Reader/Writer Tidbits -- July 18, 2009

First things first. The Romance Writers of America conference got underway this week in Washington, D.C. If you have the pleasure of attending, I hope you have a great time, and bring back loads of information to share. If, like me, you're at home, I hope you're taking advantage of Blogging National or the Not Going to Conference Conference. (You have to register for this last.) Each year I find these interesting, informative, and a bit of fun.

Also, the Faith and Fiction Retreat is underway in Orlando, FL at the Villas of Grand Cypress Golf Resort. If you're in the area and have a chance to stop by, you can register for today's workshops. Go here for more info. Not sure what I'm doing just yet, but maybe I'll see you there.

Today's tidbits are a hodgepodge of stuff I've collected over the last few weeks but didn't get a chance to share. Forgive me if it's old news, but hopefully someone will pick up news she can use.

Did you hear about the debut novelist who won the richest book prize in the world? This man beat out a book that had already won the Pulitzer Prize winning book and a National Book Critics Circle award. Kudos to you, Michael Thomas.

Here's one writer's take on the value of (and what to expect when) using a professional editor.

Nathan Bransford's recent guest blogger, Eric, demystified book sales, i.e. how books are sold and positioned between the publisher and the bookseller. Eric has since gone on to start his own industry blog, Pimp My Novel, where on Tuesday he gave the good, the bad, and the ugly of Nielsen Bookscan and its impact on publishing.

Was vs. were? I'm including this post about subjunctive vs. indicative mood because somewhere along the way, this one stuck in my mind. And when I read it done incorrectly, it sticks in my craw. These days, I get that a lot. So maybe a writer or two will find it helpful.

Time is winding up to register for the FREE 2009 Muse Online Writing Conference. The deadline is August 1. Go here to register; go here for more information.

2009 SORMAG Online Conference begins August 23rd. Registration is still open. I've participated in the last three or four of these. It gets bigger and better each year. This year, I'm sitting on the book reviewer panel. Go here for more information.

Wonder how full-time authors structure their writing lives for steady income? Author Anna DeStefano shares here.

My author friend, Bettye Griffin, has a new book out. Save the Best For Last is Bettye's first self-published title, after 15 releases. Support Bettye in this new endeavor, please. She gives all the details about where you can find the book here.

I'm caught up on my book reviews and I'm still writing in bits and pieces, which is better than not at all.

Enjoy the weekend!

Peace & Blessings,
Patricia
Tampa Bay Writing Examiner

Stay focused. Be deliberate. Believe.