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Painless Publishing – yeh right!


Today, FastPencil, a California-based start-up, announced the beta launch of their self-publishing platform that purports to make the writing and publishing your printed or e-book a painless process.

“Whether you are writing a Best Seller like Harry Potter, collaborating on a cookbook or printing a modified version of A Christmas Carol using your kid’s names, now anyone can publish a first-rate book,” said Steve Wilson, FastPencil Co-Founder and CEO.

The big idea is the provision of a single service that allows writers to create, share, and publish their work. FastPencil provides memoir, novel, and other book templates with which to frame your project, or you can start simply with the blank page. Bloggers have the ability to upload their blog and then format it into chapters for printing or distribution, and social network integration is provided on the site so that writers can invite their friends to weigh in on their works-in-progress.

Bottom line: it costs nothing to sign up for the basic service and start writing. Check it out at www.fastpencil.com.

Painless Publishing. Too easy!!!!!! What a shame they can’t write it for us as well.

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Ode to Critique Partners Everywhere

Where would any of us be without our C.P. Feel free to share this blog entry with your treasured writing partner(s).

Press PLAY and use Jennz sing-along lyrics (below)

When I am down and, my m.s. so dreary;
When troubles come and my plot burdened be;
Then, I am still and wait here in the silence,
Until you come and crit a while with me.

You raise me up, to make me edit adverbs;
You raise me up, to watch my POV;
And I am strong, when reading criticism;
You raise me up…to more than I can be.

There is no life – no life without my writing;
Each restless word, a part of me you see;
But when you crit, I’m no longer filled with wonder,
You set me straight and help me to be me.

You raise me up, so I can edit freely;
You raise me up, to conflict being key;
And I am strong, when I now face rejections;
You raise me up…to more than I can be.
You raise me up…you’re one hell of a C.P.

Writing is not child’s play – but take a look at this 7 years old in action.

With respect and thanks to the original owners – Lyrics by Brendan Graham Music by Rolf Lovland