Port of Call

The Daily Port of Call: May 20, 2014

Photo by Alexander Lvov/bigstockphoto.com

Photo by Alexander Lvov/bigstockphoto.com

In today’s Daily Port of Call, you’ll find tips for building a passionate audience, how to become an idea machine, and how to use Slideshare to market your books.

Author John Green shares how he built a passionate audience.

Here are tips for using either, or, neither, and nor correctly.

"An archive takes you right to the heart of the literary creation; it makes for an emotional connection that anyone who loves literature will understand. The experience is almost sensual." Ian McEwan donated his archives to the Ransom Center in Austin, Texas.

You can’t hold them in your hands, but check out Jane Austen’s notebooks from the comfort of your home. The British Library shares scholarly articles and other literary treasures online.

Become an idea machine now by working your idea muscles.

To blog or not to blog: How can your blog support your creative work?

Joanna Penn explains how to use Slideshare to market your books.

Emma Darwin explores chapter breaks and other joints.

The Daily Port of Call: May 19, 2014

Photo by Alexander Lvov/bigstockphoto.com

Photo by Alexander Lvov/bigstockphoto.com

In today’s Daily Port of Call, you’ll find reasons why your hero needs a special skill or talent, the dangers of forced writing, and tips for writing a children’s picture book.

Explore these four reasons why your hero needs a special skill or talent.

Where does forced writing come from, and what you can do about it?

Are you a plotter or pantser? Discover the pros and cons of each approach.

Check out this collection of five applications to make your writing life easier.

Do you want to write a children’s picture book? Try these great tips to get you started.

Here are four must-visit American literary bars.