CAROL GORDON EKSTER: In this wonderful #kidlit world, Laura Sassi stood out as a kind, supportive, and talented author. She’s a frequent visitor here at
Tag: writing tips
Going the Distance
Have you ever felt like you’re writing in circles? Have you ever felt like you’re writing in circles? Have you ever felt like you’re writing
Listen Like You’re Behind a One-Way Mirror
Or, Why you shouldn’t talk during your own critiques An encore post from 2014. Have you ever been part of a focus group? Eight to
When To Put Down Your Manuscript
This past weekend, I had the privilege of attending the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators New England regional conference (NESCBWI) While there, I
Come Over to the Dark Side: Scrivener
I write fantasy adventures, but I’m not adventurous when it comes to writing tools. I’ve always been a Microsoft Word person. And even with Word,
Want to Know Your Characters? Try a Character Sketch.
One of the hardest aspects of writing a novel, a good novel, is creating characters that are relatable. Whether you’re writing a 300 word picture
3 Ways to Keep Writing Resolutions
I’ve written resolutions on New Year’s Day faithfully since I was 8 year old. And somehow writing resolutions have almost always appeared. Some years I needed the writing resolutions more than others. Until I got married, I hardly needed them…I have 65 filled journals to prove my writing was free and unfettered!
The Plotter, Pantsed
Recently, I baked banana cookies. I was doing a series of posts on holiday recipes because my book, A Witch’s Kitchen, was #10 or 14
So You Didn’t Win #NaNoWriMo
With end of November last week, many people in the writing community struggled with finishing their 50K word goal for NaNoWriMo. If you were one
Hone Your Craft
I participated in the Arlington (Massachusetts) Book Festival last weekend, one of three on a panel discussing revision, and the moderator popped a surprise question
Book People Bonding
This is a story about book people, a table, and some croc-a-mole. Once upon a time Ron McCutchan, then Art Director for Cricket Magazine, had
Establishing a Writing Routine
The school year has started. Long gone are those endless days of summer where thousands of words flow out of me at my leisure. Being
A Newborn Writer Hits the Books, Hits the Streets, and Lands in a Chair
It started with an idea and a passion. To write. To find readers. And to get paid. Six months ago I decided to take myself
Meet Sandra Markle, author of more than 200 nonfiction books for children
I met Sandra Markle when I attended Jane Yolen’s Picture Book Boot Camp. The tall and stunning Sandra Markle stood out. I had no idea at
