The Story Behind the Story by Tam Francis Have you ever wondered how writers come up with their ideas? Why they choose a certain genre. Or WHY write such a specific sub-genre like ghost stories? I was recently asked to guest post on Gretchen Rix’s blog site. To entice you to check out her site, […more…]
~ Politically Correct or Censorship? ~ by Tam Francis THE ALERT After posting a link to reddit (scary over there–talk about an odd form of censorship or bullying), it was brought to my attention that a song I had chosen for one of my chapter titles and listed on my Soundtrack page contained very offensive, racist lyrics. I […more…]
Hot New Release in time for Halloween & the Writer’s Journey by Tam Francis Time to Buy The collection of short stories, perfect for Halloween, is finally here and available on Amazon, Kindle, Nook, and Smashwords. But who besides yourself could you buy one for? Dance Teachers/Instructors Librarians October Birthdays Language Arts Teachers Friends Halloween […more…]
Remembering the First Camp Hollywood By Tam Francis In honor of this year’s Camp Hollywood, I go back in time, into the archives of Swivel: Vintage Living Magazine and tell you what is was like to be at Camp Hollywood that first year (1998)… The First Night Blinking lights beat the rhythm of the Hollywood […more…]
~ Making History Come Alive Through Vintage Sewing ~ by Tam Francis I recently had the honor of playing opposite my daughter in a charming period play called Chicago Gypsies, set in the early 1930s. Sometimes I wonder if they cast me because I know how to sew, but I was cast and given instructions […more…]
~ In Search of Sam Butera ~ by Steve Conrad edited by Tam Francis As I finish work on my ghost story collection I thought I would share an interview Steve Conrad did for my magazine Swivel: Vintage Living. Steve is a dance instructor, producer and deejay. He runs the successful Arizona Lindy Hop Society. […more…]
~ Don’t Be Cheap: Why You Should Spend Money on Your Novel’s Cover Art ~ by Tam Francis I’m on the verge of self-publishing my ghost story collection. This seemed like a no-brainer. Literary agents are not usually interested in story collections and although I found some small presses willing to publish collections, I have to […more…]
~ Short Story Compilation? Learn How to Write Back Cover Copy ~ by Tam Francis As I approach the publication of Ghostoria: Vintage Romantic Tales of Fright, I struggle with writing back cover copy, also known as, the blurb. Many blogs and sites have wonderful advice on writing blurbs, but very few talk about how to sell […more…]