Kids Lit
Reading or Reading Aloud?
Libraries buy quality books for all ages in the children’s department and hope to match the book with the…
February 8, 2024-
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Writing for YATell Me Again, Why Do We do This Writing Thing?
My thoughts are still marinating on the past year. I’m ticking off half-done accomplishments and not-so-successful projects. This type…
January 27, 2024 -
Magazine, Freelance, and CopywritingDIY Writing Sanctuaries: Converting Spaces into Inspiring Author Retreats
As a writer, you know that writing is both an art and a discipline. The best writers simply write…
January 26, 2024 -
Kids Lit
A Season for Something Else
One a scale of 1-10, parts of the year 2023 were a minus 6. We saw family, we traveled,…
January 6, 2024 -
Uncategorized, Writing for YA
Interruption of Plans or Ordained Opportunity
It’s the end of December, and for me, that means it’s time to pull out a fresh, ginormous, old-fashioned…
December 27, 2023 -
Magazine, Freelance, and Copywriting
The Write Image: Crafting Your Author Brand Through Image and Packaging
As a writer, you probably didn’t give much thought to branding and marketing when you wrote your first book…
December 14, 2023 -
Kids Lit
Bring Back the BackList!
The press, the marketers, and the bookstores all clamoring for autographs and first-day Amazon rankings! Then “NEW” is over.…
December 8, 2023 -
Writing for YA
How to Avoid Writing a Contrived Plot
I’ve been working on a story, and was a bit concerned my ending felt contrived. In my critique group,…
November 27, 2023 -
Writing RomanceREALISTICALLY RELATABLE
Making your hero and heroine relatable is key to creating characters your readers will care about, will laugh with,…
November 23, 2023 -
History in the MakingNancy Drew: Girl Detective
Searching for some fun details or a bit of drama to slip into your next fictional piece? Well, pull…
November 22, 2023 -
Mastering Middle GradeBeating Writer’s Block
It’s happened to all of us. The dreaded b l o c k. It’s the intersection of panic and…
November 16, 2023 -
Kids Lit
Help Me with My Book!
As more books are published in a variety of ways (traditional, self-pub, hybrid, assisted), a whole crop of people…
November 9, 2023 -
Writing for YA
Interview with Christy Finalist Sarah Watterson
Sara Watterson’s young adult novel, The Dreamer, was recently named as a Christy Award finalist for 2023. I thought…
October 27, 2023 -
Mastering Middle Grade
Pitch Perfect
You’ve worked hard to write your middle grade novel, and now you’re ready to sell it to a publisher.…
October 16, 2023 -
Magazine, Freelance, and Copywriting
Embracing Tech Advancements: Powering Freelancer Success in the Modern Landscape
Freelancing as a writer can be deeply rewarding. You’re getting paid to show off your wordsmithing skills and can…
October 14, 2023 -
Kids Lit
In 25 Words or Less…
“I was born as a small child…and did stuff.” My bio in nine words, but who’s counting? One piece…
October 9, 2023 -
Writing for YA
How and Why to Host Giveaways: Interview with Ya Author Callie Thomas
We all know marketing is a must. One of the tools authors can use to gain traction is hosting…
September 27, 2023 -
Magazine, Freelance, and Copywriting
Embracing Tech Advancements: Powering Freelancer Success in the Modern Landscape
Freelancing as a writer can be deeply rewarding. You’re getting paid to show off your wordsmithing skills and can…
September 14, 2023 -
Kids Lit
Yoo-Hoo Agents!
One gazillion years ago when I started writing on stone tablets, I never needed an agent to get published.…
September 8, 2023 -
Writing for YA
Writing Characters Readers Connect With Part Two
Last time we talked about some ways to write a character that evokes a deep connection with the reader.…
August 27, 2023 -
History in the Making
Paltry Pickings in the Pantry: World War 2 Food Rationing
Louise stared at the nearly empty sack of flour. Her eyes flitted to a canister tucked in the back…
August 23, 2023 -
Mastering Middle Grade
Why You should Tackle Tough Topics in Middle Grade Writing
If you love middle grade novels, you’re probably familiar with some of the unique characteristics of this genre. You…
August 16, 2023 -
Magazine, Freelance, and Copywriting
Writing in the Era of AI: Balancing Opportunity and Uncertainty
Artificial intelligence (AI) has changed the writing world forever. In the past year, AI has transformed from a niche…
August 14, 2023 -
Kids Lit
Inside the Ten-Foot Line: Conception to Publication Part One
As I wrote this article, I got an email from my publisher letting me know that the pre-order sales…
August 9, 2023 -
Writing for YA
Five Things You Must Do To Reach Teen Readers
Sometimes it’s hard to remember all the emotions, feelings, and concerns that young teens have. Times change, attitudes change,…
July 27, 2023
