Many writers, at one time or another, are on the receiving end of a blurb they wish was a little more sincere, a little less cliché, a little more rapturous. Try not to take it personally.
Agony Editor: Encourage others to read through pantomime and other practical strategies
Take a book (it can be any book, but preferably one you enjoyed) and position yourself in a public place, such as a street corner, a shopping mall, or a park, depending on the time of year.
Agony Editor: Writing is what makes a writer a writer, not book sales or advances
Ask yourself what writing gives you. If it’s a sense of wonder or curiosity or – to borrow a word from the other writer – joy, maybe there’s a way to hang onto the craft, but keep it for yourself, not anyone else.
Agony Editor: Just say no to unsolicited emails
While I agree that self-promotion is important, especially in a crowded and competitive publishing landscape – and where long-term promotion often lands on an author’s shoulders – I also think authors need to be thoughtful about what they’re saying, how they’re saying it, how often they’re saying it, and to whom they’re saying it.
Opinion: Why we need urgent action on potential U.S. tariffs
Without meaningful support from readers, retailers, distributors, and government, we risk losing ground in key markets — undermining an industry that brings the voices of hundreds of Canadian authors and thousands of books to readers worldwide.
Agony Editor: Sometimes the best response is no response
Agony Editor: Refusal to give up is a writer’s greatest strength
I think every successful writer has equal parts talent and tenacity.
Agony Editor: How to tell a fellow writer it’s time to move on
It can feel easier and safer to keep returning to familiar writing in the name of perfecting it. But at this stage, it is simply procrastination.
Agony Editor: Let flippant comments lie
How someone perceives your writing and your writing life is beyond your control.
Agony Editor: Writing comes from within, not from a fancy notebook
I’m sorry to tell you that no notebook, pen, or grammatical chant will improve your productivity or motivate you to write.
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