Tag Archives: author

Indie Authors: The Ultimate Guide to Creating the Perfect Book Cover

book cover archive 2
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For authors, a book’s cover is one of the most critical parts of their books. Why? Well, the book cover design is the first thing readers notice, so it plays a big part in attracting readers and generating sales for the author. Furthermore, a well-designed book cover sets the tone for the content inside, making it the first point of contact between the story and the reader. A good book cover also gives a general idea about the demographic the book is aimed at, whether it’s a work of fictional or not, and the book’s core genre. Read on for ultimate guide to creating the perfect book cover for indie authors. Continue reading Indie Authors: The Ultimate Guide to Creating the Perfect Book Cover

RIP Roger Ebert

Roger Ebert Young
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Iconic Film Critic and author Roger Ebert passed away today, April 4th, 2013, after a lengthy battle with cancer. He was 70 years old. The Chicago Tribune, has a loving obit at This Link. RIP Roger, I miss you already.

Happy Birthday, Julian Cope!

Julian Cope Leather Jacket and Hat
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Julian Cope, Musician, author, musicologist and recognized authority on Neolithic culture was born on this day, October 21st, in 1957. I first became a huge fan of Julian as the lead vocalist for Liverpool-based post-punk band, The Teardrop Explodes and had the opportunity to see him perform as a solo artist many times back in the ’80s. His first autobiography — because there are a couple —  Head On is also one of the most amazing rock biographies I’ve ever read. Learn more about what Julian is up to these days at This Link! Happy Birthday, Julian!

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RIP Ray Bradbury

Ray Bradbury 1966
Ray Bradbury in 1966 (Image Source)

Genre defining Science Fiction/Horror writer, Ray Bradbury, has passed away on Tuesday, June 5th, 2012 at the age of 91. I read so many of Bradbury’s novels and short stories as a kid I can’t even name them all. But one of his short stories, “All Summer in a Day” was just so simply devastating in its impact, I doubt I could ever forget it. Now I want to re-read everything again. His work is amazing. There’s a very sweet remembrance/obit on Bradbury over at Indiewire.com that’s my favorite of those I’ve read so far today, if you want to check it out. RIP Ray, you changed modern literature so much and influenced generations.

Recommended Reading: Don’t Shoot! I’m The Guitar Man, By Buzzy Martin

Dont Shoot Im The Guitar Man

When I was in High School, our senior class was shown the documentary film Scared Straight, a cautionary tale in which a group of hardened criminals serving life sentences at New Jersey’s Rahway State Prison spend a day terrifying a group of smart ass juvenile offenders in an effort to deter them from pursuing a life of crime. I’m not sure if this film – which probably seems quaint in retrospect – is still part of the curriculum in a day when metal detectors are installed at the entrance of most schools (and I was never in any way what one might consider a delinquent kid) but Scared Straight scared the shit out of me.
Continue reading Recommended Reading: Don’t Shoot! I’m The Guitar Man, By Buzzy Martin