In this episode of Working Title podcast, David Kazzie discusses the challenges and tools of self-publishing, the importance of agents, and writing the book you love. Continue reading “Interview with David Kazzie”
Category: Support Your Local Author
In my modest way, I like to help other talented writers and I hope you do as well.
New Site Section: Support Your Local Author
Introducing a new section of my site: Support Your Local Author.
This line of work is often lonely.
As writers we are often heads-down in our work – writing, revising, researching, planning, drinking …
After writing, there’s beta reading, querying, marketing, selling, drinking …
All the while we will have doubts and questions. Sometimes we need encouragement or honest feedback on our piece. Or maybe we’re stuck on how to build a platform, or how to best promote our work, to be heard.
And sometimes, we can get wrapped up in our own work and not recognize that others are out there facing the same challenges. They too can use a kind word, a retweet, feedback, a contact, a sale.
What I would like to do more of is to engage fellow writers and support them however I can. So this new section will help me help others. It’s a high-level reminder to put my own stuff aside and see what others are up to and maybe I can help. Read more and share your ideas.
Interview with Author Bill Blume
Welcome to my Working Title inaugural podcast. I interview friend and fellow James River Writers’ member Bill Blume. He has written a fun teen read called Gidion’s Hunt,* published in 2013 by Fable Press. You can visit him on the web and follow him on Twitter: @BillTheWildcat.
With this debut novel, we discuss Bill’s writing process, finding inspiration in the USA network show, Burn Notice, snagging a publisher, and much more.

What did you think of the podcast? Would you like to hear more? Be sure to pick up Bill’s novel and let us both know how you liked it!
* Bill’s book was initially released under the title, Tales of a 10th Grade Vampire Hunter.
† Intro and outro music in the podcast is called, “The Strategy.”
Attended the Book Launch Party for Brotherhood by A.B. Westrick

I was looking forward to this event all summer: A.B. Westrick’s book launch party for her historical novel, Brotherhood.
The event was held at the Library of Virginia in Richmond. Perhaps 150 people packed the room. There was finger food and musicians played Civil War-era music. But of course the best part was when she got up to read from her book. She did not simply read a scene, she conjured it with voices, gestures, and turns, all in a superb manner. I could have remained seated if she read the entire novel then and there.
The novel takes place in 1867 Richmond and centers on a family trying to find their way through the upheaval of war. The main character, 14-year-old Shadrach, joins a brotherhood that will become the Ku Klux Klan. As the brotherhood’s true motivations come to light, the young man must choose between loyalty and his conscience.
I purchased a copy and I hope you will do the same. And if you get the chance to attend a Westrick appearance, treat yourself!

Chuck Sambuchino on How to Support an Author’s New Book
A tweet led me to this article by Chuck Sambuchino, who gives 11 tips for supporting authors’ new books. I often do items 1, 9, and 10. I will add items 3 and 5 to my routine, but they are well worth doing to help authors you admire.