I have seen an increase in responses to my articles posted here on CultureFeast.com and again on Gather.com and MySpace, with regards to the question about Illegal Aliens. It strikes me as odd that so many people are quick to judge the Mexicans based on statistics regarding money and costs associated with the people being here. I understand (and I want) we need to ensure everyone in this country is pulling their weight. I am also smart enough to know there is no real way of calculating that. In the end, we as a nation have opted to focus our attention on the Mexicans who cross the border as the basis of a “problem” in the country. My question is simple. Do you feel the issues regarding the Mexicans are the itch or the scratch?

Continue Reading

Popularity: 40% [?]

If there is any one over-touched topic in the news these days it’s the subject of racism—with regards to whom WE are as Americans. And I am as guilty as the next person when I say this: I want to talk about it—so badly—but I so badly avoid it instead, all for the sake of not arguing or being blacklisted as a racist myself or the target of a race debate.

I have written countless articles on the subject, but no one has seen them or heard of them. I look them over, considering submission, and using my journalistic hat, I review them to ensure they are free of any racial bias, only to discard them. In the end—I put them away—stored in a place where they can’t be found. I do it because I’m scared of what people might say if they read my words. Continue Reading

Popularity: 9% [?]

Okay, so you finished your literary project—your book is now complete and you find yourself fidgeting, pacing and (maybe like me) spending more time hovered over a blank page biting your nails than you do writing new material. I know, I know, as if completing the book wasn’t hard enough—you still need to write to stay sharp, avoid laziness and keep the creative juices flowing. The only problem is—you don’t know where to begin. Try using writing “prompts” to get the creative juices flowing again!

You know you’re not ready to tackle the literary giant right now because you are too busy gloating in your well deserved accomplishments; but you also know as a professional it is imperative to “stay sharp” and find a means to write on a daily basis. I can’t tell you how many times I have gone down to my local drug store, purchased (my favorite) $2 dollar composition books just to spend minute upon minute staring at a blank page.

Continue Reading

Popularity: 10% [?]

One new concept which has become available to [all] authors looking for new trendy means for promoting their work is something called the Virtual Book Tour—or VBT for short.  Like the more traditional brick & mortar book signing event, VBTs allow authors an opportunity to connect with readers of their particular genre, but without regional limitations.

Unlike a more traditional book signing, where you are limited as to who can attend the event because of busy schedules, location (the cost of fuel doesn’t help) or even time constraints, with Virtual Book Tours the capacity to meet new people and even interact with them on a one-to-one basis is endless. And besides that, with the more traditional book signing, you have the difficulty of persuading an audience to invest their time and money on the work of an “unknown.”  But the VBT has advantages to help you persuade an audience and captivate their intrigue.

Continue Reading

Popularity: 10% [?]

Back in March, CultureFeast.com featured my article: “More Award Contests for Independent Authors and Publishers.” As part of my commitment to help the self-released author find success I am posting this article as a brief reminder that you still have time (though not much) to submit your title to the 2008 BEACH BOOK FESTIVAL hosted by JM Northern Media LLC.

This book contest is specifically designed for self-released fiction & non-fiction books with publication dates of January 1st, 2000. So, if you missed other contests because your title has already exceeded their required publication dates, dust off a copy and get it ready for submission. 

Continue Reading

Popularity: 9% [?]

Have you ever found yourself staring at a blank page of a [possibly] brand new composition book, feeling the gut-wrenching urge to write but instead of drafting the next great American novel, you find yourself ripping your hair out or beating your forehead on your desktop because you don’t know where to begin? If you have ever felt this way, then let me reassure you [that] you are not alone. It happens to all of us—NOT JUST YOU! But be assured my fellow literary combatants—there are ways to overcome this.

One of the more common questions I get from aspiring authors is something that sounds like this (Don’t worry—we’re all guilty of it):  I really want (or have always wanted) to write a book, but where or how do I begin? Continue Reading

Popularity: 10% [?]

If you have done the research, then you are aware of the high costs associated with magazine/e-zine advertising; but you are probably aware that you can only go so far with a good word-of-mouth campaign before you have to start digging deep into your pockets and investing in your book’s marketability.

After spending some time contacting marketing agents for various reader and writing magazines and realizing I am not yet ready to invest money in quantities of four-digit numbers, I received an email from the marketing staff of WritersCafe.org telling me about their new program designed specifically for writers looking to compete and market their work but at costs much less than traditional online marketing.

Continue Reading

Popularity: 11% [?]