Technical writer, journalist and author
A book trailer video is similar to a movie trailer you would see at your local theatre. However, you’d most likely see the book trailer online, and not at the theater. Some trailers get broadcast on television, but this is…
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For some years following his death in 1967, John Nance Garner of Uvalde had been all but lost to history. People don’t tend to remember or write about vice presidents. To complicate things, Garner and his wife, Ettie, destroyed much…
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“I have a great idea for a book, but I don’t know where to begin.” Does this statement apply to you? Do you have a book that you’d love to write and see published, but don’t know how to proceed?…
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1. Why is Deaf Smith important to Texas history? Erastus “Deaf” Smith (1787-1837) is best known in Texas history as a scout, solider and spy during the Texas Revolution. He played a key role in the Battle of San Jacinto,…
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Not printing a newsletter—having your newsletter exclusively online—can have many advantages for you and your organization. 1. No printing costs One nonprofit organization in which I served decided to take its monthly newsletter exclusively online. Financial concerns were at the…
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Want to own a pro football team but your bid falls short? Start your own pro football league! That’s what Dallas businessman Lamar Hunt did. In the late 1950s, Hunt, along with Houston businessman K.S. “Bud” Adams Jr., had each attempted…
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In the first article of this two-part post, I wrote about three key elements of a nonfiction book proposal: the overview, market, and promotion activities. In this article, I’ll write about understanding the competition for your book, preparing the about the author…
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When people think of Texans competing in the Olympic Games, they might remember such luminaries as Carl Lewis or Mary Lou Retton. They might remember more recent medalists such as David Boudia, who won both a gold and silver medal…
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The nonfiction book proposal is an often underrated element in the creation of books, whether electronic or printed. Perhaps this is because people think in terms of a finished book, and not the plan for creating it. Traditional book publishers…
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1. Was King Ranch founder Richard King really a captain, or was it just an honorary title? Richard King (1824-1885) was a steamboat captain. Originally from New York, King served during the U.S.-Mexican War. His ship transported supplies and troops along…
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