by Penny Freeman | May 17, 2013 | Featured Friday, Writing
One of the things that stifled my development as a younger author came in the form of encouragement from my friends and family. When I would create something that wasn’t immediately uplifting or pretty, they would look at me and say, “Oh Ben, that’s...
by Penny Freeman | May 13, 2013 | Editor's Notes, Writing
As a writer, you will counter criticism often—from your editors and from your audience. While criticism can be a bitter pill to swallow, it can be a wonderful tool. Through all the good and bad reviews, the most important thing to remember is that to be a good writer,...
by Penny Freeman | May 9, 2013 | Publisher's Desk, The Citadel, Writing
True confession: not so long ago, I had a discussion with a promising young author about his current work in progress which is rather brilliant but needs refinement. Basically, he needs to spend more time honing his craft. I said, “Finish it up and submit it. I’d love...
by Penny Freeman | May 3, 2013 | Featured Friday, Writing
So, you’ve got the urge to write? You have an idea that you’d like to turn into a book? You want to see that book on the shelves in your local bookstore? Don’t wait. Do it NOW. I doubt that the idea of writing a book just occurred to you sometime during the last few...
by Penny Freeman | Apr 26, 2013 | Featured Friday, Writing
Mark Twain gave a piece of advice that many pundits consider the essence of the author’s craft: “Write what you know.” A lot of new writers take this to mean physical objects or places or skills. I know a lot of things. I know how to change a tire. I...
by Penny Freeman | Apr 23, 2013 | Publisher's Desk, The Citadel, Writing
Once upon a time, in a land not too distant and a past not so remote, there existed a magical kingdom called Published Author, filled with worldwide acclaim, movie rights, and streets paved with gold. Although thousands of writers besieged the fortress,...
