Writing is an extremely hard profession.  Non-writers have no idea how difficult it really is.  Oh sure, if you write anything at all, you can consider yourself a writer.  But the differences between amateur and professional writers are vast: tools, patience, perseverance, talent and drive.  Let's face it, not all writing is good - even from traditionally published authors.  The secret to becoming a great writer is W-O-R-K.  The more you write, the better you sound.  You'll find your voice.  Then you've got something to market.

For traditional publishing, you need a literary agent.  To sign with one, you need a polished query letter.  Those little one-page pitches are the toughest writing of all.  Agents receive so many these days (electronically) they usually don't even respond unless their interest is piqued somewhat.  It's very frustrating to be rejected over and over, but it's up to you to fix your query letter and keep trying.  One of the differences between amateur and professional.  Keep working at it, and you'll figure it out.  Seek help from fellow writers and take their criticism and advice.  With hard work, you'll get there.

Here is my two cents.  A great query formula is this: An awesome log line to immediately grab attention.  If it's not great, the agent will probably not read beyond this.  Next, have only a couple of paragraphs with fantastic description of your book sprinkled with some plot points. Compare it to best selling works if asked to do so.  Then, include a one-paragraph bio.  Sounds easy, right?  It's not, but practice makes perfect.  Good luck!           

America just celebrated another Fourth of July.  Fireworks, cookouts, and parties are the norm, but I wonder just how many people remember, or even care, how this country was formed.  Freedom is not free and independence is not a gift to be shunned or taken lightly.  The United States was formed through tough fighting - nothing romantic about it.  Since then, the several states have bickered and picked at each other.  Virginia, New York and Rhode Island stated they could and would leave the Union whenever their citizens deemed it necessary.  Secession was talked about in earnest as early as 1803.  The Civil War proved the futility of it, no matter the nobleness of the idea.  720,000 dead.  For crying out loud, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson (2nd and 3rd Presidents) hated each other personally and professionally.  Ironically, they died on the Fourth of July in 1826.  Neighbors have been at each others throats for centuries, but the country was founded on Godly principles.  Consequently, we're still standing, but barely.  In order for America to go on being a world leader, we need to once again live the motto "In God we trust".  

Everyone and everything has a story.  But in order for it to be properly told or written, there has to be inspiration.  Authors are a special breed, and inspiration can come in many forms - a lot of times from the helpful advice of other writers.  Such is the case for me.  In the photo above, I'm standing with Debra Glass, a successful writer who has taken time to talk to me on several occasions and help me along on my writing journey.  It was by reading her collections of ghost stories that inspired me to pen my first book, a collection of ghost stories titled "Hollers From The Hollows".  It's always a thrill to meet someone you admire, but it's extra special when you can get to know that person and call them a friend.  Thanks Debra!

Here we are signing copies of our books at the Helen Keller Festival in Tuscumbia, Ala.  Talk about inspiration!  That deaf and blind little girl, through the help of her teacher Anne Sullivan, overcame tremendous odds to become a hero to many.  Most of our bad days don't compare to what Ms. Keller went through.  So, let's always strive to do our best and be a help, and inspiration, to others.  We never know how many lives we're liable to touch and make better.