Spreadsheet analysis of novels allows me to pattern author storytelling and plot devices. But the value in the methodology lies in the columns I create – in other words what I choose to track throughout the book. After reading HOOKED: WRITE FICTION THAT GRABS READERS AT PAGE ONE AND NEVER LETS THEM GO by Les… Read more »
Tools for the Taking
Children’s Book Week begins Monday May 11th!!
Drum roll please! The Children’s Choice Book Awards will be announced next week. And while the voting is closed, you can still take a peek at the finalists. While you’re at it, check out the terrific resources the Children’s Book Council provided for Children’s Book Week . You’ll find nifty took kits and ideas for… Read more »
Tooting Your Own Horn: Best-Seller Coaching
There’s an article in the Denver Post today about author Ellie Newmark’s rise on bestseller lists using Peggy McColl’s “Best-seller Coaching Program.” See “Making Success Happen.” I’m wondering if it can work for traditionally published books as well.
National Picture Book Writing Week!
Can you write 7 books in 7 days? Or maybe just one perfect picture book. The challenge begins tomorrow. And Paula Yoo kicks it off here National Picture Book Writing Week.
Tell Me About Your “Lilly” moments and Win a Book!
If you haven’t been following Betsy Bird’s Top 100 Picture Book Poll you’re not too late to join in the fun. This NYC children’s librarian polled her blog readers on their top 10 picture books. Now she’s not only tallied the results, but she’s compiled comments, reviews, pictures and more, for each of the 100… Read more »
Creating the perfect “inciting incident”
When I’ve finished reading Les Edgerton’s HOOKED: WRITE FICTION THAT GRABS READERS AT PAGE ONE AND NEVER LETS THEM GO, I plan on writing a review – a stellar review – because I’m completely taken with his pin-point logic, instruction and examples. I’m about halfway through so you’ll have to hold your breath. But in… Read more »
My Favorite “Bug” Guide!
With the upcoming (we’re talking minutes folks!) release of David Macinnis Gill’s SOUL ENCHILADA, don’t miss this fab reading guide.
Great Article on Picture Book Writing!
After this past week of blogging about perfect picture book words, a message board buddy asked me to critique her picture book manuscript today. It’s always fun to let the text tumble around in my brain where it can be met with illustrations from my imagination. That’s why they’re called picture books after all. But… Read more »
Cheryl Klein on Voice – Sneak Preview!!
Cheryl Klein, Senior Editor at Arthur A. Levine Books (an imprint of Scholastic) blogged on “voice” in preparation for her upcoming talk. Cheryl, who’s so generous with her advice to writers posts many of her talks on her website. I urge you to check them out. And for anyone writing or revising and perhaps struggling… Read more »
For the Social Media Newbie!!
What a find!!Here it is, all in one place. Amber Naslund so generously offers a complete guide to most of our favorite networking sites including Twitter in her Social Media Starter Kit.
My Books
