shunday mash - how not to enter a talent contest

Last week it was how not to throw a hand grenade. This week it’s how not enter a talent contest. Especially if you like to do party tricks with a bow and arrow. The key thing is to PRACTICE first. But more of that later.

But first …

COMMUNICASHUN: Along with Bob Mayer and the inimitable Joe Konrath, Kristen Lamb talks more sense than anyone I know. There are people who will tell you like it is, and people who tell you like it will be and Bob, Joe and Kristen are true visionaries.

Here’s Kristen’s skinny on the comfort zone - and why it’s best not to stay there.

ROMANCIFICASHUN: I loved this. It made me laugh out loud. It’s Erica Miles‘ conversation with her husband about the lengths she goes to in researching a steamy romance novel. Erica, I vote with Tom!

PUBLICASHUN: I can’t remember where this came from. I’ve had it forever. You think you have problems with the Big 6 and trad pub? Try being Adolf Hitler and getting your book published.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B5C-N-xmT44&w=420&h=315]

INTERACTSHUN How much should authors have with their readers and should readers expect them to write back? The answer is a resounding YES, I think. This is a thoughtful post from JODY HEDLUND.

CO-ORDINASHUN I’m a huge fan of Alan Rickman, have been ever since he upstaged Kevin Costner in Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves. I found him this week at Lena Corazon, showing that he can dance as well as act.

Finally, here it is: how not to audition for a talent show.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BCd5NzKZDwo&w=420&h=315]

And because I want to see you all back here regularly, I am offering a free copy of my novel CORRIGAN’S RUN to anyone who joins my blog today! You can’t buy it … it’s not available anywhere else except here! All you have to do is join up, then write to me at colin underscore falconer underscore author at hotmail dot com. I can send you a copy as a mobi Epub or PDF file.

Oh and by the way, he doesn’t really shoot him in the head. It’s actually part of a viral marketing campaign for whatever drink is in the red can …