Critical Feedback – I Paint With Words, LLC

Writing as a Team Sport or a “Do It Yourself” Activity

On: June 22, 2016

In: Books, Business of Writing, Critical Feedback, Discipline, Editing

Genius, based on a book by Scott Berg, emphasizes the dedication of Scribner editor Max Perkins to bring out the best in writers such as Ernest Hemingway, Thomas Wolfe, F. Scott Fitzgerald and Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings. With red pen in hand and a fedora atop his head, Colin Firth does a valiant job of taking the audience along for the bumpy ride that is the creative process from idea to book launch. At the same time, he reveals Mr. Perkin’s humanity as someone who wants words to empower and inspire. Selling books seems almost secondary. Jump ahead about eighty years and you might hear authors shout “My how things have changed.” Their plaint is that corporateRead More →

Book Reviewers Versus “Everyday” Readers

By: Susan Mangiero

On: May 19, 2016

In: Books, Business of Writing, Critical Feedback, Motivation, Purpose, Writing

A recent article by Dan Kopf about sought-after books caught my eye. Being popular is an issue I ponder frequently as I pen my first novel. (I have nearly fifty non-fiction publications to my credit.) Like most individuals, I am energized to both entertain and inspire but also want to profitably sell books, audio tapes and movie rights. Obviously there are lots of ways to accomplish the goal of making money. One route is to independently develop a large fan base and generate word of mouth magic. Another path is to have a big name publisher put its marketing muscle behind you and your creation. Alas, the second possibility seldom occurs unless you already haveRead More →

Writers Love to Write

By: Susan Mangiero

On: May 10, 2016

In: Critical Feedback, Motivation, Storytelling, Writing

After my decision last year to allocate more time to creative writing, I purposely sought out like-minded individuals for multiple reasons. First, I realize that I have much to learn about fiction writing. Second, it’s fun to hear from others about how they research and write. Third, there is something warm and fuzzy about being part of a community of artists who encourage and share ideas. Earlier today, I had the pleasure of meeting with Ms. Tiger Wiseman. An award-winning author, she is likewise a cheerleader of others’ efforts. Over lunch, I learned a lot about writer happenings in the New York and New England areas. In a separate phone callRead More →

Making a Good Impression With Your Writing

By: Susan Mangiero

On: April 17, 2016

In: Business of Writing, Critical Feedback, Editing, Writing

I’m a stickler for good spelling and clear communication. As a young girl, my dad would regularly direct me to the dictionary. As an adult, I frequently point out spelling errors to others, hoping they want to know. (Unfortunately, many don’t.) There are exceptions to breaking the rules. Quoting someone verbatim comes to mind. Otherwise, it seems to me that readers deserve quality from nonfiction authors. (The same idea applies to any person in business, science and technology who needs to effectively communicate a message.) There are lots of websites and books that allow an individual to readily check spelling and grammar. I don’t always get it right but I try.Read More →

Accepting Constructive Feedback With Grace

By: Susan Mangiero

On: April 14, 2016

In: Behavior, Business of Writing, Critical Feedback, Discipline, Motivation

When I worked as a full-time university professor, grades were not just for students. Teachers were evaluated too. Nary a semester went by without my asking an individual to administer the process while I slipped out of the classroom to give each person a chance to privately answer questions about my instructional strengths and weaknesses. Before I tiptoed out, I would nicely ask the students to provide specific feedback, even if they intended to give me a rating of excellent. As I said then and still maintain, terms like “stinky” or “great” only go so far. Although being a finance professor is no longer my sole occupation, I am neverthelessRead More →