If South Vietnam Were Free Today

In 2015 the National Review ran an interesting story on Vietnam and the 40th anniversary of the fall of Saigon and South Vietnam. The article makes some good points.  There is a German proverb that says: “A great war leaves the country with three armies — an army of cripples, …

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The Lost Years of Billy Battles’ an “Official Selection” for New Apple Literary Awards

I’m sharing a little good news today. ‘The Lost Years of Billy Battles‘ has been named an “Official Selection” in the HISTORICAL FICTION category of the Fifth Annual New Apple Literary Awards. The Lost Years of Billy Battles is the final book in the award-winning Finding Billy Battles Trilogy. It was published …

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The Pros and Cons of Beta Readers

Today, I am reposting a great article from Belinda Pollard, a writer, editor, writing coach, and former journalist from Down Under. That’s Australia, not that other place where none of us ever want to wind up! Belinda recently posted a survey she conducted about the pros and cons of Beta Readers, …

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What if Readers Hate Your Characters?

Do readers like the characters you create? Do they have redeeming qualities even if they do terrible things? Do readers “bond” with your characters? Are they sympathetic or pathetic? What makes a “likable” character? Today, I am reposting commentary from author and writing coach Marylee MacDonald. In her always enlightening …

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