Print Publishers Demand Optimal Length; Ebooks Allow Flexibility
Book length is a lot more important for traditional publishers because too long & it might be too expensive to print, but distributors/stores also don't like super skinny books that much. But someone whose main market is ebooks, as is often the case for self published authors, can probably be a lot more flexible with length. I'll note that length can also be an issue with audio & translation. My German publisher wanted to cut chunks of Mexican Gothic because it was a bit long for that market. -
Animal POVs Add Quirky Depth to Adult Fiction
Be forewarned, if you write fiction involving animal characters, especially for adult readers, people will likely refer to your story as “quirky.” Book coach Erin Radniecki advises on when animal POVs can benefit your story: https://janefriedman.com/embrace-quirky-5-benefits-of-using-animal-point-of-view-characters/
Literary Agents' Hidden Work Revealed—Read Newsletter
Ever wonder what literary agents are doing behind the scenes? Check out my new newsletter post in the comments
Mass Mastery: H.I.T. Conditioning for Combat Athletes
Understanding MASS and how it relates to the Combat Athlete. GET H.I.T. Strength & Conditioning
Space Dust: The Unsung Hero of Astrophysics
Want to learn more about space dust? Check out this post about why dust matters for astrophysicists https://open.substack.com/pub/observinghope/p/the-universe-could-use-a-swiffer?r=dx2wl&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true
Rolex's Wildest Tale: The Ejection Seat History
🎥 NEW VIDEO: The Most Insane Rolex Story - History of the Ejection Seat. LINK IN PROFILE
Every Critique Holds a Grain of Truth, Embrace It
I just found this vid by @gillieandmarcart It does touch on a big issue: How does an artist respond to critical reviews? I always say, “You could be right …” For me whenever I get a negative review: 1. There is...
Swap Screen Time for Reading: Same Minutes, Bigger Gains
Want to read more books? Here's a fun challenge for you. I'm calling it "Screen Time to Read Time": 1) Open your screen time app to see your daily average screen time 2) Read a book for that same length of time If you...
Men Carry Silent Burdens of Work, Family, Expectations
I can’t be the only man who feels this. We shoulder the pressure. We carry the responsibility. We hold it together for everyone else. Bills. Expectations. Work. Fatherhood. Marriage. And we don’t talk about it. We just get it done. But that doesn’t mean it’s light. If this resonates with you… drop...
Hilarious Thread Convinces Me to Keep Social Media
Sometimes I want to delete all my social media but this thread is why I keep it 😂 I’m literally crying from how funny these are
Sequels Dominate Box Office; Originals Become Long‑term Bets
As long as sequels like 'Zootopia 2' (which just passed 'Minecraft' to become 2025's top domestic grosser) are nabbing sky-high box office, the likes of 'Hoppers' and 'Encanto' can be viewed as long-term investments.
All My Book Options Have Lapsed, No Adaptations Yet
Someone was asking me how the adaptation of Mexican Gothic is going, I think because of the recent Wuthering Heights film and Pride & Prejudice movie announced. I talked about this maybe two years ago? Can't recall. But that option...
Global Perspectives on Baby Sleep: Training, Cry‑It‑Out, Co‑sleeping
If you live outside of the U.S., tell us what the baby sleep culture is like. Is sleep training common? Cry it out? Cosleeping? What’s normal?
Discover Bali’s Secret Jungle Waterfall Picnic Oasis
Finding magic where the crowds don’t go ... Tucked away in the lush jungles of Bali, @SooriBali guided us to this little paradise — a hidden waterfall, the sound of rushing water, and the perfect picnic setup surrounded by nature. Tag...
Crazy Rolex Tale Links to Ejection Seat Invention
🎥 NEW VIDEO: The Most Insane Rolex Story Ever - and the invention of the ejection seat. LINK IN PROFILE
Free AWP Registration Available—Message or Comment to Claim
Who could use a free #AWP registration? PM me, or Comment and I’ll reach out to you.
Your Partner Isn’t Your Problem‑fixer; Own Your Issues
Listen up because this is SO important… Your partner is NOT there to fix your problems. That’s on you. ‼️
Choose Humanity Over Digital Fentanyl: Touch Grass, Create
We're at a point in history—not nearing it, but here—where you have to decide if you're content to ruin your brain with an endless stream of fentanyl-like digital slop or if you're going to fight for your humanity, touch grass,...
Turn Suffering Into Life’s Meaningful Knowledge
If you know what your suffering means, and how to use it, it will become a precious source of knowledge about the meaning of your life. Accepting this means fighting your every survival instinct. Source: Chapter 9, “Don’t Waste Your Suffering,”...
TV Agency Launches Book Division Targeting YA, Romance, Women’s Fiction
Recently, the LA-based TV literary agency Kaplan Stahler brought on Jillian Davis to start their book department. She focuses on authors of YA, romance, and women’s fiction. I’m grateful to Jillian for answering a few questions about the unique space she’s...
Prime 125m Yacht Berth W5 Hits €1M Auction
The ultimate parking spot for the world’s largest yachts. ⚓️ Berth W5 in Marina Genova Aeroporto is entering auction with BoathouseAuctions, offering 125m capacity, airport‑side convenience, and unrivaled Med connectivity. ✈️ Opening bid: €1,000,000 Full details now available at www.boathouseauctions.com
Gennaro's "Hidden Italy" Cookbook Now Available Nationwide
Gennaro‘s brand-new cookbook is out and it’s beautiful hidden italy check it out really really nice available in all good bookstores big up Gennaro gennarocontaldo
Interview with Sofia Isella, the Hottest Artist Today
Same phone I have. And she also had the most exciting artist in the world rn Sofia Isella open for her (my interview with Sofia on YouTube later this week)
Mummy Teaser Leans on Cryptic Question, Not Visuals
Save for one spoiler-y (and unconvincing) image, the second tease for the latest 'Mummy' hopes a tantalizing question will entice audiences for an otherwise cryptic concoction.
Digital Galleys Slash Costs, Boost Review ROI
Before Netgalley and other electronic galley systems, a publisher had to print and mail a ton of books. This was terribly expensive. $600 for a publisher is much more affordable than mailing even 100 books. A good review rate is...
Teppanyaki
Is this the world’s most spectacular teppanyaki restaurant? Keiyo is a unique teppanyaki restaurant perched on the edge of its breathtaking cliff. 📍5-star SooriBali Resort, Bali #teppanyaki #restaurant #gastronomy #foodie #luxurytravel
Co‑authoring Eugene Hutz’s Memoir, Releasing December
Very pleased and honored to announce that I got to help Eugene Hutz of Gogol Bordello with his memoir, Lost Innocent World, which will come out in early December via Matt Holt Books/BenBella Books. Preorder it now via Amazon (QR...
Meaningful Struggle Fuels Growth, Resilience, and Vitality
Research shows we grow from meaningful struggle. It builds discipline, self-respect, self-confidence, resilience, and the ability to be comfortable with being uncomfortable. It also makes us feel alive, which is increasingly vital in a numbed-out world.
Lock In Lighting, Layout, and Plumbing Before Walls
Things you must decide before first fix. Lighting, bathrooms, kitchen layout and plumbing positions all need to be locked in before the walls are closed and floors are poured. If you are building or renovating, save this. #interiortips #interiordesign #newbuild #newbuildhome #newbuildjourney
Simple Mind Shifts Transform Emotional Eating Patterns
For all the heavy, emotional eating and psychology topics I talk about, sometimes it really can be this simple. Not in a "get on with it, stupid" kind of way. More in a "I'm ready to train my mind to see things...
Classic Authors Unlock Male Readers' Interest in Fiction
Another good piece here from my editor (and not just because my novel is mentioned :P). Writers like Shirley Jackson and Kurt Vonnegut were my own portal into literature as a teen. https://dearheadofmine.substack.com/p/bulletproof-fiction-to-get-men-reading
Friendship Endures as Childhood Friends Diverge in New Novel
The author of ‘An American Marriage’ returns with a novel about two girlhood friends who set off in different directions. https://roncharles.substack.com/p/in-tayari-joness-kin-friendship-persists?r=atlgd
ChatGPT‑Designed Bedroom Upgrade: IKEA PAX & TV Bed
Part 120 of renovating my house using a ChatGPT design 🤖 | Measured up and finally ordered the IKEA PAX wardrobes ✅ Cut out the skirting boards and ripped the carpet back ready to build the frame 🔨 Our new TV bed from...
Spring Seed Review Sparks Joyful Garden Planning
When March draws closer I tend to review my seed collection and plan for the spring sowing. One of my favourite things about meeting people and discussing their gardens is finding out what they’re going to be sowing and growing...
From Mismatch to Masterpiece: My Front Border Blossoms
The evolution of the front border 💕 From a mismatch of plants 🪴 to now my Annabelle hedge 🪴 I really couldn’t be happier on how it’s evolved and looks now 💕 Under planted with tulips, forget me nots and salvias this...
Lighthouse Photo Contest Update: Decisions Coming Soon
Thanks for your patience about the lighthouse photo contest for the Southern Reach book. My novel getting longer has meant we're just now slowly wading through the photos. Very soon there will be some decisions.
Find Olympic‑Level Joy and Intensity in Your Life
If you are inspired by the 2026 Winter Olympics and want to find that sense of joy, aliveness, and intensity in your own life, have I got a book for you. I gave this project my all. The early feedback...
Bee Obsessed? Give Them a Gentle High‑Five
Please tell me I’m not the only one that does this? ❤️ 🐝 A little high five with a bee 🐝 I’m low key obsessed with bees I could stand and stare at them all day long 🥹 SAVE 💾 this post...
Consistency and Fundamentals Drive Running Success
Coach reads the papers. You focus on the running. Strength matters. Structure matters. Distribution matters. Mechanics matter. The science is clear. Consistency wins. 1609.
Consistent Effort Builds the Foundation for Tri Success
Building the foundation. Right now my HR is higher than the watts at times, the strength workouts are making me sore, everything is slower. But, I know it will all come back. If I keep putting in the time and showing...