First Word

I don't know why 2014 was the year that authors kept showing up and wanting the "Dollar" Store special. In growing business and facing obstacles, I had more problems with authors who wanted the "fast-food combo deal," super-size it, and throw in a discount, too. The pervasive attitude is shocking. I've had more than one conversation with authors who just didn't understand the value and benefits of working with a professional publisher. The misconception that we're nothing more than a glorified spell-check application has been a challenge to overcome. I've obviously got to do a better job of defining what we do so people understand the benefits and see the value. Just to make you laugh, even a spell-check program required someone somewhere who probably had knowledge, education and expertise to invent it. And just for the record -- even the best spell-checker cannot find the real misspellings or errors. Same applies to grammar programmers. I coul...

Regional writer Scott D. Roberts, author of Vengeance is Now ( www.vengeanceisnow.com ) has been named a winner in the 2013 “50 Great Writers You Should be Reading” contest sponsored by the Authors Show ( www.theauthorsshow.com ). Roberts won for his first novel Vengeance is Now and will be featured in the book 50 Writers You Should be Reading . Roberts was selected as a finalist and winner after submitting his humorous essay “Russell Crowe is a Complete Jerk.” Vengeance is Now , an erotic-thriller, takes readers into the life of Tate Holloway, a disgraced former police detective and secret gigolo, who goes on the run after his arch nemesis and serial killer “The Eye” successfully frames him for murder. Roberts comes from the Hollywood film community where he wrote, produced, and co- directed the award-winning documentary, “Gas Hole,” narrated by Peter Gallagher. He has written several screenplays and has had projects optioned or bought by Paramount, Columbia, MGM, EUE/S...