Goal, motivation and conflict

This book has been around for a few years, but it's one every writer needs: "Goal, Motivation & Conflict: The Building Blocks of Good Fiction" by Debra Dixon.

Because the book has been out for a while, you can get it online but not in your actual bookstore. You also can go directly to Debra Dixon's site to get the book.

Especially if you are a new fiction writer, this book explains in very simple terms and using several movies as examples, how important goal, motivation and conflict are to your story. Without these three elements, there is no story.

I've had the opportunity to hear Dixon speak at at Romance Writers of America national conference and she's awesome. If you get the chance to hear her at a nearby conference, make the time. It's worth it.

Advice on how to not get an agent

Literary agent Kristin Nelson with the Nelson Literary Agency says it's a nice gesture, but please don't send bribes along with your manuscripts.

Doesn't matter how small the measure — cookies or gifts — can't be accepted.

As she says on her blog Pub Rants, everyone gets the same opportunity to show off their best work. No bribe is necessary.

Writer's Digest's 101 Best Sites for 2008

Writer's Digest has released its 101 Best Sites for 2008 which includes agent websites, general resources, niche/genre websites for writers, publishing resources and more.

How to pick pseudonyms

Not sure if you want to use your own name or a pseudonym for your writing?

Nelson Literary Agent Kristin Nelson discusses tips for picking a suitable pseudonym for your writing career.

Barnes & Noble Studio

Barnes & Noble Inc. has launched Barnes & Noble Studio, featuring content about books, readers, writers and showcasing Web video series and other multimedia content.

From glancing at it just now, the front page offers me the opportunity to listen to video interviews with authors such as Debbie Macomber and Mary and Carol Higgins Clark, and a online show called tagged! where the hosts discuss "This Week in Books."

Basically, consider this a coffee shop for readers and writers where they can learn more about what they are reading and can "meet" authors they've always dreamed of meeting, though virtually.

For authors, this is a tremendous publicity tool to introduce their books to a larger audience.

HQN Editors offer podcast interviews

Here's another way to get to know some of the editors that you may be targeting for your book.

Harlequin Enterprises Limited has started to air Meet the Editors podcasts featuring interviews of acquiring editors discussing their various series and imprints.

New episodes are added every two weeks on podcasts such as eharlequin.com, iTunes , PodcastPickle.com and others.

Meet a few editors

Once again, Harlequin V-P Isabel Swift has let writers take a peek behind the doors of Harlequin to get to know the people who read our manuscripts.

Here's a handful she recently has spotlighted on her blog:

• Diana Ventimiglia, associate editor for Desire

• Allison Lyons, editor of continuities.

• Mary-Theresa Hussey, executive editor of the Silhouette imprint.

• Emily Rodmell, assistant editor for the Steeple Hill lines