As writers we spend a lot of time doubting ourselves. Are we talented enough? Is this idea terrible? Will everyone hate it? Would a publisher ever want it? That’s before we even send it out. Then the question becomes, how many rejections can I take? I thought my background of competing* and getting up on […]
Author Archive > sandrawickham
Naming Your Characters
Tales have often told of the great power behind our names and that giving someone your name can allow them mastery over you. J.K. Rowling’s villain is only referred to as You-Know-Who or He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named, for fear the mere mention of his name, Voldemort, would bring his wrath. It’s no wonder then, as writer’s we often […]
The Premise that Sells
I love when lessons present themselves where you least expect them. Last weekend at Norwescon 34 in SeaTac, I went to see the PYR books presentation by the four-time Hugo Award nominated editorial director, Lou Anders. I attended to see the new covers and hear about the latest books, but it turned into far more. […]
The Inkpunks Disband
This may very well be the most difficult blog I’ll ever have to write. It is with tears in my eyes and a destitute heart that I bring you the news that the Inkpunks have disbanded. I have been given the task of delivering this devastating news to you, our loyal friends, fans and followers. […]
Novel Revisions: Sharing the Pain
I’m no expert on producing novels, but I’m finding ways to survive it, including sharing my pain as therapy for myself, as well as hoping it will help ease the pain for others. This is only the second novel I’ve worked on, but I’ve made it all the way to a fifth draft. I did […]
How To Network at Conventions – Guest Blog
With 2011 now in full swing, many people are looking ahead to which conventions they’d like to attend this year. Or perhaps you’ve never been to one and are considering it. I thought this would be great timing to ask Diana Rowland (Mark of the Demon, Blood of the Demon, Secrets of the Demon) to […]
The Author’s Voice
The Author’s Voice I recently read “The Fire in Fiction†by Donald Maass (Founder and President of the Donald Maass Literary Agency) and in one chapter he discusses the voice of your novel, something that new authors often struggle with. Donald Maass has this advice to writers: “It is when the words on the page demand […]
Inspirations and Aspirations
My mom’s birthday was this week and she’s off in Australia visiting my brother so I sent her long distance wishes. I also thanked her for all her support and encouragement when it comes to my writing. My mom is my sounding board as well as one of my beta readers. I know, you’re not […]
Filling Your Well
While wrestling with my first novel rewrites, I had what could be called nothing less than a meltdown. To say I was in complete anguish over the novel would only be telling half the story. I debated with myself whether to scrap the entire thing or not, and was really pissed at myself for having […]
Never Quit
Recently I had the pleasure of attending the book launch of a gentleman from our manuscript workshop. We’re all thrilled, since this is David Glenn’s first novel publication. It’s always exciting when someone you know breaks in and gets their debut novel published after years of pursuing their dream. David knows all about that. He […]
