Editing your picture book is more than using spelling and grammar checks. If you take the time to learn and incorporate better self editing techniques, you can become a stronger writer. I appreciate those who choose to be an editor. The editors I have worked with, truly enjoy their work. A good editor understands what you … Read more
When people ask me what I am writing, the truth is most of the time I am editing a story. While every author needs to have their manuscript edited by a professional editor, but authors can begin with a good self edit. I have found that incorporating self editing techniques before sending my manuscript off … Read more
Resolutions are great if you can stick to them. For me, by mid January I am back to my old habits. What if I told you that there was a better way to start your year? After reading One Word That Will Change Your Life by Jon Gordon I decided to try it. Each year I pick … Read more
A year in review is an opportunity for authors to look back at their writing life for the past year. Reviews can help you plan next steps for the new year. It is important to focus on what you were able to do rather than the rejections, less than shining critiques or contracts not offered. … Read more
November 15th is I Love to Write Day. It is a day for people of all ages spend time writing. You can write a poem, a love letter, a greeting card, an essay, a short story, start a novel, finish a novel … the possibilities are endless. John Riddle, started I Love to Write Day … Read more
As a former teacher, I believe that there is a lesson in most things. The lessons I have learned from Gertie Saves the Day could fill a notebook or two. Hard as it is to believe, it has been two years since Gertie Saves the Day was published. Happy 2nd Birthday Gertie! My launch date was September 8th and … Read more
Staying motivated as a writer can be hard. I have my fair share of days when pursuing my writing goals is the last thing I want to do. Writing is a journey and there will be times that you may lack the motivation to push past those moments. It is in those moments I try to … Read more
Why am I writing a Student’s Guide to Interviewing Authors? One of my all-time favorite children’s book authors was Tomie dePaola. I loved reading his books to my third graders. Strega Nona and Big Anthony and the Pasta Pot were two of our favorites. The more I read his books to my students, the more questions the children had that … Read more
Setting achievable writing goals is an effective strategy for most writers. Writing a book, whether a novel, memoir or children’s book is a difficult task. That’s why authors set writing goals. Authors often set daily, monthly and yearly goals that help them stay on track with outlining, drafting editing and revising their writing. In my … Read more
After the holidays I had trouble getting back to my writing. In fact, there were others in my writing group who admitted they too were having the same problem. It was reassuring to know that others were experiencing the same thing. We decided to brainstorm ways that might motivate us to get back to our … Read more
