The LAST Word

Journalists are trained to speak the truth of an issue. They do this by getting information from both sides of an issue or many sides. They lay it out in the story so others can read it and make up their own minds which source to believe and trust. While personal biases aren't supposed to be in the story, often, journalists let their beliefs enter into the copy. However, most do try not to let biases enter into the copy. In some of my stories, I will admit that I had a preconceived notion going into the story, but I changed direction of the piece after talking with the experts. However, I will admit that sometimes the media are biased. That is sad because speaking truth is one of our most precious gifts as journalists. We are given rights in the Constitution because people need to know certain information. That is why I became a journalist to help people know and understand the world around them. I am especially proud of the fact that I spent most of my career writing abou...

When I meet people during networking, I often hear, "I think I have a book in me." For most, the idea of writing a book is something fleeting that does not materialize into anything. But, for those who have started to write a book, they usually want to know when they have written enough. I am often asked how many words do you need for a book. Traditional publishers have different guidelines, so you have to write exactly what they request. If they want 60,000 words, don't try to send them 100,000 expecting an editor to cut the words. It is your job to cut the words. But, it is easier to think in pages instead of words. As a rule of thumb, you want to write about 250 pages after it has been edited. This doesn't include the copyright page, the blank pages, the table of contents, etc. In addition, your 250 pages must flow like a river , be thoroughly researched and be organized correctly . Basic Information While it sounds like a simple question, it really...

Motivational speakers often talk about owning your thoughts so you do not feel trapped. What you say in your mind determines how you act and feel. Often, it determines how successful you can be. For example, if your car breaks down, you can look at the incident in a couple ways. You can moan and complain that you have the worst luck and are inconvenienced or you can see the bright spot in a mishap. When my car broke down, I thought that I was bound to get more exercise because I had to walk more places. I wouldn't let a situation I can't control interfere with my attitude. You can do the same. Authors have to control their thoughts every day. If you write fiction, you have to be in charge of the characters' thoughts and movements. If you write nonfiction, your thoughts become the book. If want to be successful, you have to keep out the negativity. People don't want to read about your complaining unless it's humorous. Erma Bombeck was successful doing thi...

An energy practitioner I know told me that resolutions made at the Chinese New Year are more likely to remain past a few hours. She said it had to do with a number of factors. I thought about what she said, and it made sense to me because the Chinese New Year is usually at the end or January or beginning of February. Many people often read books because they want to make a change in themselves. The books are guides to how people can improve. For the authors, though, writing a book that impacts someone's thoughts isn't always easy. I have met a number of people who are great healers, but they don't know how to convey their points to the public. Yet, they want to expand their practice by putting their expertise into a book. My last column talked about making the book flow like a river . This column will be about the research. How Much Is Enough? Many people will ask me how much research do they need for a book. For a memoir, you probably do not...

In my first blog, I began by talking about where people who want to write a book should start. I explained that if you are ready to write a book, you need to ensure you have something to say that people want to read. I talked about organizing your journaling and ramblings into themes that can be the essence of chapters. I suggested creating outlines, writing bullets of ideas that become chapter themes, using note cards or finding your own way to decide what you want in the book. Make It Flow This column will discuss how to make your book readable, or flow of the text. Many of the books on the market today have no logical beginning, middle or end. They jump from topic to topic without transitions or coherence. High-quality writers make sure their books flow like a river from one idea to the next. When you read these writers, the book's flow seems effortless, but in reality, it takes a lot of work to make it flow correctly. However, you want it to seem effortless. ...

So often, I get asked the question, “How do I write a book?”. This column is designed to answer that question from start to finish. Before I begin, you need to know a few things about me. I always knew I would be a writer. I wrote in diaries regularly using my writing as a way to get out my emotions. I used to write poems for my friends and family when they were sad or happy. Whenever I felt lost, joyous, afraid, sad or some other emotion, I wrote a poem about it. Many of those have since been published in various places. For example, my first was published when I was 12. I used to dream about being on television when I watched the news. I held that dream until I interned in a television station and found out how competitive the job was. However, I have been writing ever since then. I have written for newspapers, newsletters, television, radio and online publications. I have two published novels. I worked full time for publication companies and a small publisher in Baltimore. I ...