So I’m revising a middle-grade manuscript and my critique group made some assumptions about my story based on my first chapter — that were completely incorrect. While the corrections seemed like easy fixes, I wanted to make sure I had indeed fixed the problems. However, my crit buddies were no longer fresh readers. They now… Read more »
Tools for the Taking
The TOO PRINCESSY! Boredom Buster Winners are …
… posted right here! Congratulations to all! And don’t forget to explore all the ideas for some cabin-fever creativity!
TOO PRINCESSY! Boredom Buster Blog
It’s that cabin-fever time of year. What do you do with your kids when boredom sets in? In the spirit of the cabin-fevered kid in my latest picture book TOO PRINCESSY! I’m hosting a Boredom Buster Blog – chock full of ideas from parents, teachers, caregivers, babysitters and other folks like you. Send me your… Read more »
What Would You Have In Your Dream Writing Space? I Need Your Advice.
A personal massage therapist to work out all those keyboarding kinks? Ahhhh, of course. So I’m taking my new-found empty-nest-hood rather seriously and refurbishing my kids’ computer room to be my home office (the kitchen table just isn’t cutting it). Other than lots and lots of shelves, some workhorse filing cabinets and a wide surface… Read more »
Light Up the Library Auction coming this November!
Dear Friends, As some of you know, my third picture book LIGHT UP THE NIGHT, comes out October 11, 2011. What you probably don’t know is that the story – while visibly very American – was inspired by the children of Uganda, many of whom are orphaned by AIDS while others have been displaced due… 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 »
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 »
Totally Awesome Takeaways from Mary Kole’s Beginnings Workshop
Literary agent, Mary Kole, who specializes in children’s literature at the Andrea Brown Literary Agency, recently completed her 5-part Novel Beginnings Workshop. Her thoughtful critiques of 5 submitted novel openers are brimming with tips on writing beginnings that hook your readers. Stop by her blog to read these detailed critiques AND to have a look… Read more »
Writing Book Review: Second Sight
Second Sight: An Editor’s Talks on Writing, Revising and Publishing Books for Children and Young Adultsby Cheryl B. Klein Paperback: 320 pages Publisher: Asterisk Books (March 9, 2011) Language: English ISBN-10: 0615420826 When I received the request to support Scholastic (Arthur A. Levine Books) editor, Cheryl Klein, in her endeavor to publish this book, I… Read more »
The Necessary Work of Downtime
How many of you meditate? Take a daily walk? Go for a run without your iPod? If no downtime is built into your day, you may consider it too much of a luxury in an already over-scheduled life. But, in fact, practices like meditation or quiet walks are a necessary part of your writing work… Read more »