Many of us aspire to write books that change lives. There’s no better reason to write. And if you ask a writer to name a book that changed his or her life, you’re likely to get a quick—and informative—answer. So, I asked some writer friends to name the book (in addition to the Bible) that changed their lives. Here are some of their responses: My mindset changed once I read Joyce Meyer’s Battlefield of the Mind and discussed it in my Bible study group. This book taught me to capture the enemy’s deceptive lies and bring those thoughts to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5). I even cite how to do this in ..read more

Too often, I see great submissions that aren’t complete. Why not include everything when you first submit? Here are a few tips: What will happen in the novel? We need a book summary, even when you’re submitting a complete manuscript. Yes, I know seeing the ending ahead of time may be a spoiler for a reader; but as an agent, I’m accustomed to reading spoilers. I even enjoy spoilers as a reader! I’m odd that way. What will you cover in nonfiction? We need a list of chapter headings to tell us what information and inspiration you will share with your readers. By learning this, we can b ..read more

James Michener, the bestselling novelist, once said, “I’m not a very good writer, but I’m an excellent rewriter.” And today is your day to follow suit. No one knows your work or what you are trying to accomplish better than you. In that sense, you can be your own best editor. In a 1958 interview with The Paris Review, Ernest Hemingway was asked, “How much rewriting do you do?” Hemingway replied, “It depends. I rewrote the ending to Farewell to Arms, the last page of it, thirty-nine times before I was satisfied.” The stunned interviewer asked, “Was there some technical problem there? What was i ..read more

Photo fun for today. Can you come up with your own caption? Here is mine: “The Journey to Publication”   The post Fun Fridays – May 3, 2024 appeared first on The Steve Laube Agency ..read more

Before I jump into talking about the subplots in the Oliver/Sophia story, I want to talk about subplots in general. Weaving subplots into your story is a delicate process. You want them to enhance the story and not overwhelm it. So, think balance. Here’s how I look at subplots for my stories. First, I identify the main plot. I have a clear picture of the central conflict or theme of my story. This is the core around which all of the subplots will revolve. Once I have that main plot, I take a hard look at my characters and their backgrounds and start building from there. I try to pick subplots ..read more

Picture this. The cursor blinks incessantly on the blank screen, a stark reminder that the well of creativity is beyond empty. You sit there, fingers poised over the keyboard; but no words come. Instead, your inner critic begins its relentless assault, questioning your ability to be creative and casting doubt on your worth as a writer. It’s enough to make you wonder if slamming your face into the keyboard might yield more coherent prose than anything you could muster. Sound familiar? When faced with the deafening roar of your inner critic, it’s essential to have a few tricks up your sleeve to ..read more

I stumbled over this poem about odd plurals in the English language. There was no attribution. If you know who wrote it, please let me know so I can give proper credit. Very clever! We’ll begin with a box, and the plural is boxes, But the plural of ox becomes oxen, not oxes. One fowl is a goose, but two are called geese, Yet the plural of moose should never be meese. You may find a lone mouse or a nest full of mice, Yet the plural of house is houses, not hice. If the plural of man is always called men, Why shouldn’t the plural of pan be called pen? If I speak of my foot and show you my feet, A ..read more

Today’s six-minute video explores the making of paper, from forest to scribe. I have visited large printing press operations and seen the warehouses stacked with massive rolls of paper waiting for use. I eventually learned that different types of paper are key to different types of books. Think about the difference between thin Bible paper and the glossy paper in a magazine like National Geographic. It all starts in this manufacturing process. Enjoy a few minutes about one of the foundational elements of the writing journey. The post Fun Fridays – April 26, 2024 appeared first on The Steve La ..read more

Recently, I was listening to someone speak to a group of grade school children and was struck by how many words and phrases the kids likely had no idea of their meaning. Even if you speak clearly and slowly, a six-year-old will probably not understand the phrase “Take the left fork in the road,” and much less “substitutionary atonement.” It’s in the same communication category as traveling to another country. Rather than learning the language and culture, speak loudly and slowly, “I NEED TO FIND SOME TOOTHPASTE FOR SENSITIVE TEETH. DO YOU KNOW WHERE I CAN FIND THE NEAREST WALGREENS?” A few yea ..read more

I love books (good thing, since I’m a writer and literary agent). I love reading them, of course; but I also love holding them, buying them, touching, holding, smelling, studying, even just seeing them on the shelf. So let’s have some fun with book terms. I find them fascinating. Maybe you will too. Here’s an even dozen: ARC An ARC, or Advanced Reader Copy, is a prepublication copy of a new book that a publisher and/or author gives to reviewers, potential endorsers, and others for feedback and support. Callout (also “pull quote”) Often used in magazines—but sometimes in books—a callout is a sh ..read more