What did you read in 2010?
Last year was the first time I kept a reading list and tracked what I read. And I have to say, I’m glad I did! I would have forgotten half of the stuff I read had I not written it down. So here’s my list (in no particular order). With a few exceptions, I’d enthusiastically recommend all of them! Walk Softly, Rachel by Kate Banks Things Not Seen by Andrew Clements Skellig by David Almond Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson...
Amy Tan on Creativity
This TED presentation is from 2008, but it covers an interesting aspect of creativity. Acclaimed author Amy Tan talks about the discomfort we often feel in the face of ambiguity. She describes how she’s embraced and has come to expect the serendipity that often influences her writing. Both humorous and engaging, the talk will perhaps leave you with different ways to look at the writing process and help you discover the stories inside you. If you’re new to the TED...
Prompt: What’s the Backstory?
As you walk to the bus stop, you encounter a woman sitting crumpled and sobbing on the sidewalk. What happened? Write the conversation that led to her breakdown. This was a scene that actually unfolded in front of me when I was in college. I was waiting for my bus in Harvard Square, and a woman walked into the street and just crumbled. I don’t think I’ll ever forget those five minutes. If you want to share, you can post...
2010 Reading List
One of my goals for the year is to compile a reading list and get through it. This may not sound like a lofty goal, but for me it adds accountability for the overall goal of reading more. It’s terrible to admit, but although I’ve always been a writer, I haven’t always been an avid reader. To me this is inexcusable since I firmly believe that reading improves your writing. But I’ve either been too busy, too tired, (insert excuse...
See Your Name in (High)lights
Since one of my goals for the year is to submit an article to Highlights Magazine, I thought it would be helpful to share some of the information I’ve come across. So far, the most important thing I’ve learned is that research is the best preparation. Having loads of ideas is great, but you should make sure the subject you choose is a good fit before you start writing. To do that, first go through at least the last year’s...
Picture Book Resources
I’m in the process of consolidating my personal blog with this site, so I’m bringing over a few relevant posts. Stay tuned for fresh posts coming soon! In the meantime, here are some great resources for picture book writers. 30 Days to a Stronger Picture Book – Darcy Pattison’s site is filled with helpful information. Her 30 Days information is broken up into smaller posts that she adds to frequently. Picture Book of the Day – If you’re looking for...
Poll: Best Advice for Writers
There are a million tips and nuggets of wisdom out there for writers. But I’m interested to hear what advice you’ve received that has been valuable to you. Leave a comment with your best advice (or cautionary story!) below. For me, there are a couple important ideas that keep me plugging forward. When I first began focusing on writing children’s books, I took some courses that had critique components. I’d submit, get comments back, revise based on the comments and...
Visual Prompt: The Table
Use the photo above as a writing prompt. Take 10-20 minutes and write a scene, poem, piece of dialogue or anything that comes to mind. The idea is to write freely without editing. Just let yourself go. If you’re having trouble getting started, ask yourself questions to dig for details. Who is the table reserved for? What is the location like? Are the people meeting going to talk business or pleasure? What do your other senses pick up?
10 iPhone Apps for Writers
As technology advances at the speed of light, writers have more tools available at their fingertips. Here are 10 iPhone applications that are essential for writers to have in their bag of tricks. 1. Dictionary.com – (Free) You’ll always need a dictionary/thesaurus within easy reach. The Dictionary.com app provides both. 2. Nameshake – ($2.99) Coming up with names for your characters can be difficult. But who says it can’t be fun? Nameshake lets you specify gender, origin and letter. You...
Enrich Your Writing with Surprising Details
Back in April, I attended the New England Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators (NESCBWI) conference. It was an amazing experience and I encourage all writers to attend conferences whenever possible. Author Cynthia Lord gave a keynote speech discussing her award-winning middle grade novel RULES, which tells the story of how 12-year-old Catherine deals with life and her younger autistic brother. During her talk, Lord described writing a scene where Catherine pushes her wheelchair-bound friend Jason around a parking...
Get Off Your Butt and Write This Month
We writers know we’re the worst procrastinators. Sometimes having a deadline (even an artificial one) gives the necessary kick in the pants we need. Luckily, November is a great month to renew your motivation and sweep out the summer cobwebs. Today marks the start of two great writing events, each tailored to a different group of writers. Want to write a 50,000-word novel by the end of the November? Then National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) is for you. Be sure...
Using Beginner’s Mind for Creativity
By Cheryl Jones-Reardon from The Mindful Path I’m not creative when it comes to painting, drawing or photography. But I am creative when it comes to problem solving. I attribute much of this to my mindfulness practice. Mindfulness is about living in the present
