A: Art of War & IWSG

My theme for the A to Z Blogging Challenge this year is a mishmash of books, movies, writers and TV shows that have in one way or another taught me something about writing and helped me be a better writer. Some inspired my own stories and a few taught me what not to do. Each post is a one minute lesson on writing. I'm also co-host on the IWSG where we're participating in A to Z also. It will be an inspiring stop.

"He will win who knows when to fight and when not to fight." Sun Tzu

Sun Tzu wrote The Art of War sometime around 512 BC. Since then, the work has been translated and studied. You find quotes from The Art of War in the beginnings of many military books be they fiction or nonfiction. Science fiction authors love using these quotes as Sun Tzu's strategies are timeless and as applicable to battles in space as they are to land battles. Sun Tzu quotes were even used in Firefly in the episode, War Stories. It is always on the top-selling Amazon military sciences lists. If you write any kind of book with physical conflict of a sort, keep an eye out for a copy of The Art of War. I found my copy for less than five dollars on a clearance table. Even if you don't use it in a novel or short story, you'll find lots of great quotes to share on Twitter and Facebook or other social media.
Lesson: Some reference books remain ever popular. Using well know quotes can provide an interesting bit to your book. Everyone should know Sun Tzu

With the recent closing of two of my publishers, there's been some shared grieving. And that's okay. It is a little comfort. Most writers know this happens and took the disappointment in stride, understanding the publishers didn't close because they wanted to damage our careers. It was purely economics. Yet, a few authors posted angry tirades on forums. Here and there, a blogger wrote disparaging remarks about the people running those presses that had failed, often second guessing business decisions and more. Hopefully, the situation never happens to you. But if it does, resist spewing your anger online where anyone can see it. The last thing you want is to have your name recognized as an angry person who vents publicly. Word gets around in the publishing world. Editors know each other. Keep your frustration private. Other opportunities will arise. Please visit more IWSG posts.

And we can't forget that it is April Fool's Day. So here's a little more advice, courtesy of The Old Farmer's Almanac.
"If you want to make a fool of yourself, you'll find a lot of people ready to help you."

Are you familiar with The Art of War? Have you ever used a quote from the book or read a book that used one? Anyone every rant online and make you cringe?