Sticky Notes Blog

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

Pittsburgh authors at Coffee, Tea & Read, October 1

If you enjoyed Judy's post about being inspired at a booksigning, you've got a chance of finding similar inspiration approaching.

Three Pittsburgh authors will speak at the Book & Author Series - Coffee, Tea and Read at 2 p.m. on Sunday, October 1, 2006 at the Carnegie Lecture Hall in Oakland.

  • Jack Roseman, Pittsburgh’s entrepreneur expert, will read from his book, Outrageous Optimism: Wisdom for the Entrepreneurial Journey, dialogue with the audience and sign books.
  • Abby Mendelson will introduce the 3rd edition of The Pittsburgh Steelers: The Official Team History.
  • Paola Corso reads from her short story collection Giovanna’s 86 Circles, named Best Short Stories of 2005 by The Montserrat Review and a John Gardner Fiction Book Award Finalist. She writes about the Italian immigrant experience in Pittsburgh.

Local gourmet coffee and tea house specialties will also be available in the Carnegie Library.

The Book & Author Series was started in 1974 by the Pittsburgh Press and then the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. The Junior League of Pittsburgh has sponsored the event since 2002 with the support of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh.

Tickets are $20 per person and $10 per student with ID. Tickets may be purchased online at www.jlpgh.org, at the door or by calling 412-422-8580.

Posted by Cindy on September 21, 2006
This entry was posted in the following categories: Coming attractions
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Feed Your Entrepreneurial Soul

Being a writer necessitates a certain amount of entrepreneurial spirit. So check out Chicken Soup for the Entrepreneur's Soul (Sept 19). I'm happy to have been asked by co-author Dahlynn McKowen to contribute two as-told-to stories for the book, and I was thrilled to see that my two stories are highlighted in the book description on Amazon.com:

Continue reading "Feed Your Entrepreneurial Soul"

Posted by Julie on September 21, 2006
This entry was posted in the following categories: Publishing

Shaking Dr. Phil's Hand

Yesterday, I attended a booksigning, as all good writers should. After all, we need to support each other in our efforts to spread the word about our new releases.

Somehow, though, I don't think this author acutally needed my support. The book was called Inside My Heart: Choosing to Live with Passion and Purpose. The author? Robin McGraw! Yes, THE Robin McGraw: The woman who picks up Dr. Phil's socks and tosses them in the laundry (or, at least, hands them to the housekeeper).

I'll admit that when Mary, my colleague and friend, told me about the signing, I was reluctant to attend. I wasn't a Dr. Phil fan...

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Posted by Judy on September 20, 2006
This entry was posted in the following categories: Inspiration

Local Author to Sign Debut Novel

Local author, Rebecca Mertz, writing as Rebecca Drake, will be signing her debut novel Don't Be Afraid (Pinnacle Books 2006) at Mystery Lovers Bookshop in Oakmont, PA, this Friday, Sept. 15th, at 7:00 PM.

Meeting and talking with authors is an invaluable experience for writers, whether you're writing fiction or nonfiction, or are actively blogging. I've known Becky for years and can assure you there will be many local writers present at her signing. She's open and willing to talk about the writing process and about her experiences in landing an agent and publisher. Be sure to stop by and introduce yourself to her.

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Posted by Judy on September 14, 2006
This entry was posted in the following categories: Coming attractions

Give Your Character an Attitude Boost

Whether you're dusting off that neglected novel manuscript this fall or beginning a new one, take a moment to review the notes I took when re-reading Elizabeth George's book, Write Away (Perennial Currents, 2005). My jottings will appear on our Sticky Notes page in several installments, beginning with this one.

As I journey through the pages of Write Away, come with me. Read my brief, bulleted notes and vow to apply them to your WIP (work in progress). The points are deliberately concise in hopes of encouraging you to ponder what they mean--and then to stategize about how to apply them. Here goes:

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Posted by Judy on September 13, 2006
This entry was posted in the following categories: Writing tips

Should you submit to multiple agents?

Q: "An agent who favorably reviewed my work at a writers conference has agreed to read my synopsis and first chapters. Can I still submit to other agents?"
A: While technically you can submit to multiple agents unless they specify no simultaneous submissions, you might want to hold off. Here's why...

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Posted by Julie on September 11, 2006
This entry was posted in the following categories: Publishing