Local author Ed Mickolus knows what he’s talking — or, shall we say, writing — about. He’s penned more than 50 books and, in the process, picked up a lot of information that would be useful to pretty much any other writer, both aspiring and seasoned, whether they are composing fiction, nonfiction, articles or something else.
Now, with his 51st book, Mickolus reveals many of the insights he has accumulated along the way.
“Beyond Authorship: Things Writers Should Know Besides How to Write” debuted on Valentine’s Day. And as the title makes plain, this is not another one of those “how to write” guides. It presumes the reader already knows that. It also doesn’t expend pages on topics already addressed by others, such as cover marketing and social media.
Instead, Mickolus explores ways to generate ideas and navigate the publishing process in a concise, too-the-point work that wraps everything up in fewer than 80 pages. It’s a quick read, but it’s loaded with tips, techniques and advice.
“Beyond Authorship” actually grew out of a series of articles Mickolus wrote for a Florida Mensa chapter. To this, he added further points of interest derived from presentations he gave over the years to various groups.
Readers will discover ways to maintain character continuity, collaborate effectively with other authors, make the most appropriate choice between traditional and self-publishing, ensure that the dust jacket actually reflects what lies between the front and back cover, and lots more.
But this is no dry, academic work. “Beyond Authorship” is loaded with humor, which just makes it fun to read. Even the chapters that cover topics not particularly relevant to every writer are worth checking out. Mickolus concludes his chapters with witty provocations to purchase his books.
Mickolus is a retired CIA officer who has established himself as a prolific author. His publication history is eclectic, to say the least. He has authored serious studies of terrorism; academic, casual and even humorous examinations of the art of spying; inspiration; diverse educational tomes; humor; fiction; and books on State of the Union honorees, trivia and fitness.
To learn more about Mickolus and his books, or to make a purchase, go to edwardmickolus.com.
