Jeff Haws

Independent author

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3 Lessons from the Cubs on Dramatic Writing

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As a lifelong Chicago Cubs fan who writhed happily on the floor after they won their first World Series in 108 years last fall, and who just finished reading Tom Verducci’s terrific new book “The Cubs Way,” I’ve had a lot of time to think about what happened a few months ago. It’s stayed in my mind often and, between the book and the banner raising earlier this week (along with the ring ceremony tonight at Wrigley), I’ve been thinking about it even more lately. [Read more…] about 3 Lessons from the Cubs on Dramatic Writing

How to Write a Beta Reader Checklist

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Last weekend, I patted my next novel “Separation” on the butt and sent it out into a little slice of the world, letting my beta readers explore the town of Alessandra and its various characters. Hopefully, they’ll enjoy the read, and won’t ultimately tell me to toss my computer in a fire and start over from the beginning. [Read more…] about How to Write a Beta Reader Checklist

How do you find beta readers? (Hint: Not on Goodreads)

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I’ve talked on here about beta readers before, but the topic is rattling around my head again — and not only because my next novel should head off to that stage by this weekend. Last week, I ran across this article on SelfPublishingAdvice.org by author Michael La Ronn. It’s titled “Writing: How to Find Beta Readers,” but it’s really all about how to find beta readers on Goodreads. [Read more…] about How do you find beta readers? (Hint: Not on Goodreads)

Achieving Work-Life-Work Balance

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Any of you who have a project on the side of your regular 9-to-5 job can relate to the problem — how do you balance your pay-the-bills job with a satisfying life outside of work, all while also scratching the itch that is the other work you’re passionate about. That challenge can get even deeper if you have a spouse who deserves more of your time than just a passing “Hi, honey” as you head to your home office or workshop or garage or dank lair to dive into your side project after coming home from your day job. [Read more…] about Achieving Work-Life-Work Balance

How to Hook the Reader from the Start

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During a recent Facebook discussion about my new book, “The Slingshot” (available now on Amazon), an awesome fellow writer named Aurora Gregory said, “I swear, opening sentences are your super power…seriously…what a start!” It’s nice to know I have a super power, though I’m not sure Opening Sentence Man (“Leaping comma splices in a single bound!”) is gonna get invited into The Avengers any time soon. [Read more…] about How to Hook the Reader from the Start