The Daily Port of Call: July 8, 2014

Photo by Alexander Lvov/bigstockphoto.com

In today’s Daily Port of Call, you’ll find how to write a bare bones draft, make your dialogue work hard, and blog your novel.

“My first drafts are now skeletons. I gradually add muscle and skin and dress the bones in the revision layers.” One writer shares how she writes her bare bones draft.

Discover ways to make your dialogue work hard for you.

Which version of English should you choose?

Should you blog your novel?

Let Scrivener help you organize your writing projects.

“As a business model, the co-op has been remarkably successful for organizations like The Book View Café, which describes itself as an ‘author-run publisher.’” Could an author co-op work for you?

The Daily Port of Call: July 7, 2014

Photo by Alexander Lvov/bigstockphoto.com

In today’s Daily Port of Call, you’ll find tips to make your description stronger, the best way to self-edit, and CJ Lyons’s Digital Book Day.

“Description (or lack thereof) is a component of an author’s voice.” Read on for tips to make your description stronger.

What is the best way to self-edit? “Fearlessly, and fast,” according to Elizabeth Gilbert.

Authors who want to celebrate readers (and gain some new ones) should check out CJ Lyons’s Digital Book Day. Submit your book here.

What does a real life spook do? Truths of spycraft you don’t see in fiction.

Avoid these dangerous detours that could sidetrack your success.

Here are some tips to help you take full advantage of Microsoft Word.