Issue 18  May 14 2024

You Are Not a Fraud: How to Overcome Imposter Syndrome – Writer Unboxed

Imposter syndrome can manifest as perfectionism and overachievement—to prove to ourselves and others that we’re “good enough.” It often produces a fear of failure that inhibits our risk-taking or keeps us from putting ourselves out there or speaking up for what we want or need. We downplay our success or attribute it to luck instead of our skills and abilities and the great effort we’ve put into our craft. Subconsciously we think our success was just luck or the right timing.

Publishers are scouring the world of fan fiction to find the next hit author –“There is just a really bright voice that comes from fan fiction.” – The Passive Voice

there’s been an uptick in authors whose origin stories as fan-fiction writers are publicized as part of their appeal.

Should You Write a Series or a Stand-alone? – Writer Unboxed

If you find yourself facing the same decision–unsure whether your new idea needs a book or a series to do it justice–here are some questions I recommend asking yourself.

What Happens When a Romance Writer Gets Locked Out of Google Docs | WIRED

In March, an aspiring author got a troubling message: All of her works in progress were no longer accessible. What happened next is every writer’s worst fear.

Authors feed their own literary works into AI models for the sake of creativity : NPR

according to a recent poll from the writers' advocacy nonprofit The Authors Guild, 13% said they do use AI, for activities like brainstorming character ideas and creating outlines

Avoid, Persevere, Endure, Fight: 4 Goals for Unforgettable Opening Scenes | Jane Friedman

Central to strong opening chapters is the struggle that your character faces in their normal life. Some craft teachers call this struggle the inner wound, others call it the lie the character believes, and some simply call it dissatisfaction with the current situation. Your protagonist’s response to this struggle will determine their goals in the opening scenes.

Why Your Flashbacks Aren’t Working | Jane Friedman

If you worry your flashbacks aren’t working effectively, here are the most likely reasons why.

Amazon ebooks: Are the Mikkelsen twins running a scam? Here’s our investigation - Vox

It’s partly AI, partly a get-rich-quick scheme, and entirely bad for confused consumers.

Book Challenges Rise to Record 4,240 Titles in 2023 (and 2024 Doesn't Look Good) - Mombian

Titles representing the voices and lived experiences of LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC individuals made up 47% of those targeted in censorship attempts.

'Authors Against Book Bans' Mobilizes

A group of children’s authors is rallying against the rising number of book bans and challenges nationwide, speaking out about the erasure of BIPOC and LGBTQ+ voices. Under the leadership of Samira Ahmed, Andrea Davis Pinkney, Gayle Forman, Alan Gratz, Joanna Ho, David Levithan, Sarah MacLean, Ellen Oh, Christina Soontornvat, and Magie Tokuda-Hall, Authors Against Book Bans has already made an impact in the ongoing battle for the freedom to read.

Libraries are on the front lines of America's problems

Libraries are enjoying a renaissance in usage. They're also battling book bans and bearing the brunt of a host of societal issues — from caring for unhoused people and migrants to distributing COVID tests and Narcan for drug overdoses.

10 Things We Learned From Brittney Griner's Very Gay, Cathartic Press Tour | Autostraddle

Brittney Griner’s memoir Homecoming came out this week and in anticipation of its drop, Griner has been doing a lot of press with legendary queer journalists and athletes — including last week’s 20/20 interview with Robin Roberts, a profile in The New York Times by J Wortham and then, on Monday, a cover story for The Cut in which she is interviewed by esteemed lesbian soccer player Megan Rapinoe. (At the end of the interview, Griner, Rapinoe and Sue Bird all make plans to hang.) Here are some of the many things we’ve learned about Brittney Griner’s life and her detainment in Russia from this emotional and remarkable press tour.

Brittney Griner Overslept an

Megan Rapinoe and Sue Bird Are Adapting Lesbian Soccer Romance Novel For TV | Autostraddle

Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe Adapting Lesbian Soccer Romance Novel ‘Cleat Cute’ Into a TV Show

Inspiration from 5 Early Lesbian Parenting Books - Mombian

here are some inspiring quotes from lesbian parenting books published in the 1980s through early 2000s. While these books are in many ways outdated, they still convey something of the spirit and long history of lesbian parenthood, and are reminders of those on whose shoulders we stand.

Remembering Madeline Davis: Little-Known Pioneering Lesbian Activist | by Clay Hand | Prism & Pen | Apr, 2024 | Medium

An octogenarian when she passed, Madeline had lived a life of queer trailblazing. In 1972, she taught “Lesbianism 101” at the State University of New York at Buffalo — the first U.S. university-level course on Sapphic history and culture. With Elizabeth Lapovsky Kennedy, Madeline co-authored Boots of Leather, Slippers of Gold, the first comprehensive history of a lesbian community.

LGBTQ History Month: Exploring 70 years of lesbian publications - Dallas Voice

for over 70 years, lesbians have been finding a way to connect and share their stories in periodicals, newsletters and beyond.