Children's Writer & Sometimes Poet
“Rediscover the child in you so that you may write for the child before you,” literary agent, Stephen Fraser, urged a room of writers at the recent Marvelous Midwest conference. Challenge accepted. Just warning you, there will be no acting like adults here. These… Continue Reading “Squashing Your Outer Adult to Write for Your Inner Child”
I am pretending that I am retreating at a B&B as any smart writer would after another great SCBWI conference. She knows from experience she needs time to digest all those delicious morsels she filled and refilled her plate while at the all-you-can-eat-buffet of… Continue Reading “Reflections from My Pretend B&B Stay”
I have found a much needed shot in writing arm through 12 Days for Writers. On this third day of Christmas Julie challenges us to consider the successes we enjoyed in 2018. It’s so much easier to think about the places we fall short.… Continue Reading “2018 Successes”
In the spring the very kind local school librarian agreed to organize a group of beta readers for my current work-in-progress. (First tip: volunteer at your local public library or school library to build relationships with librarians and keep your finger on the pulse… Continue Reading “Tips for Working with Beta Readers”
On September 12, 2001
I stood before my class
of confused and scared third graders
and lied.
This is the face of satisfaction: Computer shut mission accomplished satisfied. But it’s really like this: 258 free verse poems roughed it’s an ugly baby right now but it’s complete! And it doesn’t take long to feel like this: What’s next? Reading Wired for… Continue Reading “Mission Accomplished”
I have a confession to make. I broke the cardinal rule of writing a rough draft. I’m ashamed to admit it, but I had to do it. I read my entire MS. I know, I know. Full steam ahead. No looking back. But I… Continue Reading “Confession”
You write about what you already know, right? But, you also write about things you want learn more about. Admittedly, after researching this topic I may be more confused than when I started. Let me see if I can work it out! The easy… Continue Reading “Documentary Novel vs Historical Fiction”