book, writing

Writer Beware

Posted on by Brenda Poulos
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Here’s a new twist on an all too-familiar scam.

For months now, authors have been receiving emails from scammers pretending to be people interested in helping a “select group” of up and coming authors. They claim to have read their latest book and are puzzled at why the author hasn’t sold more books. Their writing is “that good.”

They offer to help—for a fee.

Now, there’s a new twist to the scam. I know because it happened to me.

The writer of the email claimed to be a literary agent—one with ties to a great PR marketer. She asked if I’d like her to introduce me to this person. Maybe she could help me sell more books.

The so-called agent would monitor things and if everything went well with the marketer, the agent would be interested in talking with me about representation.

Sounds good, doesn’t it?

I googled the literary agent and the company she represents. There is a real agent by that name. Also, a real company.

However . . .

Come to find out, the scammer is impersonating the real agent and company. 

A new twist on an old theme.

Writer beware.

Watch Out!

Posted on by Brenda Poulos
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What a time it is for writers!!!

Although advances in technology have made our lives easier, it has also made us vulnerable to the deceptive practices of scammers. There isn’t a day that goes by that don’t I hear of some new way they have devised to take advantage of us. 

Many times, they represent themselves as as marketers, publishers, or agents when, in fact they are not. 

As much as we may want to hear that we have been “discovered” and are destined for stardom, we need to be careful to research many different sources in order to verify whether or not individuals are trustworthy.

I recently heard about a woman who was duped by someone impersonating a Hollywood producer. Even though she should have been skeptical, she signed a “contract” with him. She found out later that his “act” was a scam. Fortunately, not too much money had changed hands.

Do your homework and pass along warnings to your friends. We need to watch out for each other.

Tips for Writing Tiny Stories

Posted on by Brenda Poulos
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My last blog was about micro-fiction.

Today I go a step further, with tips for writing your own tiny story.

As with all writing, begin with a hook—an attention grabber.

Then, focus on a single event or moment in time.

Use vivid imagery to stir the reader’s emotions.

Limit the number of characters.

Limit the number of words—somewhere around 500.

End your story with a statement that will leave a lasting impression.

The Tiny Story

Posted on by Brenda Poulos
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I recently came across a term I hadn’t heard before. 

Micro-fiction. Also known as Flash Fiction.

A few minutes of research later revealed the following:

Micro-fiction is  a VERY short story, often 500 words. 

Featuring strong imagery and emotional impact, this type of writing is often found in magazines and online platforms.

This type of writing forces writers to convey character, emotion, and plot in only a smattering of sentences.

It’s Been a Dream of Mine

Posted on by Brenda Poulos
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“Writing a book has been a dream of mine for years,” Sam told me. “But I don’t know what to write about.”

“You said it has been a dream. How about starting there—with a dream that was particularly memorable? It may have been just a short snippet, but use your imagination and take it from there,” I told him.

That’s what I did, in fact.

A recurring dream was the springboard for my first book, Runaways: The Long Journey Home.

In the dream, a boy leaves a remote cabin in the middle of the night. No coat. No shoes.

He shivers in the cold. I see his breath in the air as he looks back toward the cabin. I pray he has the strength to keep going.

I had this dream countless times. When I retired from my job as school counselor and did what I just encouraged Sam to do.

I followed my dream (of being a writer) and wrote a novel based on my dream about Jake.

Being my first book, it is not perfect. But you will feel my passion and the emotional connection I had with my characters. 

That’s why it is still my bestseller to date.

Where did he get that coat on the cover, you ask? You’ll have to read it to find out!

Coming Soon

Posted on by Brenda Poulos

It’s important for authors to know the optimal time to schedule the release of each book in a series.

If books are lengthy, publishing them farther apart gives readers enough time to read them before the next book comes out. If an author waits too long, their audience may lose interest.

So what do experts consider “optimal”?

Experts seem to agree that somewhere around six months allows readers time to get excited about the next book without making them wait so long that they lose interest.  

Taking their advice has been difficult for me. 

The first book in my new series, Sunset Pointe: The Baby Between Us has been “ready” for publishing since December of 2025. (I even announced that it was Coming Soon!) However, I am just now nearing the halfway point in writing the second book in the series. That puts me out of its six month “window”.

And I must consider the timing of the third book, too.

While you’re waiting, consider reading my Simon Says series of four books: Simon Says, Truth or Dare, Tug of War, and Cat’s Cradle. (All available on Amazon, of course!) While you’re there, please browse through my other titles, as well!

Have You Noticed This?

Posted on by Brenda Poulos
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You may have noticed that James Patterson’s books often use the words “with” or “and”, along with another author’s name on the front cover.

For example: James Patterson with Joe Jones (fictional author name).

Why?

Because he often hires a writer, gives them a lengthy, detailed treatment of his story idea, and collaborates with them frequently. 

This allows Patterson to mentor inexperienced writers, helping them in their careers. They split the profits and the writer is exposed to Patterson’s huge fan base. 

Five of his most popular of such writers are: Maxine Paetro, Michael Ledwidge, Mark Sullivan, Marshall Karp, and Howard Roughen.

A co-author must already be known as an author or in another field. For example, Viola Davis, actress, co-wrote with Patterson for her title, Judge Stone.

Want to land a gig with Patterson? 

Like I said, become semi-famous in some field (preferably writing, like Davis, who already had published a memoir) and perhaps Patterson will find YOU.

A Tip For Writers

Posted on by Brenda Poulos
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I submit the required number of pages to my critique group each week.

Before “turning my submission in” I reread it several times.

Then, I check for white space.

I don’t want my pages to appear black with print. That “turns off” readers nowadays. They want to digest what writers have to say at a pretty fast clip—and move on.

Texting, Facebook, Instagram and others have changed both how we write and read.

Short, chopping sentences.

Bursts of activity.

Lots of white space. 

If You Love to Read, You Can Write

Posted on by Brenda Poulos
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If you’re an avid reader, it’s likely you could become a writer if:

Writing has been your long-time dream.

You have the discipline to write daily.

You are willing to learn from other writers, conferences, podcasts.

You are willing to market your books—or hire someone who to do it for you.

You are willing to spend the money it takes to publish— pay editors, cover designers, formatters, website fees, and so on.

You have “thick skin” and can take criticism without being discouraged.

You are tenacious and persistent.

You like public speaking, book fairs, and other social events.

You don’t tire easily.

You can function with minimal sleep!

More Shocking Than Funny

Posted on by Brenda Poulos
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I thought I’d share a “more shocking than funny” happening in my life this past week.

I put my cell phone on top of my laundry basket and by the time I was ready to do my weekly wash, I had forgotten all about it. I simply dumped everything into the washer, added soap, and turned it on.

About fifteen minutes later, I realized what I had done. I retrieved my phone from the soapy water and blow-dried it back to perfect health. 

I shudder to think what would have happened if I hadn’t saved it from the spin cycle!

My phone is now squeaky clean and works perfectly.

This morning, a friend told me Apple products are water resistant—Don’t quote me on this.

So, my point in telling you about my phone incident?

  1. To garner a little sympathy, I guess.
  2. To give a shout-out to Apple for anticipating problems and “fixing” them before they happen.
  3. To prove to writers that they can find material for their blogs even in the unlikeliness of places!