Susanna Ashton teaches at Clemson University in South Carolina and holds a Ph.D. from the University of Iowa. A former Fellow both at Yale and Harvard as well as a Fulbright scholar, her work has appeared in both scholarly and popular venues. Meet Susanna: What is your most recent book and what inspired you to […]
Tag Archives | Adult Non-Fiction
Author Q&A With Alicia M. Rodriguez
When Alicia Rodriguez traveled to Ecuador to help a friend studying with a shaman, she had no idea how profoundly the decision would change her life. In The Shaman’s Wife: A Mystical Journey of Surrender and Self-Discovery, Alicia describes her journey from divorce and loss to spiritual awakening and her extraordinary relationship that stretched across […]
Writer’s Corner: Why You May Need a Literary Lawyer
When you have experts in your corner, your confidence soars. Your decisions are rehearsed and vetted, and preliminary questions are answered. It puts your mind at ease when you’re aware and informed. In essence, you’ve done your due diligence and now you’re ready to act. So, start building your expert network today and be certain […]
5 Reasons to Love Your Library
Libraries are one of the favorite environments for authors. It’s where stories are read, shared, born, and yes, written. Often taken for granted and sometimes hanging on by a financial thread, these stalwart supporters of the literacy moment need your support. Facing economic, technological, and yes, political challenges, libraries still stand the test of time. […]
Celebrating Women Authors
Most people recognize the outstanding achievements of women during the month of March. But August also boasts its share of special days for women. August 9th is National Women’s Day; August 13th is Women’s and Family Day; and August 26th is Women’s Equality Day. Yes, while it’s worth celebrating and honoring women all year long, […]
Behind the Publishing Curtain: What You Don’t Know About Their Crazy-Busy Workday.
When you (or your literary agent) have submitted your book to a publisher, you embark on a roller coaster of emotions. Euphoria, confidence, anticipation. Sound familiar? But what happens when the next day comes, and you don’t get a phone call? Then several weeks and then months pass and suddenly your emotions shift from excitement […]
The Balance Within: The Science Connecting Health and Emotions
This is a book clearly written by an academic. But please don’t let that scare you off. It’s chocked full of interesting, science-based insight on the connection between emotions and disease. What was once dismissed as theoretical supposition, author Esther M. Sternberg, M.D. proves through research, experimentation, history, and first-hand accounts. She shares collective and […]
How To Thoughtfully Manage Social Media Without Letting It Take Over Your Life
Your author’s journey, your personal and professional reputation, can easily be overshadowed by social media. Yes, it’s a necessary part of building your author’s story and brand, but if you let it take time from your career and your life (or it becomes a negative emotional environment), social media can quickly derail your life. Thoughtfully […]
Writer’s Corner: The “Manuscript” Clause
When signing a book deal, one of the points of contract will be “The Manuscript.” This section outlines the expectations of the author for creating the book that will eventually make its way to the hands of readers. This clause is the center point of any contract, but the obvious inclusion is often cause for ignoring […]
Advice From Pros: Olivia W. McCoy
Olivia W. McCoy (they/them) works as marketing manager and author consultant at Smith Publicity and is the host of their All Things Book Marketing podcast. Olivia’s professional background is in book marketing and independent publishing. Their in-depth knowledge of the publishing industry allows them to educate and consult with authors from all genres including business, […]