Kathy Temean published a great list of tips from Jane Yolen:Here’s the start:No exclamation points.Easy on the adverbs.Don’t let your characters float by giving them endless dialogue.Have fun.BIC – Butt in chair. HOP – Heart on Page.P not F – Passion not fashion. Write what you like.Remember your story does not have to have a... Continue Reading →
On the road less traveled
Nathan Bransford gives some great advice on his blog:While I was away I was chatting with a friend who reads grants for a living, a job that bears some striking resemblance to query letter answering. And if you happen to be thinking about writing a grant at this very moment, I have a piece of... Continue Reading →
What’s it like to have a novel on submission?
Most of us dream of the day we get an agent, thinking that will make it all better.Kiersten White, whose PARANORMALCY will come from HarperTeen in September, tells it like it is:I'm going to let you in on a secret, one that agented writers can't admit publicly for fear of shooting themselves in the foot,... Continue Reading →
7 things I’ve learned so far
Jim Whiting sent along this essay by Jody M. Roy. It's full of wisdom about the writing and editing process.I particularly liked these bits:2. Editorial notes are both an immediate to-do list and a long-term lesson plan. I first transform editorial notes into a very specific checklist for my work in the coming hours or,... Continue Reading →
5 ways to conquer self-doubt
Alexandra Levit, a Wall Street Journal career columnist, has this advice on the Zen Habits blog:Self doubt has been something I’ve struggled with all my life, from debating whether I could get into a top tier university to believing I could succeed as a writer. It’s a very human emotion, and it’s made worse for... Continue Reading →
Some brisk advice from Colleen Lindsay
Colleen Lindsay, who has been blogging at The Swivet, is changing directions with her blog. Her rationale contains good advice for writers:If you really want to read a blog only about agenting and getting published, this is not the place for you. Go visit Nathan Bransford and Rachelle Gardner and Jessica Faust; in my opinion,... Continue Reading →
Becoming more resilient: 3 steps
Here's a bit from a blog called The Irrepressible Writer, by Carol Grannick:I like things simple and clear. Years ago, I went to a workshop about giving workshops. One thing in particular stayed with me. The presenter believed that a ”lesson” should never have more than three main points. I really liked that, maybe because... Continue Reading →
Good advice on length of MG/YA novels
This comes from Kristin Nelson's blog:When I was at RWA, I did a workshop with my client Ally Carter. We were the only workshop at that conference that addressed anything in the Children’s realm. Let me tell you, the session was packed (to my surprise).Anyway, the point of our workshop was this: people who want... Continue Reading →
Have a question? Ask Penny!
Our region has a new source you can turn to with all your burning questions about children's literature...- How do I format my manuscript?- How tall is the stack of money I will be sleeping on once I sell my 3,500-word picture book about my blind hamster, who also did the illustrations?- Will it help... Continue Reading →