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(6 replies, posted in TheNextBigWriter Premium)

I like your idea, Mike!

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(4 replies, posted in TheNextBigWriter Premium)

I've added a "Links" page to my blog. If you'd like me to add a link to your site or blog, let me know and provide me the url. I'll add it to the page as quickly as I can - should be no more than 48 hours or so, probably much quicker.

Also, if there's a third party site you think is a great resource for authors, I'll be happy to add that, also. Again, provide me with the url.

There's certainly no requirement for you to subscribe to my blog for you to get a link posted on it. But I sure would appreciate it!

I fully agree with Marilyn. My grandfather (he died in 1966) was the smartest man I've ever known. he taugjt me one thing I've never forgotten. I've used it extensively in my personal and professional lives. And that was :  Don't complain about my Plan A if you don't have a better Plan B.

Any time I suggest a writer change something, I explain, often in detail, why I think the change is worth consideration. If I don't have a better Idea than you do about something, I'll keep my mouth shut. The one exception is when something reads awkwardly and I don't know why, I'll simply say that - "That passage just didn't read smoothly for me, but I can't put my finger on it. If the reason comes to me, I'll get back to you."


I've found that most folks who are rude and brash to others usually fall into one group - the only way they know how to feel about themselves is by belittling others. It's not always true, more often than not, I think it is.

My approach is simple:  You don't have to be nice; just don't be rude.

My thoughts.

Alan

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(12 replies, posted in TheNextBigWriter Premium)

My grandfather always told me pretty girls should have pretty names. Case in point!

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(4 replies, posted in TheNextBigWriter Premium)

Thanks, Randy! I appreciate that! I'll have a real post on Monday - how I prepare to write a novel. Thanks again.

Alan

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(12 replies, posted in TheNextBigWriter Premium)

I agree with Gacela (pretty name, by the way!)

I'm a professional songwriter and musician ... made a good living at it since the 1960s. And the same is true in mujsic as it is in book writing:  sales is no judge or validation of quality. There are songs a fifth-grader could have written that went to number one and made the composer a crap load of money. As a matter of info, a #1 song in the  Country and Rock genres will typically yield the composer about $350,00.00 over the first two years (that's when it gets the most airplay and sales).

Same with books, in my opinion. there are so many excellent aspiring authors, many on this site, who can write circles around some of the big-name writers but their book sales yield less than a ransom simply because they've not had the right audience. So, sales and quality have nothing in common.

I wish the gentleman good luck.

Alan

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(4 replies, posted in TheNextBigWriter Premium)

Hello Folks!

I'm not at all a social media person. It's not that I mind chatting or swapping good lies with other folks; rather, social media has caused me horrific grief in the past. I've not been on my Facebook account in about 3 years and have sent out a grand total of 2 tweets.

However, with three books on Amazon, I figured it was time to bite the bullet. So I was up all night (7:00 pm last night until 8:30 am this morning) creating a blog. I'm not sure if I'm proud of myself or sitting here wondering WTF?? Oh well, it's a done deal. I published it about half an hour ago. If you're interested, here's a linK:

https://www.taibakerblog.com/

I created it under one of my three pen names, Tai Baker. (I write in several different genres). If you do drop in for a look, thank you very much in advance. If you see anything stupid (good chance of it) I'd sincerely appreciate a heads up. It's relatively simple but, I think, somewhat attractive and user friendly.

If you do take a look, thank you very much in advance. Wishing everyone and their muse good times ahead.

Alan

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(2 replies, posted in TheNextBigWriter Premium)

Hi Lauren,

I have to admit I don't recall "knowing" you from your earlier time here. Nonetheless, welcome3 back! Hope it's a great move for you. Wishing you and your hyper muse the very best,

Alan

I agree with Marilyn!

Congrats, Randy. You are a meticulous writer and you manage to coordinate so many subplots with seemingly relative ease. never a dull moment in your writing! And I'll be over soon to leave you a review. Well-earned and well-deserved! Keep writing and I'll keep reading.

Alan

Hey Max,

I just saw this, even tho9ugh it's  here a while. And yep ... a prompt if there ever was one! If I wrote in that genre, I'd be all over it. I have 4 novels in the works right now, so taking on a new ... in a new genre for me ... wouldn't be a wise decision. But yeah ... that headline begs for a full story!

Alan

Foot & Ankle?

Fowl Writing

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(15 replies, posted in TheNextBigWriter Premium)

Sonny and I shared many a laughs via our bantering over my humor writing. he was always gracious and encouraging. Gonnas miss that intelligent wit.  Prayers for strength for his family and may the smile knowing the joy brought into our lives. God Bless,

Alan & Di

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(8 replies, posted in TheNextBigWriter Premium)

Congratulations, Ann! Your superb writing deserves this ... and many more!

Alan

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(18 replies, posted in TheNextBigWriter Basic)

Hi!

Nice "meeting" you! I've been a member here for about 8 years but have been absent for the better part of the past 2 years - mostl health issues (cancer). But, doing good as of late. Will be [posting some new stugg soon. Will get over to read you as soon as I can ... probably a few days. Looking forward to it!

Alan

Welcome, Jessi!

I've been a member here for quite some time but have been away for about 2 years ... mostly health issues. But I'll be posting new material again real soon. Hope you enjoy your time here!

Alan

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(260 replies, posted in TheNextBigWriter Premium)

Hi LouLou,

Well, I have a Fantasy book in progress ...2/3 finished (Death Watch). But more to your point, I, too, have not figured out how to do a search for genre postings other than to go to a group that might be centered around Fantasy. If I figure something out, or someone tells me, I'll get back to you. Good luck with your writing!

Alan

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(217 replies, posted in TheNextBigWriter Premium)

Hi Sol ...

Linda already beat me to it. Good luck with getting the wrinkles smoothed out. A lot of work on your part and some patience on our part should make this transition a positive step. Looking forward to the days ahead when this puppy is chugging along nice and smooth.

Again, good luck with it. Best to you ...

Alan

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(260 replies, posted in TheNextBigWriter Premium)

Hi Phil ...

Welcome! I've been a member for 5 or 6 years and have improved my writing skills many times over. I hope you fins it as enjoyable and rewarding as I have. Best to you ...

Alan