How Can I Help?
I started this blog to help people. It’s that simple.
I, Dennis Cass, want to help you, Dear Reader, become a better writer, artist, rodeo clown, whatever.
Said help takes many forms.
The most common is the reader question. Drop me an e-mail at dennis<dot>cass<at>gmail<dot>com and I will answer your question with an eye toward increased awesomeness.
In some cases, I get more involved. I might give you feedback on a proposal you’re writing, offer some insight into how to decide between agents, or deliver a rousing pep talk on the benefits of a healthy diet and daily exercise.
There are no rules for this project other than the ones we invent as we go along, but it lives and dies with you.
Please take that first step. I joke around a lot, but in this case I’m not kidding.
Hi, Dennis. Nice new site. I am going through little separation anxiety about leaving the old site. What happens to your old “Awesome” friends on ning? Should we continue to hang out there? Miss the old logo a bit. This site feels like I can’t afford the neighborhood. — A.
Dennis,
It was really fun to chat with you last night.
I think you should become a contributor to the Daily Beast! Tina needs you…
Betty
I have the rights to 25 romance books hubby and I wrote back in the early 1980′s. Those books sold over 2 million copies. I have been advised that a smart promoter could package them as Classic Best Selling Romances and maybe sell the whole lot to Hallmark or a corporation as a promotional freebie, etc. What advice can you give me, please? By the way, I really loved your video on YouTube. When we sold the romances, it was write, write, write, send, send, send, checks, checks, checks. Boy, were those the glory days! They funded part of our retirement. I am still writing, but I am currently working on a nonfiction book. If you want to have a real laugh, go to my website and look at my amateurish set up there. You’ll laugh as much as I did while watching your video, but for a different reason.
My best to you. You sound like a terrific guy with great writing skills and a wonderful background.
dantesnana
YouTube: I was thinking about reading the first few chapters of my latest from the wing back, like a book at bedtime, or Effrem Zimbalist Jr. when he was reading the Bible, but your approach Mr. Cass (respect) nails it. Great performance – pitch perfect. The edits didn’t worry me. Look more like fresh set ups, than edits for bloopers. Hope it gets you an agent who’s for real. You do have a book don’t you?
My last visit to my local Barnes & Noble was like that “computer says no” bit in Little Britain. When I said my last two novels had outsold New York Times bestsellers the weeks I had booksignings, they said they didn’t have my books listed. Search SIZZLE or SPIKED on their website and you decide. I offered them 40% discount, free stock, my time to sell and create in-store buzz, all at no risk to them and they still said “no”. Look, we all know, any live author can sell phone directories when he’s in store signing books and maybe our babys can walk on their own. Owner at the Saba Rock Island resort BVI says my latest baby “sells itself”. Two weeks old and she’s already walking.
I have a “political” endorsement at http://blog.timsmith.com/2009/04/26/beach-condo-leader–tear-down-buildings/trackback.aspx and I approve of that message. Somewhat. Not sure I like being called a “condo commando”.
I’m applying for a grant to help me complete the final revision of my book. The idea was tossed out there that because my proposal doesn’t use as much as the funds as are available to me should I be awarded that I also request money for seeking publication of the novel. How much should could it cost to mail out the manuscript to several places and make phone calls? How many hours are really spent on this aspect by rookies who get the contracts?
I like your creative altruism! Keep up that awesomeness.
Just wanted to let you know that I followed your advice on the grant application and did not request funding for sending the manuscript out. I later listened to those on the deciding panel say how unrealistic the amount of money was that one person was requesting to send it out (so glad I followed your advice). Even better – my proposal has been funded! Thank you!
Thanks for the inspiration, Dennis:
More belt-tightening: Northfield Police Dept. announces ‘Police yourself Thursdays’
http://locallygrownnorthfield.org/post/17856/