May 1, 2020 - Editor EJ Randolph and the Borderland Writers Co-op share news of the publication of the Co-op’s first publication, Deep Down and Dirty Writing Secrets. This how-to essay collection of writing advice is unique in its approach, in that these authors, many of whom are award-nominated and award-winning, share the insider knowledge that they wish they’d known when they started writing. It’s writing advice that gets you started and keeps you going.
In the fiction section, short story author and novelist Alethea Eason opens with the rules of writing and in her second essay advises authors about plot development. Award-winning young adult author Catalina Claussen discusses how to create multi-faceted characters using internal and external dialogue. Chris Lemme, editor of the Silver City Quarterly Review and author of three novels for adult audiences, shares editing strategies. Writing instructor for the Writers’ Program of the UCLA Extension School and award-winning short story, mystery, fantasy, and general fiction author Kris Neri gives advice on series writing.
Fantasy and sci-fi author Randolph encourages authors to create a deep connection to audiences by developing deep point of view. Kate Rauner, retired engineer, sci-fi author and poet, charts a course through the daunting task of fictional world-building and the art of getting started. And Eve West Bessier, award-winning Poet Laureate of Silver City, explores how an author’s values and spiritual orientation inform and enhance their writing.
In the non-fiction section, Luanne Brooten discusses writing for the internet. Award-winning memoirist and essayist Sharleen Daugherty encourages writers to dream and adventure. John Maberry shares his knowledge of writing a memoir. Dr. Sharon G. Mijares, author of several books on psycho-spiritual development, teaches writers the art of collaboration. Freelance writer and self-help author Joni Kay Rose contributes to many publications from Omni Magazine to The Desert Exposure. She illustrates how one can write from their pain in “Turning Oppression into Creativity.”
All of the contributors hail from the Borderland territory that includes Silver City, NM and its environs.
The advance praise has been strong:
“From creating to editing, this guide is an essential how-to of what to expect while polishing your words, and it will help navigate the oftentimes confusing path to publication. Covered in these pages are the plot development and point of view essential to creating a compelling book series for fiction. Non-fiction writers are also treated to crucial techniques necessary in providing relevant information for creating articles and memoirs.”
— Deborah J Ledford, award-winning author and adjunct professor for Virginia Piper Creative Writing Center, Arizona State University
“In the delightful writer's-craft anthology Deep Down & Dirty Writing Secrets, veteran editor Randolph and her merry band of contributors give us a book that avoids the too-broad, too-general focus of so many writer's craft anthologies. And they deliver their practical wisdom with a sense of humor. Maybe there be a sequel!”
— Bruce McAllister, writing coach and author of the novels Dream Baby and The Village Sang to the Sea.
“From an in-depth guide on carrying off a fiction series by award-winning novelist, Kris Neri, to information on writing for hire on the Internet by Lauanne Brooten, to practical tips on creating compelling characters through the use of deep point of view by editor, E.J. Randolph, and more even esoteric topics such as incorporating spirituality in writing by Eve West Bessier and following a dream to your creative end by Sharleen Daugherty. I guarantee you'll find invaluable tools in Deep Down and Dirty Writing Secrets, whether you're writing memoirs for your grandchildren or perusing professional publication.”
— Shannon Baker winner of 2019 New Mexico/Arizona book award for The Desert Behind Me
“Deep Down and Dirty Writing Secrets explores a wide range of topics: from developing plot via the hero's journey, finding success with a series, or writing a memoir. Encouraging and informative. All in all, a collection of valuable offerings to all who write.”
— Elise Stuart, 2014-2017 Poet Laureate, Silver City, NM, USA, Author of Another Door Calls
Deep Down and Dirty Writing Secrets is available in both paperback and ebook editions. Free for Kindle Unlimited. To learn more or order, visit: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B086B9N147/?tag=n
Be well,
Kris