Writing Fiction, Non-Fiction or Both?

Are you a fiction author?

Are you a non-fiction author?

Are you both?

Several of my recent guests on the Information in a Nutshell Radio for Authors write both fiction and non-fiction. One enjoyable interview was with author Cara Putman. This interview revealed that Cara was an author of a series of novels with titles such as "Trial by Fire", "Canteen Dreams", and "Stars in the Night." Upon further research I learned she was also the author of "A Complete Idiot's Guide to Business Law"! Cara was an attorney and now is equally successful at writing romance and mystery novels. Versatility for an author as in this case is key.

Another guest penned several romance novels and is currently a free lance newspaper reporter. She was a wealth of information regarding how she managed to get her current job. An author is not necessarily tethered to a computer and with some imagination you can use your skills to land a job, while waiting for that book contract to come along.

In all cases it is a matter of using your talents and mapping out a focus or goal. Not every non-fiction author can or desires to pen a fiction, and vice-versa. Yet, if your gift lies in both areas the field is much wider for you and your chances of becoming published. In all cases research is important, not only as it pertains to your work, and your competition, but also the necessary steps to take to see your work becomes published.

Another interesting interview with a guest, fillmaker, screen-writer and author, Jon Steven Nappa, explained his experience as a speaker at writing conferences. He shared that often, aspiring-author-attendees ask basic questions that can easily be found on the library or book store shelves. Obviously this is not the best use of the expert's time. You should do your research before attending this type of conference and be prepared to ask the questions the books omit.

Jon is another example of an author with versatility. His novel, "Storm Warriors," based upon a true story, created an alliance with a wonderful ministry, "Storm Warriors International." This organization works with those who are in need by letting others with means know of their plight and bring aid by matching needs with donors. One-hundred percent of the profits from his book go to the ministry. Using a book for this purpose whatever your charitable focus is a great idea.

Writing today with the technology available knows no limit. Blogs, Tweets, websites, eReaders, and various forms of transferring media electronically can bring the written word to the ends of the earth, all in a nano-second. Look at your skill set, look at your options and get that written idea off your computer and into the hands of an eager reader...today!

Author Interviews: Sandra Glahn

In the next few weeks I will have the privilege of interviewing many authors that belong to the Christian Author's Network, (CAN).  The first of these interviews is with Sandra Glahn. She shared her experience, along with twenty journalists, of meeting and talking to Mr. Nir Barkat, the mayor of Jerusalem.

Sandra is a journalist, as well as a prolific author with some great suggestions for beginning writer’s on her blog: http://aspire2.blogspot.com/2009/10/break-into-publishing.html

I laughingly joke that my first published piece was the letter to the editor. Many of them. When the local paper contacted me about writing a feature editorial piece, and including a picture of myself, I was nervous. This was the “big time” … little did I realize the writing bug had taken a hold.

In her blog post, Sandra recommends writing articles on the same topic as the book you hope to write. It is a great way to break into print. As a teacher to writing students at Dallas Theological Seminary, she should know. She shares much more in her insightful post.

Are you currently working on a book topic? What do you think about Sandra's suggestion?