Book Learnin’

Happy 4th of July. On this great American holiday, let’s consider the great American novel. During the leisurely summer months, people often find extra time to read a book on the beach, or actually write one. If you’re among the latter group, you could benefit from some advice from self-published author Susan Kaye Quinn. She’s a former rocket scientist who launches sci-fi series at an accelerated pace (involving over 50 books so far) and knows quite a bit about marketing them.

Quinn is a member of the SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators) group I’ve belonged to for a number of years. She’ll be conducting a free workshop titled Series and Serials – Writing Stories That Keep Your Readers Coming Back For More through that group on Wednesday, July 20 at the Barnes and Noble store in Schaumburg. The workshop will focus on how to expand the structure of a story over the course of a trilogy, five-part-series, or nine-part serial. Those in attendance are encouraged to take notes and ask questions. Her presentation at Barnes and Noble is sure to be beneficial for aspiring as well as published writers.

You can also find pages of essential tips in Quinn’s Indie Author Survival Guide, which is now in its second edition, and For Love Or Money - Crafting An Indie Author Career. Both books, along with Quinn’s popular novels in the Mindjack, The Royals Of Dharia, and Singularity series, are available on Amazon. Her short stories, often related to her serials, have appeared in sci-fi anthologies.

Susan Kaye Quinn is not the only published writer in our group. Kym Brunner, Cherie Colyer, Mike Kelley, Marian Manseau, Terri Murphy, and Katie Sparks all have books on the market. Veronica Rundell’s literary agent is currently pitching Rundell’s YA novel to publishers. I’m honored to be part of this collection of talented people and have benefitted tremendously from their advice.