Bonus Features 1: Behind the Summary
I said earlier that I thought books ought to have a bonus features element like DVDs do, with input from the director, outtakes, deleted scenes, the-making-of featurettes and so on.And then I thought, well gosh, those are great things to put on a blog!I've also been...
Musaf as therapy
I think there is a lot to be said for sacrifice.Let me explain that. I'm not saying it's time to fire up the altar, and I don't want to go anywhere near the political ramifications of rebuilding the Temple. I'm not even saying that sacrifice has to involve death. Not...
Sorry this seat is taken
I started blogging 50 weeks ago. Almost a year. Due to the depression, I have only hazy memories of last January, so I went to see what I'd blogged about then.Much to my surprise, very early on there's a post about being told, sorry this seat is taken, again and again...
You don’t need OCD to need a fixed place in shul
I hadn't spoken with my friend D in a while, until yesterday, when D called with new year's wishes and to check in. D reads this blog regularly and occasionally calls to talk with me about something I've written. (D was the one who got me to start this blog in the...
Why It’s Good to Read a Book Aloud
Most readers aren't aware of everything that goes into a manuscript after it's written but before it can be prepared for publication. But you aren't most readers because you're here and I'm going to share with you all the fun (sort of) ups and downs.So, I finished...
A Chanukah gift from my rabbi
When I met with my rabbi again a week later, he began by asking me what are the obstacles to feeling relaxed and happy in shul.Three came immediately to mind.The first was that I am occasionally asked to help in a variety of ways. I love this. It helps me feel...
Chapter and Terse
88,197 words2,920 paragraphs403 pages33 chapters20 major characters6 beta readers3 book editors1 novel
DONE!
Yes, the first major edit of the completed manuscript of the second in the Rabbi David Cohen series is DONE!Today's assignment is to break it into chapters. I don't write chapters as I'm actively working on the ms so much as I write sections. Later some will become...
Help Write a Book Pitch! Be Involved from the Very Beginning!
From 12/24/07:No carolers tonight, but there is a good shot at my finishing the first major edit of As in Days of Old tomorrow. Since there's so much else to do on December 25th. [snicker]Okay, so I need y'alls help here. I need a good elevator pitch. An astounding...
What if you gave a party and nobody came?
Rabbi Without a Cause has a post up about birthday parties and I have not been able to stop thinking about my experiences with them.I have already had my birthday for 2007. That narrows it down, doesn't it?My next birthday is a big one for me. I would love to have a...