further releases planned for 2024.

Woman in a wheelchair at a coffee shop, working on a laptop

Should You Start an Author Newsletter?

Here’s why starting an author newsletter is beneficial and why you should give it a try.


First of all, author newsletters give you the chance to connect with your readers in a more personal way. Sure, you can post updates on social media, but a newsletter provides a direct line of communication with your readers. You can share exclusive content, answer reader questions, and even share personal anecdotes or stories about your writing process. It’s like having a chat with your friends, only your friends are also your fans.


Secondly, author newsletters can be a great way to get creative. You can play around with different themes, designs, and formats to make your newsletter stand out. For example, you could include fan art, illustrations, or even short stories. You can also experiment with different types of content, such as author interviews, book recommendations, or writing tips. The sky’s the limit, and you can let your creativity run wild.


Thirdly, author newsletters can help you build a stronger relationship with your readers. By sharing your writing journey and opening up to your fans, you can create a sense of community and connection that goes beyond just reading your books. Your fans can feel like they’re a part of your world, and you can get to know them better too. It’s a win-win situation.


But how do you get started with an author newsletter? It’s easier than you might think. There are plenty of platforms out there that make it simple to create and send newsletters, such as Mailchimp, Constant Contact, and YAMM. Once you’ve signed up, you can start drafting your first newsletter and let your creativity run wild.
So why not give it a try? Your fans will love it, and you might just enjoy it too.


What are your thoughts about author newsletters? Have you found that a certain frequency of sending them out works best? Let us know in the comments below.

black woman with coffee and pen on terrace

Are You Thinking About Writing a Children’s Book?

Congratulations! You’re embarking on a wonderful journey that could bring joy to countless young readers. Writing a children’s book is not only a creative and fulfilling endeavor, but it can also be a way to impart important values and lessons to the next generation. Here are some reasons why you should feel encouraged about starting to write a children’s book.


First of all, there is a huge demand for children’s books. Kids are always looking for something new and exciting to read, and parents are always on the lookout for books that will engage and inspire their children. By writing a children’s book, you have the opportunity to fill this need and bring a smile to a child’s face.


Another reason to feel encouraged is that there are so many different types of children’s books. You can write a picture book, a chapter book, a middle-grade novel, or even a young adult novel. You can choose to write fiction or non-fiction, poetry or prose, and you can even incorporate elements of different genres, such as adventure, mystery, or fantasy. The possibilities are endless, and you have the freedom to create something truly unique.


Writing a children’s book can also be a way to share your passion and knowledge with young readers. Whether you’re an artist, a scientist, a historian, or a storyteller, you have the opportunity to share your expertise in a way that is accessible and engaging for children. By writing a children’s book, you can inspire a love of learning and curiosity in young readers.


Of course, writing a children’s book can also be a challenge. But don’t be discouraged! You don’t have to be a perfect writer to start – just focus on telling a great story that kids will love. You can always revise and improve your work later on. Finding a writing community or a mentor is also be a great way to hone your writing skills.


Finally, remember that writing a children’s book is an act of creativity and imagination. You have the power to create characters, worlds, and stories that will capture the hearts and minds of young readers. So go ahead, let your imagination run wild, and have fun with it!

If you are ready to begin your writing journey, be sure to subscribe to our newsletter below and check out our new podcast. You a can also sign up for a free writing consultation here.

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open book on marble table

How to Take Your Author Dedication from Good to Great

A good author dedication should be heartfelt, concise, and relevant to the book. Here are some tips to consider when writing a dedication:

Be sincere: A good dedication should come from the heart. Write a dedication that genuinely reflects your gratitude or appreciation for the person or people you are dedicating the book to.

Keep it short: While it’s important to convey your message, a dedication shouldn’t be too long. Aim for a few lines, rather than a full page.

Be specific: The dedication should be relevant to the book’s theme or content. It could be dedicated to someone who inspired you to write the book, someone who supported you throughout the writing process, or someone who influenced your work in some way.

Use a personal touch: Adding a personal touch to the dedication can make it more meaningful. You could include an inside joke, a favorite quote, or a personal anecdote.

Consider your audience: If the book is intended for a wider audience, it’s best to keep the dedication general. If the book is more personal or specific to a certain group of people, you can be more specific in your dedication.

Remember, a dedication is a way to honor and recognize the people who have played a significant role in your life or your work. By putting thought and care into your dedication, you can create a touching and meaningful tribute that will be appreciated by all!