I’ve recently been working to re-establish my long-abandoned habit of taking a physical book EVERYWHERE, even tucking it into my grocery bag to read while in the checkout line. Like many book lovers, as a kid I’d walk to school with an open book in my hands, never once tripping as I read. I imagined […]
My Article in SCBWI’s “The Bulletin”!
My article “2019: A Year in Review” has been published in SCBWI’s Winter 2020 edition of THE BULLETIN. That’s a biannual publication provided to members of the Society of Children’s Books Writers & Illustrators. The article is a children’s publishing industry overview, examining events and trends of 2019. I’m honored that SCBWI trusted me to sum […]
New Year, New Webinar!
I’m excited! SCBWI-Austin invited me to present a submissions webinar as we settle into the new year with resolutions and recommitment. It’s called “Writing Queries, Strategizing Submissions, and Interpreting Editorial Feedback“ The webinar will be for writers of all children’s book categories, for beginners as well as advanced writers looking to perfect their submission package and strategy. I’ll […]
Happy Holidays
As the New Year quickly comes upon us, I send my best wishes for a happy, healthy, and book-filled year. In the spirit of finding new stories to thrill and enlighten, I share the books my sons and I enjoyed this year. May you find some joy for yourself in this bounty. Food: A Love […]
Excited to Present Technique-Based Webinar for MG/YA Writers
I’m excited to announce that I’ll be presenting a technique-focused, hour-long Webinar designed to make YA/MG writers stronger self-editors and novelists on Nov 14, 2019. THE ULTIMATE CHECKLIST FOR SUBMITTING YOUR MG/YA TO EDITORS: 10 Tests Your Manuscript Must Pass to Prove It’s Ready to Submit. It all started with a question that I get […]
Pitcher Sean Doolittle Pitching Literacy & Indie Bookstores
Sean Doolittle, closing pitcher for the Washington Nationals’ in their Game 1 World Series win yesterday, spent the season promoting youth reading and indie bookstores on his Twitter feed. What a fabulous way to use one’s platform — inspiring young (and grown-up!) fans to make reading a part of their daily lives. ??????? You can […]
Book Giveaway & Interview about Freelance Editing as a Career
I’m so pleased to share that the fabulous resource website for teen writers TipsForTeenAuthors.com is GIVING AWAY a signed copy of my writing craft book WRITING YOUNG ADULT FICTION FOR DUMMIES to go with my in-depth interview about freelance editing as a career. You can read the interview and enter the giveaway at http://bit.ly/2lxDbrV.
Feeling Inspired Today
Today, some inspiration for fellow writers, and some insight for readers. In the spirit of “don’t just tell it, SHOW it”, here’s a quote from talented storyteller Neil Gaiman, which he said in his MasterClass: “I would much rather not tell you how to feel about something. I would rather you just felt it. . […]
Fireworks, Hot Dogs, and My Novel BIG MOUTH
It’s the Fourth of July. That means fireworks to celebrate U.S. independence, and the Mustard Belt to celebrate the winner of the Nathan’s Famous International Hot Dog Eating Contest. And what a winner it was today: Joey Chestnut, now 12-time winner, just ate 71 hot dogs & buns in 10 minutes! My middle grade novel […]
Always Working to Improve
Is it time yet?? This weekend, May 11, I get to gather with an amazing faculty and the fabulous authors and illustrators of children’s books. Our reason for convening? SCBWI-San Diego’s MayFest. Each year, the San Diego chapter of the Society of Children’s Books Writers and Illustrators hosts a full day of workshops for those […]
A Good Day with Paper and Pen
Outlining is a great writers tool. It has never worked for me, however. In fact, outlining was counterproductive for me. I’d outline my entire story… but then when that story insisted on changing as I wrote it, I’d fall into a frustrating cycle of re-outlining, writing, re-outlining, etc., making very little progress toward manuscript completion. […]
I’m Going to Walk in the Woods! (And Pitch Be Part of an Fab Writing Retreat)
I’ve been looking at photos of Mahoney State Park and getting quite excited. In September, I’ll be there, nestled inside a writing cabin, among other writing cabins, critiquing manuscripts and meeting with attendees for a wonderful weekend of writing and industry talk. We’ll fit in some social events, too. What a beautiful place to create. […]
I’m Going to Disney World! (and a Big, Excellent Writer’s Workshop)
I’m honored to be a part of SCBWI Florida’s wonderful Mid-Year Workshop in Orlando. It’s so fun to be with creative writers and illustrators, talking books, young reader, and craft. I’ll be a part of the YA track, covering teen novels. Picture book writers, illustrators, and MG/YA authors will all will find events for their […]
Read Your WIP, Mrs. Halverson!
Last Saturday was Read Across America Day. The Friday before, I read to two classes of fourth graders. What a treat! Because I’m always in teaching mode, I started with a quick bit about how a book goes from a writer’s pencil to the paper, then gets feedback from an expert so the author can […]
A Doubter Decides to Cheer On
I tend to be skeptical of discovered manuscripts, wondering if the author just didn’t finish them or consciously deemed them not right for publication. Maybe the manuscript was tucked away for good reason, and the publication of it wasn’t what the author wanted, for her/himself or for their readers. But I am curious to read […]
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