Sticky Notes Blog

A blog of writing news, tips, and inspiration from Fat Plum

Not just for computer geeks anymore

If you're looking for a way to spread the word about your writing -- or to find out what other writers are doing and thinking -- it's time to learn more about weblogs (or "blogs" in the parlance). The New York Times has an article on that very subject: More Authors Keeping Online Journals.

Blogging has caught on with everyone from high school students to journalists, and Weiner, Neil Gaiman and Claire Cook are among a growing number of authors who no longer confine private thoughts to private papers. Instead, they post weekly or even daily dispatches on the Internet that range from tour diaries to family updates.

Author blogs are also the latest reminder of how times have changed since writers simply wrote their books and let the publishers -- and the work itself -- speak for them. Now, many authors arrange their own tours, maintain Web sites, send e-mail newsletters and, in the case of Weiner and others, offer ongoing personal commentary.

Posted by Cindy on September 28, 2004
This entry was posted in the following categories: Marketing and promotion

How books turn into movies

Author Neil Gaiman has had the film option on his young adult novel Coraline picked up and takes the occasion to explain how film options on books work. Interesting reading about the junction of the publishing and movie worlds.

If you haven't read Coraline, I recommend it highly. I'm excited to know that the proposed filmmaker is Henry Selick. He also made Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas (which was produced but not written nor directed by Tim Burton). It sounds like a happy marriage of a great book to a great filmmaker.

(Link thanks to Maud Newton.)

Posted by Cindy on September 14, 2004
This entry was posted in the following categories: Publishing

Pittsburgh Today LIVE -- tomorrow!

Tuesday, September 13, I'll be appearing on KDKA's Pittsburgh TODAY Live to talk about Fat Plum and the upcoming Book Boot Camp. I'll be explaining how the camp works and offering advice for writers who are just getting started or who stalled in their projects.

There's always the chance I'll panic in the spotlight, and the only words I'll be able to produce will be "Fat Plum." Or maybe "Cheers, thanks." So tune in and see how I do!


Pittsburgh Today LIVE with Jennifer Antkowiak
9 - 10 am, KDKA TV (channel 2)

Posted by Cindy on September 13, 2004
This entry was posted in the following categories: What's up with us

I wish I thought of this!

Booksfree.com: Borrow, Rent, or Buy Books and Audiobooks A library without late fees ? and you check out titles from home. What Netflix did for movies, Booksfree has done for paperbacks. For a monthly fee ($8 to $30, depending) you can borrow books and return them in a prepaid mailer whenever you finish. But what if the title is a must-have for your library? Buy a new copy for up to 30% off.

Posted by Julie on September 11, 2004
This entry was posted in the following categories: Recommended

Good News

I wanted to share some good news. A few months back, I was interviewed for an online feature at www.writersbreak.com, a great Web resource for writers. I just received word that they revamped and reintroduced their site for the fall, and they decided to feature my interview on their new home page. I've been told by one editor that my answers were refreshingly "open and honest", so if you have the time, take a look.

Go to www.writersbreak.com and click on my name, Judith Burnett Schneider.

If you have questions or comments regarding the subject matter discussed, contact me at judy@fatplum.com. I'd be happy to hear what you think. --Judy

Posted by Judy on September 05, 2004
This entry was posted in the following categories: What's up with us