Fantasy-Sci-Fi
Who’s Ya Buddy?
Crashing waves. Wild winds. Scratchy sand between my toes. I loved those summer days when someone’s mom would offer…
June 11, 2022-
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Kids LitOf Adjectives and Illustrators
“So how do you feel about art notes?” This came up to a panel of editors recently, and it…
June 8, 2022 -
A Lighter Look at the Writer's LifeSyrup, Anyone?
One thing I always tell budding writers, both in my classes at school and in my role as a…
June 6, 2022 -
ScreenwritingPowerful Storytelling
Movies are sometimes regarded as the most powerful form of communication. Although they are primarily visible, their reach goes…
June 4, 2022 -
Devotions for WritersWill I Ever Learn
They praised the gods of gold and silver, of bronze, iron, wood and stone. Suddenly the fingers of…
June 3, 2022 -
Writers ChatWriters Chat Recap for May Part 2
Writers Chat, hosted by Jean Wise, Johnnie Alexander, and Brandy Brow, is the show where we talk about all…
May 31, 2022 -
Writing with a Disability (Different Ability)Persistence Pays Off
I recently became a new speaker for the Brain Injury Association of America, a difficult and time consuming accomplishment.…
May 29, 2022 -
Book ProposalsGet Editors and Agents Excited About Your Proposal
Let’s begin with good news for writers. Despite what you may be hearing from literary agents and editors, every…
May 28, 2022 -
Writing for YAWhat I Learned by Writing for Anthologies
I’ve had two types of experience with anthologies. My first experience with contributing to an anthology was simple. I…
May 27, 2022 -
The Intentional WriterCommon Writer Questions: How to Convey Accents
“How do I write dialogue to show an accent or dialect?” I’ve often heard this question discussed at writing…
May 24, 2022 -
Writing RomanceLessons From the Movies
I recently watched Hudson Hawk, a (deservedly) lesser-known Bruce Willis movie. It was released three years after his smash…
May 23, 2022 -
History in the MakingThe School Bus, Early Rides and Development
Most folks are very familiar with big yellow buses boasting black-stenciled letters: SCHOOL BUS We can’t miss them. We’re…
May 20, 2022 -
Writers Chat
Writers Chat Recap for May Part 1
Writers Chat, hosted by Jean Wise, Johnnie Alexander, and Brandy Brow, is the show where we talk about all…
May 19, 2022 -
Mastering Middle GradeHooks
I recently read a few middle grade novels I could not put down, even when sleep called loud and…
May 18, 2022 -
Marketing SenseHow to Grow Your Audience Using Online Workshops: Part Two
Last month we began this series by choosing the marketing message for a workshop on ice fishing. Ice fishing?!?…
May 12, 2022 -
Guest PostsGetting Kids Excited About Creative Writing
Whether you have a child of your own or you’ve worked with them before, you already know that most…
May 9, 2022 -
Kids Lit
What is “High Concept”?
After the fifth editor said, “I am especially looking for high concept picture books. I can’t explain that, but…
May 8, 2022 -
Fantasy-Sci-Fi
Baby Stepping
The proverbial journey of a thousand miles begins with the one step. But it doesn’t end there. Writing an…
May 7, 2022 -
A Lighter Look at the Writer's Life
Ready for Camp?
Writers conference season is upon us, and I have all the feels. I’m excited about seeing old friends, nervous…
May 6, 2022 -
Screenwriting
Tight Writing
Tight writing has its place and purpose in all forms of writing, but more so in a screenplay. When…
May 4, 2022 -
Devotions for Writers
Will You STep into Your Bethlehem?
Do you realize you have something in common with Ruth the Moabitess? We’ll explore that in the exercise.…
May 3, 2022 -
Writers Chat
Writers Chat Recap for April Part 2
Writers Chat, hosted by Jean Wise, Johnnie Alexander, and Brandy Brow, is the show where we talk about all…
April 30, 2022 -
Writing with a Disability (Different Ability)
Do the Work
Last year I entered a pitch for my newest screenplay into a competition to get an opportunity to pitch…
April 29, 2022 -
Writing for YA
What I Learned by Being on a Pub Board
I was flattered to be asked to serve as a pub board member for a small publisher. I’m no…
April 27, 2022 -
Book Proposals
Test & Revise Your Elevator Pitch
Over the last few years, many writer’s conferences have been cancelled, postponed or gone to virtual meetings. The good…
April 25, 2022