TOO PRINCESSY! is now available! And we’ve been celebrating all week. Wanna join the party? Here’s how: * I’m giving away an autographed copy on Goodreads. Just a click to enter. What could be easier?The giveaway ends on 1/31. So don’t delay. Enter today! * The TOO PRINCESSY Boredom Buster Blog is up and running…. Read more »
Picture Book Peeks
Do You Need a Critique Group, Writing Buddy or Someone to Help Push Your Story Over the Top? YES!
We’ve all been there. Maybe you’re new to writing. Or maybe you’ve been writing for a while but location has made it difficult to find a critique group. Maybe you’re in between writing groups or writing buddies because of a move or because the fit just didn’t feel right. Writing in a vacuum can be… Read more »
Some Amazing Opportunities for Picture Book Writers!
Hi all, Since I won’t be holding any more PB Peek Weeks during 2011, I wanted to point you to some amazing opportunities for picture book writers over at my LIGHT UP THE LIBRARY AUCTION. And some are still going for bargain prices. Check these out. Manuscript Critique from Agent Ammi-Joan Paquette http://lightupthelibrary.blogspot.com/2011/11/manuscript-critique-from-agent-ammi.htmlPicture Book Manuscript… Read more »
Thoughts from Picture Book Peeks: The PB Pitch
What is your book about? It’s probably the most asked question – second only to “Where can I buy it?” – of writers. But how often do your take your answer seriously? Can you sum up your story before the elevator door slams in your face? We hear a lot about pitches and one-sentence summaries… Read more »
PB Peek Winner and Night of the Giving Dead
Thanks to all those who so kindly wished me a happy board book birthday. The best part about this birthday – I didn’t get any older. And with the TOO PURPLEY! board book out in the world, I’m still smiling. Thanks also to everyone who entered PB Peek #12. If you have a minute, read… Read more »
Picture Book Peek Week #12 – A TOO PURPLEY! Board Book Birthday
TOO PURPLEY! comes out in board book format on July 19th. It’s purple. It’s adorable. AND it’s virtually indestructible. Now that’s something to celebrate!So in honor of its board book birthday I’m holding a TOO PURPLEY! Board Book Birthday PeekJuly 19th!! Win a free critique of a selected picture book manuscript. WHEEEEE! Here’s how it… Read more »
A Very Special Picture Book Peek Week …
… is coming this July. Watch for it! (What is a Picture Book Peek Week? Find out here.)
Points From PB Peeks: What Happens Right Before Your Ending?
In one of my previous posts, I mentioned Allyn Johnston’s and Marla Frazee’s wise words about picture book endings. Yes, endings should disarm us. They must have a touch of mystery, a touch of magic and space for the reader to fill in or ponder. But let me offer this: Equally as important is what… Read more »
Picture Book Peek Week #11 Begins April 25th!!
Spring Has Sprung – Peek Week #11 – April 25th! It’s a Petunia Popping Picture Book Peek Week – Free critique of a selected picture book manuscript It begins April 25th!Here’s how it works: Sign up for a critique by entering your picture book WORKING TITLE in the comment section of this blog post anytime… Read more »
Don’t Play it Safe in Picture Books
So often, as I critique picture book manuscripts, I’m drawn into a story that has a fabulous premise which as carried out is “nice.” But “nice” is usually not good enough for a picture book to be competitive in today’s market. In novel writing we talk about “raising the stakes” or “tension on every page.”… Read more »
My Books
