Technical Writing – How to Write a Section of a Chapter
Each chapter consists of more than one section. Reserve the first section for a "mini preview" of what follows inside the chapter. Here are the structural components of each SECTION (but not all need to be present in each section): 1) Introduction Section overview phrase. 2) Description of a function, component or system. 3) PROCEDURAL TASK(s). A set of NUMBERED STEPS to follow to accomplish a task. 4) TABLE TITLE… Continue Reading
Jeff Dexter will write his memoirs
There's a book about the 60s that I can't wait to read when it finally comes out. Jeff Dexter is writing his memoir and I predict this will be the defining book on the burgeoning music scene of the 60s and 70s. becoming a well-known DJ, promoter, rock band manager, record producer, club entertainer and event organizer. Jeff Dexter has made almost every step in and around the entertainment industry.… Continue Reading
How to write a book that kids will love — and kids’ book publishers will love too
I recently opened my email to find this message: "Can I get published as a children's book author if I'm not a good writer?" I was surprised at first, but the more I thought about it, the more I liked the question. The sender knows his limits, but still dreams of being published. She doesn't suffer from the illusion that she's the next Dr. Seuss, and I admire that. She… Continue Reading
How to write a thoughtful book review
If you see a book with a lot of reviews, does that make you want to buy it? If a "review" just says "it's awesome" or "buy this book", is that enough to make you want to spend the money to read the book? A good book review will give the reader something to think about before deciding if this is for them or not. Reviews are important to authors… Continue Reading
How to write an autobiography that will sell
I lecture on writing to non-writers - hypnotists, numerologists, psychics, housewives, business men and women and people who often tell me I should write about them because "they have had very interesting lives." I begin my speech with a question. The first question I always ask is, "Who wants to write their autobiography?" About three-quarters of all audiences raise their hands. My next question is, "Can you tell me who… Continue Reading
Write a woman’s life or biography
Reading about women authors through their biographies or through the commentaries they make is often more revealing than their books. Carolyn Heilbrun in her book Write a woman's life (more like a thesis in its early chapters) states that to really know a female author well enough to write her biography, you must go beyond dissecting her works of fiction and get to know her from her correspondence with friends… Continue Reading