jwrites3

Reviewed by Frederick Noronha (TMC Reviews)

"Planning to write is not writing. Outlining, researching, talking to people about what you're doing, none of that is writing. Writing is writing." - E. L. Doctorow, novelist

Marilyn Peake's own story -- and the one of how this book came about -- is an interesting one. Her tome has grown out of a free monthly online newsletter, called The Golden Goblet, which she started in July 2005.

Run atop the easy-to-build-on YahooGroups.com, Peake's newsletter invited authors and experts to write articles for each edition. All put together forms this book.

A number of specialists in their field write on a range of topics. Quite a bit of useful guidance on offer here.

With impressive bios, the writers lend a whole lot of tips to anyone who cares to read. Rather, who cares about writing.

Much ground is covered here. From copyright for writers, to non-union actors and the Screen Actors Guild, and writing first novels, managers and agents, getting your novel to be read, literary conventions, writers' workshops, literary festivals, the writers' life, being a "serial writer", goal plans, and much more.

Goal plans, grants and opportunities for writers, and "getting the word out" about your writing are also covered. Karen DeGroot Carter offers commonsensical yet helpful insights on the latter.

I found Lea Schizas' list of easy-to-access web-based resources both well-collated and helpful. Her list includes:

    http://novelspot.net
    RealWritingTeachers-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
    ReviewersChoice-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
    FMAMwriters-artists-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
    childrens-writers-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
    mikeswritingworkshop-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
    http://pubproauthors.bravehost.com/index.html
    http://groups.yahoo.com/group/WorkForWriters
    WriteThingToo-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

Science fiction, casting children as extras, being "an actor with smarts", self-examination in your writing, truth and fiction, and "how to become a world-famous best-selling author, work seven days a week and still earn less than a migrant day-laborer" are some of the other themes touched on.

So, at the end of the day, what are the perils of e-books and "print on demand"? If e-books are so great, why don't more people read them?

Well, let me not give it all away, but say you'll need to go to this ebook and get at the details. If you're interested in the world of writing, you could surely learn some of the tricks of the trade out here.

In the meanwhile, you could also join Marilyn Peake's group at
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/marilynpeake/?yguid=145479362

Excerpt from a review by Beverly J. Rowe

"This book is a collection of the best from the Golden Goblet Newsletter; Words of Wisdom from Hollywood Experts and Published Authors for starving artists. Need to know the laws on copyrighting your work and retaining rights to it? Lincoln D. Bandlow gives you the low-down in the first chapter of this helpful book from Double Dragon Press and edited by Marilyn Peake.

Published author Hugh Rosen offers insight into the reality of writing that first novel, and Michael J. Wallach discusses the pros and cons of having an agent or manager in artistic endeavors...

This book may offer just the insight and inspiration you need to start or finish that novel. Read it, and then sit down at that computer and get busy. One quotation in the book really sums it up: 'Planning to write is not writing. Outlining...researching...talking to people about what you're doing, none of that is writing. Writing is writing.' - E. L. Doctorow"

For the entire review go to the link below for MyShelf:

<http://www.myshelf.com/writing/07/fromhollywoodexpertsandpublishedauthors.htm>

Another review of FROM HOLLYWOOD EXPERTS AND PUBLISHED AUTHORS by Margaret Marr at Nights and Weekends

"Ms. Peake has compiled basic information for writers and actors into one volume, which includes articles from the first year of The Golden Goblet newsletter. Each author who contributed to this collection has been published or has worked in the film business, bringing their expertise to your computer in From Hollywood Experts and Published Authors: Words of Wisdom for Starving Artists.

Lincoln D. Bandlow, an attorney specializing in intellectual property law, and his wife, Natalie C. Bandlow, bring you extremely helpful information on copyright laws—something every author has questions about.

Jo Kelly, widow of Jack Kelly of the TV series Maverick fame, gives you insights on how to become a movie extra and what pitfalls and scams to avoid on your quest to work in the movie industry.

Michael J. Wallach, a personal manager who’s guided the careers of actors and other industry professionals for more than twenty years, sheds light on the differences between an agent and a manager and why you need both.

Peter Prellwitz covers Conventions or Cons—what they are, how to get invited, and what to do once you’re there.

Patricia Harrington tells a little bit about grants and opportunities for writers—where to look for them and how to get them.

The articles listed above are only a few of the interesting articles in this collection. Not only are the articles informative, but they’re also entertaining—nothing dry or boring here! This compilation is also filled with lots of links to help you learn more about any subject that’s covered within.

If you’re a starving artist looking for wisdom, From Hollywood Experts and Published Authors is a great place to start."

Ed. Note: To download a copy of From Hollywood Experts and Published Authors, visit Double Dragon Publishing.