When I first started writing picture books about twelve years ago, I wasn’t aware there was a “formula” for writing them. I wrote from my
Tag: writing tips
Revising Your NaNoWriMo Mess-terpiece
By Heather Fenton If you, like me, participated in the highly-focused, highly-caffeinated National Novel Writing Month this past November, hopefully you have a 50,000 word
Shape Your Story, Part Two: Summon the Elementary Teacher in Yourself
By Carrie Charley Brown Writing a story is a lot like working a puzzle. We have to get the pieces to fit just right. What
Book Review: SAVE THE CAT! by Blake Snyder
I found SAVE THE CAT! The Last Book on Screenwriting That You’ll Ever Need through a novelist’s blog. I was scouring the internet for help
Does writing take courage? You bet!
By Carol Ekster I believe all that matters in life requires courage. I read that in Yoga Journal magazine. Sharing your art was one of
Who Are You Writing For?
This Fall, I was struck by a bout of writer’s block. I should point out that my writer’s block does not start with the blinking
Writing in Rhyme
By Liz LeSavoy Do you think in rhyme all of the time? Do your stories evolve with a rhythm to resolve? I’ve always loved the
Why Being a Writer Is Better than Creating Jelly Belly Flavors (A Tale of Gratitude)
Last week I did a school visit where we discussed “show don’t tell”. To keep things fun, I asked a few brave 5th graders to sample
Want to Write for Kids? Join SCBWI!
By Carol Ekster When I first started writing twelve years ago I was naïve and uninformed about the publishing industry. I thought I knew about
Finding Time to Write: Part 3
Part 3: The Writer’s Retreat If you’ve followed this series, you may have noticed a progression in quantities of time: Part 1, Writing While Waiting,
What Shape Is That Story?
While reading John Green’s Looking for Alaska recently, I was surprised by the shape of the story. It reminded me of other authors who have
What’s in a Character’s Name? Part 1
The etymology of names is something that has always interested me. When I was in high school, writing plays, I went to the local book
Back to School, Back to Work!
By Carrie Charley Brown You’ve taken the first day of school pictures, posted them on Facebook, and sent the kids back to school, backpacks and
Finding Time to Write: Part 2
Part 2: Hiding Out Even when you’ve been bitten by the writing bug and have no issues with coming up with ideas or wrestling with
WRITERS' RUMPUS 