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 […]
Deborah on Faculty of 2019 Spring Writer’s Retreat
I’m pleased to be on the faculty of SCBWI-Southern California’s “2019 Spring Writer’s Retreat” for Middle Grade & Young Adult fiction at Tahquitz Pines in Idyllwild on April 12 – 14, 2019. I’m really looking forward to getting away, both as an editor (my role during the day for the writers I’ve been brought in for) […]
Get Ready to Read Across America!
On March 1, 2019, schools, libraries, and communities across America will celebrate literacy with the National Education Association’s Read Across America Day. Of course, reading isn’t a one-day thing. Read every day, everywhere–with books in cozy nooks, with phone apps while standing in lines, with audiobooks while driving, exercising, or doing chores. Parents, read to […]
Now I Want to Host a Silent Reading Party
So clever. Strangers gather in a comfy place to read in silence among fellow lovers of reading. But is it weird? The people who started this practice worried that it might be. But they threw the party anyway … and people came. And loved it! “Now we hear from people that they can’t fit reading time […]
More Than an Award List
So many fabulous books are published each year, but only a few can make the lists. So use the list as your key to fab book discovery. Type the award-winning book you love into online retailer sites, then look at the Other Customers Also Bought recs that come with it to find more great reads! […]
Editing Afield Means Happy Surprises
Sometimes I edit at home, but often I pack up my stuff and to go a nearby B&N cafe to work at a table there, surrounded by books. Some days I’ll pick a table by a window to catch a glimpse of the garden outside, but just as often I sit at a table alongside […]
Happy Halloween!
One of these days I’ll get a jump on Halloween and plan a book-related costume for myself. This year, I brought out an old favorite of mine… and the blue uniform I sewed for my Star Trek: Enterprise fan (HE got a jump on Halloween). Our Halloween co-stars are Scary Goblin and Random Star Trek […]
Deborah’s Tip for Character Development on Fab “Cynsations” Blog
I’m honored to be a Guest Blogger on the amazing Cynsations blog today, with my post “Deborah Halverson on Viewing Narrative Beats as ‘Revelatory’ Beats in MG/YA Fiction.” There so much power and potential in those moments between lines of dialogue — the beats. I explore that in the guest post. Here’s a snippet: “Perhaps we […]
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