Articles, Notes & Squibs

E-Books Aren’t Stupid, BUT Bookstores Are The Best

The other day, I got to seriously thinking about the pros and cons of e-books versus the real thing. Okay, okay don’t yell at me. I didn’t mean that e-books are inferior to printed hardcovers and paperbacks. Just wanted to get your attention — although if you’re a reader, you probably already have a strong opinion about the issue and maybe you do side with people like the CEO of major publisher who, a while back, said that e-books are “stupid.”

Continue reading “E-Books Aren’t Stupid, BUT Bookstores Are The Best”

How Debut Author Became A Bestseller On Publication Day

Wow! I just read the most fascinating step-by-step account of exactly how The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides shot to the top of the bestseller charts earlier this year. Aspiring authors: Listen up. There’s a lesson to be learned here. Continue reading “How Debut Author Became A Bestseller On Publication Day”

Hello Summer!

Happy Memorial Day Weekend everybody!

Especially anyone who’s out on the East End of Long Island — where suddenly the sun came out this morning. Continue reading “Hello Summer!”

No, I Don’t Know When My Novel Will Be Published, But…

This is the trouble when everyone knows you’re writing a book (thanks Joe!!!): First, they want to know, “when will it be finished?” Then, they want to know, “when can I read it? When will it be published?” Continue reading “No, I Don’t Know When My Novel Will Be Published, But…”

Author’s Surefire Way of Getting Words Onto The Page

In the time, it’s taken me to think about, write, edit and revise my third novel, author R.G. Belsky has written five mysteries. This week, his latest, Below The Fold was published.

Belsky and I worked for the same employers and publications for decades — without ever actually working together. But a book launch party is a party, and authors successful enough to be published must be celebrated — especially if the launch party takes place in the most suitable of locations like the iconic Mysterious Bookshop in New York City. Continue reading “Author’s Surefire Way of Getting Words Onto The Page”