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...
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
