On Writing and Publishing, a Book for the Storyteller

Seventeen years ago, Linda A. Lavid took on the challenge of writing and publishing a novel. What happened along the way, was not one book but several. Now, her first non-fiction book Composition: A Fiction Writer's Guide for the 21st Century (Aventine Press, June 2007, ISBN 1-59330-476-5, $10.95), tells what she's learned along the way.

"Thanks to the technology of the 21st century, the publishing paradigm has changed," says Lavid. "The digital world has turned the publishing industry into a cottage industry where independent writers of many voices, many places can create, publish, market and sell their work with total freedom. It's exciting. But with opportunity, comes responsibility. Before any book is published, a great story must be written."

Composition is divided into two sections. Part One covers the craft of writing fiction from the moment of inspiration to the final edits. Topics include: defining a story goal, plot and character development, the basics of scene/sequel and the rewrite. Part Two talks about self-publishing. Here, she explores the reasons to self-publish, how books are self-published and distributed, what to look for in a contract and ways to advertise and sell books worldwide.

Threaded throughout Composition and in laymen's terms, the author discusses technology and how it is utilized in the making of a book from writing to rewriting, from design to publishing, from marketing to selling.

Linda Lavid has developed and taught curriculums on writing the mystery, the novel, and the short story. Her teaching venues include the Chautauqua Institution, Just Buffalo Literary Center, Albright Knox Art Gallery, Erie County Community College and the Buffalo and Erie County Libraries. Her books on short fiction, Rented Rooms and Thirst are companion books for Composition. After each short story, author's notes, both interesting and entertaining, expound on the creative process.

Website: http://www.lindalavid.com/