July is winding down, but we’re still going strong collecting links for your Top Picks Thursday enjoyment!
On a sad note, true crime novelist Ann Rule has died at age 83.
A tale of two manuscripts: the story of how an abandoned manuscript became the latest book by Dr. Seuss, and the suspicion that Harper Lee’s Go Set A Watchman is a fraud.
Authors Delilah S. Dawson and Chuck Wendig discuss whether YA writers should censor their social media. Chuck’s response to the guy who was mad because of a gay character in his book makes it clear where he stands.
Some people think public school libraries aren’t important. In Ohio, there are 43% fewer school librarians in the public schools than 10 years ago. And ask this Utah boy reduced to reading junk mail if access to books is important.
Michael Grothaus explores the many ways that changing your reading habits can transform your health—even reading a little more can make a big difference.
CRAFT
Sometimes the hardest part of writing is finding your topic. Jeff Goins shows how to know what to write about. If what you write about is fantasy, Ian Johnstone shares his tips on fantasy and commitment to writing.
From first word to last, every writing project is full of decisions to make and craft techniques to master. Ryan Lanz discusses the puzzling prologue problem, Adriana Mather talks about rhythm in writing, Ninie Hammon shows the best and worst ways to use backstory, and Chris Robley shares how to know when you’re done writing your novel.
Every writer needs editing. Corina Koch MacLeod and Carla Douglas explains why copyediting is not “rocket surgery” and Daphne Gray-Grant wrestles with the idea of readability statistics.
A lot of writers enter writing contests. As always, read the fine print about rights before you enter. Lisa Gail Green also has three questions to ask yourself before entering online writing contests.
We all have times where the words aren’t coming and we are burnt out. Ben Schmitt has 11 tips on how to write even when you don’t want to, and 6 of the world’s most-loved writers humorously explain how they deal with writer’s block.
BUSINESS
None of us like to face our mortality, but we will all die sometime. What happens to all our online presence at that point? Anne R. Allen tells us how to prepare so our digital executors have what they need to deal with our online life.
Agent Janet Reid discusses several business situations to avoid, while Jane Friedman points out why using non-disclosure agreements is a bad idea.
If you’re looking for an agent, Donna Galanti examines how to get your manuscript past the gatekeeper, and Janet Reid tells us how to talk to an agent in social situations.
We all know that we can turn one book into numerous revenue streams, but sometimes the logistics are daunting, especially for self-publishers. Mark Williams explains how to get your books translated and marketing with little cash outlay, and Jane Friedman walks us through how a book becomes a movie.
Blogging is one way to reach readers. Guest blogging is a way to expand your reach. Helene tells us how to write a killer guest blog.
THE UNIQUE SHELF
Rick Walton on why picture books are not just for kids.
How did writers mark pages for editing before Post-It notes? Jane Austen gives new meaning to the term “pin it.”
Oscar Wilde made a splash on the London scene even before his writing was famous.
Did you know these 13 facts about L. Frank Baum’s Wonderful Wizard of Oz?
That’s all for Top Picks Thursday this week! See you in August!
The Author Chronicles 
Thanks for mentioning my post on Oscar Wilde. He was a canny self-promoter and understood that as a writer, he needed publicity and a public profile.
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By: jdellevsen on July 30, 2015
at 5:18 pm
He would have been a perfect fit for today’s social media world!
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By: Kerry Gans on July 30, 2015
at 9:31 pm
Yes! I think he would have had a huge following on Twitter in particular. His epigrams would translate perfectly as sound bytes and tweets.
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By: jdellevsen on July 30, 2015
at 10:33 pm