The Daily Port of Call: October 29, 2014

Photo by Alexander Lvov/bigstockphoto.com

In today’s Daily Port of Call, you’ll find the Midas Touch, how to cut your favorite scenes, and why Twitter isn’t building your author platform.

Find out how to give your character the Midas Touch.

Learn to cut even your favorite scenes like a Superhero.

Have you heard of NaNonFiWriMo? “During the Write Nonfiction in November (WNFIN) Challenge, also known as National Nonfiction Writing Month (NaNonFiWriMo), you are personally challenged to start and complete a work of nonfiction in 30 days.”

Discover seven reasons why Twitter isn’t building your author platform and what you can do to fix it.

You can write for money and love.

George R.R. Martin admits that Drogon could never beat Smaug in a fight: “As competitive as I am, no, Drogon is a very young dragon … not to mention Smaug, like, talks, which would give him an intellectual advantage.” He discussed world building and maps too. 

The Daily Port of Call: October 28, 2014

Photo by Alexander Lvov/bigstockphoto.com

In today’s Daily Port of Call, you’ll find unforgettable villains, deep point of view, and what’s wrong with almost everything being said about publishing today.

“They are complex, often charming, and able to manipulate. The biggest mistake you can make with a villain is to make him pure evil or all crazy.” Learn how to write unforgettable villains.

Discover deep point of view. “In deep point of view the character owns the page and the author becomes nonexistent.”

If perfectionism is slowing your progress, you might try NaNoWriMo.

You can use critical reviews to your advantage.

“Almost everything being said about publishing today is predicated on two facts that are dead wrong.” Understand the publishing landscape and what’s going on with ebooks and indie bookstores.

Grab your favorite caffeine vehicle and check out these literary Starbucks orders.