So about a week ago I did a guest blog on Inkpunks.com on mechanical vs. inspirational writing. Yesterday I was asked to do a guest blog on “Breaking into pro short fiction markets.” I’m not sure when I will be doing it — June, I believe, but I’ll keep you updated!
Okay, Make that two weeks…
But the work is going well!
Happy, happy!
So, returning to my novel, I am very happy! The opening is GOOD! I am inspired and energized to push on!
Need a book for an 8-12-year-old for Christmas?
My friend’s book, Dead Bird Through the Cat Door (a Nancy-Drew-type mystery for 8-12 year olds), just came out on Amazon! If you use Amazon.ca or .uk ignore the part where it says the book is not available or out of stock. It is available (it’s a glitchy thing that will be resolved). The novel is also available for kindle on the .com and .co.uk sites. Here are the links:
Jan Markley is a great friend and a wonderful writer — hope you enjoy her book!
Copyright – should writers give their work away for free?
Here’s what I wrote to my MP (Stephen Harper), as well as the ministers of industry and culture:
From my understanding of Bill C-32, the government is attempting to be fair to creators and consumers, and to address the complexities of our rapidly evolving digital world. However, I am concerned about the provision for allowing educational institutions to use my work without compensation, or as I understand it, to legalize theft.
I am a professional fiction writer, with one novel and several pieces of short fiction in print, and I am a member of several professional organizations. My yearly income from writing is under $2000 per year. My next novel is under consideration with a major publishing company, and should it be accepted, would likely generate an income of $7000, spread over two years. Clearly, in itself, my writing income is not livable (I am fortunate to be married to an income-earner).
My question for you is this: Approximately one-third of my annual income, or about $600, derives from my association with Access Copyright, an organization which negotiates contracts with school boards, libraries and other organizations to license the photocopying of