Are we on the verge of a second Civil War?
Are we on the verge of a second Civil War? Will we repeat the violence that almost destroyed our country between 1861 and 1865 when some 650,000 Americans died?
Foreign Correspondent
This is a blog for journalists, authors, and those who enjoy reading and learning. Here you will find a variety of posts about all forms of writing–from fiction and non-fiction to the news media and journalism. It is produced by a former foreign correspondent and journalism school dean.
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 … Read more…
Dumb People in Congress
Today, I am reposting a recent article by author and actor Michael Knowles, who also hosts the Daily Wire’s The Michael Knowles Show. In his article, Knowles discusses how sadly ill-informed American Millennials are when it comes to such critical topics as economics, socialism, capitalism, and America’s system of representative … Read more…
America, the angry, miserable, and suicidal
I occasionally post about the threat posed to freedom of speech in the United States by some politicians, academics, and television pundits masquerading as journalists. That’s my topic today. As a former journalist, it is a subject that I feel strongly about—especially when I hear people who claim to be … Read more…
Interview re Historical Fiction on the New Books Network
The link below will take you to a podcast/radio interview I did a while back with C. P. Lesley of the New Books Network about writing historical fiction. Ms. Lesley is herself the author of six historical fiction novels set in 16th Century Russia during the reign of Ivan the … Read more…
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, … Read more…
Elmore Leonard’s 10 Rules of Writing: Annotated
At least once every year I find it useful to take a look at the late Elmore Leonard’s 10 Rules of Writing. It is sage advice from a master. Every writer should read these rules and remember them. I’m doing my part by posting them here at the beginning of … Read more…
An Idea for Marketing your Books via Book Excellence Awards
If you are struggling to market your book, then you are not alone. There are more than one million books published each year, and 80% of these books sell fewer than 100 copies. All authors, at some point in their career, have faced the challenge of getting attention, making sales and standing … Read more…
Meet Mary Adler, #RRBC Spotlight Author for January
Today, ForeignCorrespondent is pleased to host author Mary Adler, who is the Rave Reviews Book Club’s first SPOTLIGHT AUTHOR of 2019. You can find the link to her entire tour, which began on Sunday, January 13, at https://ravereviewsbynonniejules.wordpress.com/spotlight-authors/ Mary is sharing an excerpt from her exciting mystery debut novel, In the … Read more…
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 … Read more…