Finishing a novel is a challenging task, one I've undertaken during the months of our corporate COVID-19 shutdown. My newest novel, Fleuringala, is now in the hands of my very able graphic designer Stephanie Pierce. She has designed a beautiful cover and, as I write this, she is formatting the interior for me. Writing a …
Tag: MKB Graham
Tiptoeing into the marketplace …
Anyone who knows me, knows I'm not a fan of marketing. In fact, I'm terribly cynical about advertisers and all their tricks to get me to buy their products. Yet ... Yet, I understand the need to stand out in a marketplace that is as crowded as it has ever been. In the book world, …
My new life …
Stephen King has a routine, as do many writers. For Mr. King, mornings are for writing. Afternoons are for walking and reading. This is a plan I am adopting in this, my new life as a full-time novelist. As a morning person, I'm embracing Mr. King's routine. Summers are especially productive. As early as 5:30 …
Tacking with a new wind …
An announcement: This week I'm leaving my job of the past eleven years. My job has been the latest iteration of one I've held off and on for decades. As a staff writer for James Madison University, I've written about international students, philanthropists, autism, dams, archeology, engineering, international affairs, intelligence, education, pioneers, cyclists, museums, business, …
A little trumpet fanfare, please …
I've hit it—the 100-books-sold mark for my novel, CAIRNAERIE. I am elated and enormously grateful for all those friends and acquaintances who have read it and shared it and reviewed it on Facebook and Goodreads. For a writer, having your work appreciated—even loved—is the epitome of success. Now begins the real work of finding new readers …
98 books in 98 days …
When I checked my book stats on Friday, I had sold 98 books. That's 98 books in 98 days since releasing CAIRNAERIE. YAY! HOORAY! YIPEE! This morning came 99 and number 100 is coming. I wish I could thank the person who will put me over the top and help me hit this very significant …
The book about the monkey …
When I was in third or fourth grade, I checked a book out of my school's library. The story was about a monkey and a bookstore. That's all I remember about the story except that I loved it so much, and when I returned it to the library, I asked the librarian if the author …
Learning the craft…
Writing is an art and a craft just like playing the piano, designing a building, knitting a sweater, painting a mural or composing a symphony. It takes knowledge, practice, education and gobs of experience. As Stephen King says so eloquently in his book, On Writing: "I don't believe writers can be made, either by circumstances …
Favorite beginnings, endings, and the stuff between …
I love to read and I am always drawn to beautiful writing. Most every book has something good about it, something that I can remark about. Those that don't, well, I generally don't finish reading them. But that's not often. Usually, like most savvy readers, I choose carefully, and once I get into a book, …
Continue reading Favorite beginnings, endings, and the stuff between …
About that name…
I've always loved naming things. Children, houses, cars, even special days. So naming a book was a special treat. I started with a working title, but when I discovered it was the name of John Adam's (the president J.A.) home place, I had to find something else. My next choice stood for a long time, …
