Ginny Wierhardt knows me well, though we have never met. This article by her is so about me and lots of others that I know.
Ginny’s Fiction Writing Blog
By Ginny Wiehardt, About.com Guide to Fiction Writing
No Distractions: New Year’s Resolutions Calling
Saturday January 2, 2010
So you’ve brought in the New Year, and you’ve recovered from bringing it in, and you’re ready to make good on your writing resolutions . . . but there’s a whole world of distractions out there (starting, of course, with this Web site). It’s a good day to revisit 52 Projects’ excellent “Not-to-Do List” (“Do not turn on the television. Do not clip your nails. Do not stare at your bald spot in the mirror and begin to calculate how much time your hair has left. Do not start catching up on the DVDs that have arrived from Netflix. . . . “) And then it’s really time to get offline and get to work.
Me: Hoping for spring and summer to come.
I recently did my Chirstmas shopping for the 8 and 11 year olds I have in my life and author Jeff Kinney was on the list. M has read Dog Days, and The Last Straw and wanted Roderick Rules. Luckily, I found it.
I was interested to see what kind of books Jeff Kinney would recommend and this interview on the Today Show came up during my internet search.
For Jeff Kinney and other authors of other genres suggestions to read go to: http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/34418641/ns/today-today_holiday_guide/
Jeff Kinney
Author, “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” series
Children’s books:
- “Knucklehead” by Jon Scieszka (Viking Juvenile, for ages 9-12)
- “Are You Ready to Play Outside?” by Mo Willems (Hyperion Book CH for baby-preschool ages)
- “The Curious Garden” by Peter Brown (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, for ages 4-8)
- “Ripley’s Special Edition 2010″ (Scholastic, for ages 9-12)
- “Marcelo in the Real World” by Francisco Stork (Arthur A. Levine Books, for young adults, grade 8 and up)
- “Calvin and Hobbes Complete Collection” by Bill Watterson (Andrews McMeel Publishing, no age range)
- “When You Reach Me” by Rebecca Stead (Wendy Lamb Books, for grades 5-8)
- “The Graveyard Book” by Neil Gaiman (HarperCollins, for ages 9-12)
- “The Magician’s Elephant” by Kate DiCamillo (Candlewick, for ages 9-12)
How? Who? What? When? Where? and Why?
By Peg Finley
A writer ponders How? Who? What? When? Where? and Why?
Who are my main characters and what will they try?
When did they feel sad and start to begin to cry?
Where were they when they feared they’d die?
Why did this all happen? A writer might sigh.
How can they solve their conflict and say good-bye?
It is no secret that a newbie writer has to make some decision about what resource books they buy. Money is often limited. That is why this find was such an unexpected pleasure. I got it this last year for a $1.00 at my local library. While this edition of Simon and Schuster’s Handbook for Writers CD Rom-Interactive by Lynn Quitman Troyka is from 1999, the content is still quite relevant.
When reading about writing, one tip was offered that I felt was particularly important for a writer to know. Simon and Schuster’s book offers this checklist: (Paraphrased by me.)
Know who your audience is.
Know their ages and genders. Know what ethnic backgrounds. Know their hobbies and interests. Know what they want to read. Then, target your book toward these factors.
Ten years later, this checklist is just as pertinent to a book’s success.
Steven Meltzer, Associate Publisher/Executive Managing Editor of Dutton and Dial covered it in his Iowa SCBWI conference presentation during “the first sentence” exercise. He asked conference writers to first write down a first sentence that would hook the reader. Then he asked various participants to tell him what makes their book appealing to their readers. He asked them to tell a little about why a reader would want to read their book.
He was talking about marketing specifically but in truth marketing starts as soon as an idea is written down. A pb writers knows that there is a difference between what a three-year old likes and what a seven-year old does and takes those factors into consideration when they develop their book’s plot. A mg writer knows what kids that age are interested in reading.
The take-away from this is that while some books might not have been published recently, the value they offer a new writer is very relevant to developing a great career. Being a succesful writer means doing one’s research.
![peg080707[1]](http://peg366.files.wordpress.com/2009/10/peg0807071.jpg?w=110&h=150 "peg080707[1]")
A new writer asked me today why I blog and what made me start. In all honesty, I had to think about what it was that started me off on this phase of my writing journey.
It wasn’t until a couple of years ago that I began checking out the blogs of other writers. At first it seemed like all of them had at least one book out, usually more than one. I didn’t have a book out so at first I thought Not for Me.
For over a year I read all the blog I could. Gradually I began to hear about writers like myself who had writing credits but not books yet. They all seemed to be working hard at getting their stories out. I thought about it some more and finally decided to take the plunge.
In May of 2009, I wrote my first post. Looking back, it doesn’t surprise me there were only two views of the site. My blog wasn’t exactly something that other writers should be checking out. It was pretty lame.
The second month I decided if I was going to do this, I had better do it right. I started looking for new articles etc that would make my site unique. I got 92 views. But still something was missing. I needed to learn more about the technical aspects of a site. I need to know about tags, and about how to download pics from my computer as well as the internet. I need to learn what videos I could download as well as how to download videos. I need to learn how to do links so that my reader could go directly from my site to a site within an article.
By the end part of the third month, I had 97 views. It still wasn’t enough to satisfy me. I knew that I had to figure out to let possible viewers know about my blog. First, I added an email signature to all my email accounts with my Jacketflap, Twitter, Facebook Affiliates. I posted my blog url on them as well.
Then I went to Twitter.com and added my url to my profile. A simple step that led to several people checking out the blog. I got to know several other that also blogged and researched what they had done that I liked and what I wanted to do differently.
In the fourth month, things started to pick up a little. I had 200 views. While for some sites that is a drop in the bucket, I am pleased. Overall, my number of times my site being is viewed by others are on the rise.
Judging by the comments left on the site, I am happy to report that most viewers are not spammer but are real live people who are saying that they like the site.
At present, this October 7, 2009 I have 59 views. That still gives me time to match or beat my numbers from last month.
The one thing I did learn in this process is that I like to blog. I like finding things that motivate and inspire other aspiring writers.
The fog ran away!
Two years ago my husband and I were in Arizona for a business trip. We had a couple extra days and decided to see the Grand Canyon. Neither of us had seen it before. We drove and drove and drove, and when we got to the canyon we couldn't see a friggin' thing. It was too foggy. My husband had always wanted to see a sunset at the Canyon. It was near sundown, and we were freezing. Who knew Arizona could be cold?! Certainly not this Carolina girl!
Anyway, I wanted to go back to the car. But my husband wanted to stay for the sunset. CrAzY man! We couldn't see the sky for the fog.
But wouldn't you know, as if on cue in a movie, with only a few minutes until sundown, the fog rolled away and cleared the canyon. "Rolled away" isn't the best way to describe it. If clouds had feet, it would have been more like running!! Or as if God himself were pulling back the curtains for an unveiling. We got to see the sunset. The picture above is the contrast of the fog clearing. I had hoped to get more of the fog in the picture, but that's how fast it was moving! You can see in the left corner how little could be seen.
This is part of the sunset we saw. Pictures don't do it justice.
Contrast is striking. A fog clearing at sunset made this moment memorable.
Contrasting characters do the same thing. They accentuate your protagonists personality and make them memorable.
One thing I've noticed while reading THE HUNGER GAMES is that Suzanne Collins uses a lot of contrasts in characterization. Right away the story starts with two people who are driving forces behind Katniss (the protagonist) Both forces bring out dual sides of her personality
THE MOTHER: a source of bitterness and hardship for Katniss
HER SISTER: brings out her softer side.
Then later we meet PEETA: The boy who saved her life years ago becomes someone who is plotting to kill her.
These contrast bring out the best and worst of Katniss and heighten the tension in the story.
So, the lesson I learned from THE HUNGER GAMES is to deliberately use characters as a painter uses colors or as God used a fog at sunset.
The results can be breathtaking!
ImageChef.com Poetry BlenderSo, did my title for today's blog catch your attention? Did it make you wonder what the topic was about? I hope so, because I'm trying to apply what I learned about tension from my second breakout session with Author Mark Johnson. (Yes, we're now back to notes from my SCBWI Carolina's conference)
We were given a list of 10 rules for creating tension. I'm just going to focus on the first one. Maybe I'll touch on the other points on another day.
Rule #1 Start the tension ASAP!
So, I decided to look at the first paragraphs of two current books that many people are calling "page-turners" "The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins and "The Adoration of Jenna Fox" by Mary E. Pearson. I wanted to learn how they create tension right away. Here's what I learned from their opening lines:
THE HUNGER GAMES:
"When I wake up, the other side of the bed is cold. My fingers stretch out, seeking Prim's warmth but finding only the rough canvas cover of the mattress. She must have had bad dreams and climbed in with our mother. Of course, she did. This is the day of reaping."
WHAT THIS TAUGHT ME ABOUT TENSION:
Create Tension by leaving hints. Make the reader wonder . . .: We don't know what the day of reaping is, but we know it's bad enough to cause bad dreams. We also know by the set up that there is a tenderness in the relationship between the protagonist and Prim. The reader is left to wonder about Prim and what may happen to this character later in the book.
THE ADORATION OF JENNA FOX:
"I used to be someone.
someone named Jenna Fox.
That's what they tell me. But I am more than a name. More than they tell me. More than the facts and statistics they fill me with. More than the video clips they make me watch.
More. But I'm not sure what.
"Jenna, come sit over here. You don't want to miss this." The woman I'm supposed to call Mother pats the cushion next to her.
WHAT THIS OPENING LINE TAUGHT ME ABOUT TENSION:
These simple lines burst with relational tension and leave us wondering and wanting to know more.
Who is Jenna Fox? Why doesn't she know who she is? What happened? What more is there?
We immediately see inner conflict in the protagonist as well as conflict with her mother. These end up being key issues throughout the book.
WHAT THESE OPENING LINES HAVE IN COMMON:
1) Neither hit us over the head with facts nor melodrama. They reel us in nice and slow.
2) Both "hint" at the conflicts that drive the action forward through the entire book.
3) They start out making the reader wonder what's going on and makes us ask "questions"
Are there any other insights you can gain from these opening lines? I'd love to hear your insights!
Remember in the movie Pinocchio when the Good Fairy floats through the window in her sparkly blue gown with her handy-dandy magic wand in tow? And POOF! She turns Pinocchio into a real boy.
Guess what!? That's us! Writers have a magical power. The power to breathe life into our characters.
My first break-out session at last weeks SCBWI Carolina's conference was with author, Stephanie Green. Her session was titled CPR FOR WRITERS.
I couldn't help but imagine my characters running around as little paper dolls looking up at the first bright light of evening (aka my computer screen) crying out "I want to be a real _______ (girl, boy, bad guy, etc.)" And with my trusty pen I point, aim and POOF! My paper dolls inflate like a balloon, their flesh fill out and voila! The Characters are no longer flat. They have been given life!
So, here's Good Fairy 101. Giving shape and life to your paper dolls:
Stephanie's major point was "motivation with emotion." Motivation is everything and it has to be strong and sincere.
ie: if your character wants to be popular. . . Why does she want to be popular? What is her motivation and the emotion behind the motivation. She has to have a good reason in order to be believable.
Stephanie gave a great writing exercise to help us conjure up emotions from our own childhood so we can use them in our writing. She suggested that we take 20 minutes (or whatever allotted time we choose) and write down memories from our childhood. Dig deep, try to find things forgotten and associate the emotions that go with those memories. Even things that may have seemed insignificant. You might be surprised at the results.
I was surprised to remember Christmas time, my cousin always brought a gift, year after year, with a tag labeled "To: Aunt Cecil"
I never met aunt Cecil. Aunt Cecil never can to our family gathering, yet my cousin always brought a gift. This Aunt Cecil was always a quiet mystery to me. Who was she? Why didn't she come? This wasn't an major part of my life, but it still stirred a great deal of curiosity within me. An air of mystery at Christmas time.
So, if you're ever having writers block, or are just in the mood for a writing exercise, this is a lot of fun!
hmmm. . . I think I need to go shopping for a tiara and a pen that looks like a magic wand. After all, a Good fairy isn't complete w/o such accessories! :0)
I can hear our paper dolls crying out to us now!
Happy Good Fairying!
The
contest in the post below has not ended yet, however, I think it's safe to assume that I ain't gonna win. Though I didn't expect to win the contest, I did expect my opening to fare much better. Instead, the majority ruled "No, didn't hook me."
Why did I expect better? this opening has been through the wringer. In the past year my prologue and chapter 1 have been critiqued by 2 editors (Caitlyn Dloughy S&S &
Krista Marino, Delecorte) as well as my critique group (all who are very honest). Both editors invited me to submit the story once it's finished.
The editors were both encouraging and though they had plenty of constructive advice. The opening wasn't a concern for them. The same goes for my critique group and the others who have read my MS thus far.
So, I had to ask myself "What's the difference? Why has my opening made it this far unscathed only now to be rejected by the majority?
At first I wanted to just make excuses. But what good would that do? the people have spoken and these people represent the readers: the ones who buy the books or pick them up at the library. These are the voices inside the head of our editors and agents.
So. NO EXCUSES. What can I learn from this experience?
Here's what I've learned so far . . . .This contest was like a simulated slush pile. If we want to get a small taste of what an editor thinks when they have a stack of manuscripts on their desk, then just go over to the contest submissions and read each one. There's 114 by the way.
By time you get to submission #10, or sooner, you stop reading the whole thing.
UNLESS . . . you really like it. There's a ton of stuff to weed through and you're not going to want to read it all. If it doesn't hook you right away, chances are, you're going to give up on it pretty quick. Editors and Agents don't have all day. If we don't hook them right away, lets face it. We aren't going to hook them at all because they aren't going to read any further.
I figure that I received positive feedback in the past because my MS was critiqued at a conference and a writing retreat. The editors were expected and paid to read all of what I submitted. But the reality is . . . had that MS landed on their desk with the stack of other manilla envelopes, had I just been another stack of paper in the pile, they may have very well passed it over because the opening didnt' hook them. My opening is fine when read in the context of the entire chapter, but the first 250 words by themselves . . . needs to be better.
You may have something that they very well could like. But if it doesn't grab'em right away, it may still be passed over.
For me, this is very eye opening. Why share my defeat? Why not delete the post below, pretend I didn't enter and try to hide my shame? Because this is apart of my journey as a writer.
I want to improve and a writer needs to learn how to write for their audience. not just ourselves, not just the editors and agents.Although the negative feed back stings a bit,
it is also necessary for improvement. So
I thank all who offered their opinions. I'm also thankful for those who had kind words to say, those words were balm to my wounded pride. ;0)
I do suggest that all who aspire for publication to submit to this type of contest. It's good for thickening the skin and it's also another good form of honest feedback. Things we all need if we're going to be published.
I'm glad I entered and I learned a lot. back to work on draft 4 (then 5, 6, 7 . . . heck! who knows how many it will be!) But I'm diving in!!!!! :0)
Vacation Collectables:Mug = $8.50
T-Shirt = 19.99
Getting a peek at the world from someone else's eyes = PRICELESS
Sometimes it's hard to put ourselves in our characters shoes and see the world through a different set of eyes. Vacations are a great way to exercise our ability to see things in a new way.
Heck! We're already out of our comfort zone. These are perfect times to keep our eyes and ears open to the unique phrases and outlooks of those around us.
What's it like to a kid?
An adult?
The people under the umbrella next to you from a different country?
How do they see things differently than you?
Here's an exercise. Think of a character from the book you're writing (or have already written) If they were to see the shells below, what would they look like to that character?
(The shells above, looked like crayons to my four year old)
To my six year old: This Shell became a "seat" for a rubber ball that was washed up on the beach. She named the rubber ball Pearl.
My two year old could have cared less about the shells. She only had eyes for the seagulls and shouted "Want bird! Want catch bird!"
and me: The beach normally relaxes me, but as a mother of 3 young children, the ocean looked menacing; a great animal that could pull my children in and devour them. The beach: A vast expanse full of strangers where my children could wander away and get lost. Even my own world view has changed in light of my current role as mother.
One beach, four different perspectives seen through the eyes of our personal world views. . . .
Which brings to mind another creative exercise for your novel. Find the scenes where you have more than one character in a setting. Does that scene adequately show the varying responses of your characters based upon their personality?
Vacations can be a great place to expand your understanding of how other people see the world. And the best part is . . . . it's a collectible that doesn't need dusting!
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One year ago today I started this blog. I don't really know what prompted the blog. I wasn't sure what to write about. I had friends with blogs and I enjoyed reading those. I'm a writer. Heck. The thought of being able to write about anything made me giddy. I always have journals going at home. I figured that a blog is like a type of journal. So, I dedicated the blog to: art, writing, and creativity in general, but I really didn't know if I had anything worth saying. I was surprised to find that I've encountered some unexpected blessings from keeping a blog.
Here's what they are:
1) I learned not to care if anyone thinks if I have anything "worth" saying. I'm learning to find my authorial voice and I'm having fun doing it. (I normally care about what people think, so this is a big deal for me.) I've noticed that my older posts are a little more stiff and rigid, from caring too much about how I sound or look, and I've become more spontanious and free. More me-ish.
2) Blogging has been a creative writing exercise. It gets me warmed up for my current WIP.
3) I've made some really cool contacts from blogging. Something I never anticipated. It's priceless and fun!
4) Blogging about the things I've learned in conferences and workshops helps me to digest and internalize the things that I've learned.
5) This blog has also become a place where I feel like I can lend support to other writers, whether they be successful authors, aspiring writers or somewhere in between. Book reviews are a form of support for authors. I especially like it when I can do a review for an author that I've met in person or online. That just makes it extra special.
I also hope that my shared info helps aspiring writers during their on-line searches. Lord knows I've had my share of frustrations of googling info on editors, publishers or other things that I wanted to know only to come up empty handed. I truly hope some of the info on this blog will be useful. If it's entertaining as well . . . that's a bonus! :0)
AND. . . to top it off, it just so happens that I found out today that I won a captions contest over at YA Fresh. Can this Blogday get any better? :0) I love this blog. The owners, Authors Tina Ferraro and Kelly Parra not only entertain, but they also support other authors by hosting contests with book giveaways. They don't just give away their own books. They support their fellow authors by giving away their books! They've inspired me by their selfless support and deserve a great big "Shout Out" for what they do! This captions contest was so cute! You need to check out all the entries. they are a hoot! :0)
REVISE! REVISE! REVISE!
Nervous, I walked into the small room where Krista Marino sat on a pink, flowered reproduction of a victorian sofa.
What would she say? I wondered.
If honesty persist, I was expecting the worst. Only moments before I left my house the previous afternoon, I checked the mailbox where a familiar SASE manilla envelope waited for me . I need not open the envelope. My own handwritten address was the bearer of bad news. Another rejection letter.
Could this be ill omen or good? I wondered. Though I tried to remain positive, (after all, perhaps this could be the writers equivilent of an actors "Break a leg") I sat behind the wheel of my car and headed toward Chapel Hill in a somber mood. Anger soon joined the mix when I realized that Mapquest had given poor directions. I was lost and there was only 15 mintues left until registration ended.
I fought to push the constant stream of unsettling thoughts from my mind. Just keep your mouth closed and listen to what she has to say. I reminded myself as I sat in the chair across from Krista. Even if it's bad news, I can still work to get better.
I drew in a deep breath, smiled and leaned forward as if to signal my undivided attention. But inside I was trembling. At the pit of my very core I want to be a published author. Will I ever make it?
And then Krista began to speak . . .
Or . . . I could just say "On Saturday morning I had a one on one critique with Krista Marino, editor at Delacorte."
Which is more interesting?
OK. Now, I'll get right to the point. Krista gave me a very encouraging and insightful critique. Her advice was spot on and she said she liked what she read and saw a lot of potential in my story. ~squeal~ :0)
My biggest problem was that I did too much "telling" instead of "showing".
It's funny, but I know the "Show don't tell" rule very well. Or I thought I did. As a matter of fact, I thought I WAS showing and not telling. But Krista did a great job opening my eyes to a whole new level of "telling."
I equated "action" to be the "showing" instead of "telling." Not necessarily so. It's also sometimes difficult to pick out these area's once you've gone over the same story over and over again. That's one reason why critiques are so important, whether it come from an editor or a local critique group. The outside information can be priceless.
What's the fix?: Add emotion, surroundings and thoughts into the mix. Even action can come across as "telling" and can even seem canned or contrived. In other words, don't just say your character is opening the door. What is she thinking as she opens the door? What is going on around her? How does she feel?
Her critique only covered the first 10 pages of my MS, but I have easily been able to apply her advice through out the entire MS.
The critique was golden!
Krista, if you're out there and ever come across this post, Thanks for the great critique!"
Now. . . Back to work!
Friday Evening with Martha MihalikWhat is Voice and Why do Editors Go Ga-Ga over it?
My notes and my take on Martha's session on VOICE.
From conferences to the very mouth of an editor, "VOICE" is the buzz word. In writing circles everywhere they talk about how important "VOICE" is. But I've never been clear entirely what it means, until Martha Mihalik's session on voice. Good voice is something you notice when you read it, but when you are the writer, how do you know that you have it?
Martha broke down "Voice" as having eight elements. Though each element is distinct, it's important that they all work together and consistently support one another.
The Short version: Voice is the "Story teller"
ELEMENTS OF VOICE:
1) Language = the vocabulary and dialect of your characters and narrator
2) Syntax and rhythm = how you put together sentences and paragraphs. How do you form them and how do they vary?
3) Tone = How do your characters sound? Are they cheerful, sarcastic, hopeful, dark. . . .
4) Imagery and symbolism
5) Theme = the emotional underlying emotional drive of the story.
6) World View = Where does the story take place? How would the characters think? what would they see? what is their culture? How does the world of the character effect his/her thinking and views.
7) Pacing = Leisurely or fast?
8) Structure = how it's put together, are the characters complex or simple?
So . . . why is voice so important? What's the big deal?
The answer is simple. There are only a handful of different plots that can be told. The "voice" is what makes the telling of the same ol' plots unique and interesting. It's what draws the reader in gives the story vitality and an air of authenticity.
Martha's Advice: Don't write to follow a trend. Write from your heart. If you force your story, the voice will come across as being "fake" or not authentic and will also seem as if the author doesn't have and opinion of the story.
A few of Martha's examples of books with good voice:
Stardust by Neil Gaiman
The Secret Life of Sparrow Delaney by Suzanne Harper
Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
A few of my examples of books with good voice:
Crispin and the Cross of Lead; Midnight Magic by Avi
Dovey Coe, By Frances O'Roark Dowell
The Very Ordered Existence of Merilee Marvelous, by Suzanne Crowley
Tomorrow I will focus on Krista Marino's topic of Point of View and how it can help or hurt your story.
It's been a little less than a year since I started my first YA novel and I'm nearly done with the 2nd draft. I hope to have the full 2nd draft done by April 18th. This has been a true learning experience. In retrospect, these are the top 10 things that have helped me so far. (This list is in no way a reflection of how I think all novels should be written. Everyone does things differently. This is just a list of things that have been helpful to me.):
Writing the First Novel
1. A rough skeletal book outline. Specific enough to give me direction, but flexible enough to make changes. 2. When writing the first draft, just write. don't worry about grammar, punctuation. Just get the story out. Don't let your creativity be hindered by worrying about anything else than just getting it all on paper 3. It's nice to have a person to give you insights along the way. I have a critique buddy that is very helpful. When I get stuck along the way or need some advice, a writing buddy can help get you unstuck or can be a great source of encouragement. 4. Read. Last year I made it a goal to read a minimum of 4 books a month. When I began this discipline, I noticed a dramatic improvement in my writing skills. 5. When it's time to rewrite after you do #2, (just getting the idea on paper), I have to rewrite in very small segments at a time or else it gets too overwhelming. Only a sentence or one paragraph at a time is usually all I can handle. 6. It's good to have books on hand that are similar to your voice and style to reference when you get stuck. I often refer to several books when I come across a section that I'm not sure how to "fix" (description, dialogue, emotion, etc.) Books I have often referred to on this project are "Crispin and the Cross of Lead" "Goose Girl" "A Wizard of Earthsea" "Princess Academy" "Bitterwood" "The Merlin Trilogy by Jane Yolen" and "The Princess Bride" 7. If one section has you stumped, it's OK to skip it for a while and work on the next section or chapter. Sometimes it helps to just come back to it later. 8. However, sometimes if you're stuck, you just may need to sit down and force yourself to write. Sometimes getting yourself unstuck doesn't turn out to be as difficult as you thought it would be. Don't be afraid to just tackle it. There's been a couple times that I've avoided rewriting a certain section, because the task seemed so daunting, but then when I finally did it it ended up not being as hard as I thought it would be. 9. Don't feel like you have to rewrite everything perfectly the first time. It's OK to do multiple rewrites. don't feel like you have to get it perfect right away. 10. Attend conferences or retreats, make contacts and have your work critiqued professionally or get involved in a group. The opinions of others are crucial. They represent your readers, so listen to what they have to say.
As Thanksgiving approaches, I am reflecting a little more about the things I have to be appreciative of in my life. I have so many things to be thankful for that if I listed each one, I could go on for quite some time.
When writing for children, it never hurts a writer to go back and revisit your childhood memories. You never know what ideas can come from those memories. Think back, do you have a time in your childhood that always bring a smile to your face when you think about it? You know the kind of smile that starts small and just grows and grows. If it made you smile, it just might make others smile, too. As you are thinking about that memory, think about the smells, sights, touches, sounds and tastes you had with that memory. Then, use those senses to put your story into words.
Congratulations! That’s great news. It’s always fun to get published.
Suzanne
Suzanne,
Thanks for the congrats.
Peg Finley/pegs366