Lynn Wiese Sneyd

How I Became a Writer: One Woman’s Path

Good Things Emotional Healing Journal Addiction

The paths leading to the writing life vary tremendously. Elisabeth Davies, MC never expected to journey into the writing life, but journey she did. Now she’s a published author and on the road spreading the messages in her new book. Today, she shares her journey with us.

Early in 2008, I was receiving messages through prayer and meditation that I was supposed to be a writer. I had no experience as a writer and knew nothing about the writing or publishing industry, so I ignored the messages by justifying that I had a successful career. (more…)

By Lynn Wiese Sneyd, ago

The Comma: A Punctuation Conundrum

Barbara McNichol is one of those editors to contact when you’re struggling with punctuation and grammar. In her guest blog below, she gives some pointers on that all-important, oft-misused swish – the comma. For those of you in the Tucson area, Barbara will be conducting the  How to Strengthen EVERYTHING You Write “wordshop” on Friday, January 25 from 8 am-11:45 am. If you want to refine your writing skills, you’ll want to sign up for this event.

It’s Okay to Take Artistic License with Commas but Watch Out!

by Barbara McNichol

When I’m editing manuscripts, I sometimes wonder how much the authors struggle with their use of commas and dashes and
other punctuation—or whether they question it at all! (more…)

By Lynn Wiese Sneyd, ago

A Query Letter that Sold a Book

Author John Quinn did his homework. He studied the elements of a query letter, then penned the query below. All it takes is one agent to like a query and request the proposal or manuscript, decide to represent and make a sale. In John’s case, that agent was the talented Claire Gerus, who proceeded to sell John’s book, Someone Like Me, to History Publishing. Note the hook used to begin the letter. It immediately draws you in and keeps you reading.

 

Dear Ms. Gerus:

I have a secret I want to share with you, a secret that only a few people in the entire world know…so far.  I was born with cerebral palsy and I joined the United States Navy.  I’ve only had to keep that secret for my entire twenty-year career as a sailor. (more…)

By Lynn Wiese Sneyd, ago