Originality Key To Getting Published
The question plagues everyone who ever took up a pen: How do I get published?
First, you have to keep writing. Actually finishing something is a good place to start.
Second, you have to be original.
Take Bill Elston, for example. Already the author of two books on Spokane golf, Elston has a new sports-oriented book out. “120 Years of Northwest Sports” is a self-published history of Spokane sports that goes back to 1879 and includes more than 150 photographs.
Copies of the book, which were printed with the help of the Greater Spokane Sports Association, cost $27.50 and can be purchased by calling Team Elston Sports at (509) 448-2970.
Otis Orchards writer Steven Hughes took a slightly different self-publishing path. His historical novel “The Wolf of Albion” is being distributed through 1stBooks Library, an online publisher that specializes in print on demand. That process allows the publisher, in this case Hughes, to print what the market dictates.
What that means, says Hughes, is that instead of a huge, upfront investment to print books that might sit around forever without selling, 1stBooks makes sure that books are printed only when they’re wanted. An initial fee of $350 puts the book on disc, and from there it is printed by laser.
“The Wolf of Albion” (ISBN 1-58500-371-9) tells the story of the British chieftain Caratacus, a real-life character who led his forces against the Roman invasion of 43 A.D. Hughes, a former police sergeant who has an abiding interest in Mediterranean history, calls his protagonist the “Braveheart of the First Century.”
The novel, which won’t be in local bookstores until mid-October, is already available online at Amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com and borders.com for $23.35.
However, 1stBooks.com is selling it for $14.95.
It’s a lit hit
Even if it is a couple of weeks away, let me sound the horn for Get Lit!, Eastern Washington University’s third-annual literary festival, which begins its five-day run Oct. 4.
You can get all the information you need by calling the EWU Press at 623-4286. For now, know that a $10 ticket will give you access to more than a dozen events involving such noted writers as William Kittredge, Deirdre McNamer, Kim Barnes, James Crumley, Denis Johnson and Annick Smith.
Tickets will go on sale Tuesday at The Met (835-2638).
Romantic souls
Spokane romance writer Joan Overfield has been recognized by the readers of Romantic Times magazine. Her Zebra Regency novel “The Door Ajar” was chosen as one of the top 200 novels of the past 20 years.
Overfield’s novel “Lady Cat” is a finalist in this year’s Best Regency Historical category. Winners will be announced by the magazine during its annual convention Nov. 8-12.
For writers only
The new Barnes & Noble, which is located in the NorthTown Mall, will hold a Creative Writing Workshop beginning at 7 p.m. Monday. Writers of all levels are invited (482-4235).
The poetry corner
The Poem Zone, a poetry discussion group/ open-mic reading, will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the NorthTown Barnes & Noble.
What’s your signing?
Charlotte Greene will sign copies of her book “Recalled By God” at 1 p.m. Saturday at the North Side Hastings, 7706 N. Division (483-2154).
John Downes will sign copies of his book “A Few Deadly Friends” at 3 p.m. Saturday at the Shadle Park Hastings, 1704 W. Wellesley (327-6008).
Keith Quincy will sign copies of his book “Harvesting Pa Chay’s Wheat: The Hmong & America’s Secret War in Laos” at 3 p.m. Saturday at the Lincoln Heights Hastngs, 2808 E. 29th (535-4029).
The reader board
Poet William Johnson will read from his collection “Out of the Ruins” at 7:30 p.m. Monday at Auntie’s Bookstore, Main and Washington (838-0206).
Gregory Martin will read from his book “Mountain City” at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Auntie’s Bookstore.
Teri Hein will read from her memoir “Atomic Farmgirl” at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Auntie’s Bookstore. Hein will sign copies of the book at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Fairfield Public Library (Fairfield is 22 miles south of Spokane on Highway 27). Call (509) 283-2512.