For better or worse, being a writer means putting yourself out there.
Ann Hansen: “I thought my parole after seven years of a life sentence made me lucky; now I see it as white privilege at work”
Despite being classified as a “terrorist,” I was paroled after serving approximately seven years of a life sentence. However, many Indigenous women I knew who had committed less sensational crimes were not given similar consideration.
Agony Editor: Feeling envious of another author’s success is normal, just don’t let it blind you to your own accomplishments
It can be tough watching another writer’s career smash through the ceiling while your head keeps bumping against it.
Agony Editor: Getting a film option is great, but don’t count on the movie actually getting made
There are no guarantees the cinematic version of your literary masterpiece won’t end up on Rotten Tomatoes with a 26 per cent average on the Tomatometer. If you feel comfortable with the producers and the contract, the wisest thing to do is simply hand over the reins and walk away.
Agony Editor: Find an early reader for your manuscript that isn’t afraid to give you the hard truths
Finding first readers can be stressful. Ask avid readers who don’t have an emotional connection to you.
Agony Editor: There will always be better writers than you. And that’s okay
Brian Francis answers your burning literary questions.
Agony Editor: When negotiating the details of your book, don’t forget, your publisher is the boss
I’m about to publish my second novel. My publisher wants to change the title, and I hate the cover design.
Agony Editor: Don’t worry wallflower, it’s okay to choose TV reruns over the festival after-party
Ask the Agony Editor.
Lauren McKeon: Writing a book about feminism backlash forced a confrontation with skepticism
Feminism is a done deal. At least, when I started working on F-Bomb: Dispatches from the War on Feminism in 2014, that’s what everyone kept telling me.
Agony Editor: Provoking an author on social media isn’t a cool, but neither is bullying back
Ask the Agony Editor.
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