Back by popular demand: Picture Book Peek WeekFree critiques of select PB manuscripts – including those wretched rhymers (Yup, 3 of my upcoming PBs are written in verse!) Peek Week #3 begins September 21st. I’ve changed up the format a bit. Here’s how it will work: Sign up for a critique by entering your PB… Read more »
The Writing Process
ABC’s of Writing – Verla Tells All
Here’s a question I see frequently in my inbox. I’ve got a friend/uncle/daughter who’s written a children’s book. She needs a publisher. Do you have any advice? And the answer is certainly “YES, YES, YES!” Generally I respond to these queries with links to my favorite writing websites, blogs, boards and books. But the generous… Read more »
Elizabeth Gilbert on Creative Genius
Even though this video has been out there for a while, it’s one I like to view every so often for a healthy dose of inspiration.
I’ve got F &Gs! Now what are those again?
My F & Gs for TOO PURPLEY! arrived last week. And they look terrific. Since I’m rather new to publishing, I had to Google “F & G” again because I’d completely forgotten the term. Turn out it stands for “folded and gathered.” But honestly, that term doesn’t do these babies justice. They look quite nice…. Read more »
Thoughts from Picture Book Peek #2
After this round of critiques, including my Take the Dare, Show You Care critique, I think I’ve hit on a good number. Three or four manuscripts per Peek Week feels about right. Some of you may wonder why not more. The answer – they take a ton of time. The initial read through and text… Read more »
Sudipta’s Top Ten Rules of Writing Picture Books
You might want to take a look at Sudipta’s list before Peek Week. Rule #5 is my favorite.
The Revision Letter – A Music Video
I love this!
Get Your Picture Book Ready for PB Peek Week #2!
Picture Book Peek Week #2 is coming July 20th. Is your manuscript ready? Check out this helpful video.
Picture Book Peek Week #2 Coming July 20th!!
Back by popular demand: Picture Book Peek WeekFree critiques of select PB manuscripts – including those wretched rhymers (Yup, 3 of my upcoming PBs are written in verse!) Peek Week #2 begins July 20th. I’ve changed up the format a bit. Here’s how it will work: Sign up for a critique by entering your FULL… Read more »
Pondering the Predictable Plot Point Part II – MY SISTER’S KEEPER
WARNING 1: Don’t read my post title out loud. You’ll spit all over your screen. WARNING 2: SORT OF A SPOILER ALERT A few years ago, I read Jodi Picoult’s MY SISTER’S KEEPER and enjoyed it. I was especially fascinated by the service dog subplot and drawn into fireman dad’s sensitivity. I can also completely… Read more »
My Books
