How to Write and Publish Children's Books
I’m reading this great book called HOOKED by Les Edgerton, out from Writer’s Digest Books. It is awesome. Not only does Les have a great teacher’s voice, he gets into the nitty gritty of just why beginnings are so important, and then tells his readers how to nail this crucial part of their novels (he …
Continue reading “The All-Important Beginning and a Call for Submissions”
The Big Sur Workshop in Monterey, CA this weekend was SUCH a blast, as always. I met great writers, connected with some new and already favorite editors and got to spend some quality time with my beloved colleagues, which is always a special highlight of the conference for me. If any writers reading met me …
Continue reading “First Workshop Selection Posted Tuesday, March 16th”
Have you ever wanted to take a small group writing workshop intensive program in your pajama pants? Well, here’s your chance! Those of you who know me, know I’m not the most productive person. I take my time. I don’t bite off more than I can chew. JUST KIDDING. I’m a maniac. In fact, I …
When I first started this blog in 2009, I did a few critique contests and had a lot of fun providing feedback on small snippets of writing. I did another critique series in 2011. My wonderful social media assistant, Amy, pointed me to another blog currently doing this for thriller and mystery writers, and I …
Join me for upcoming webinars and events. Check this page for an updated schedule and registration information! Here are some raves from past attendees. You’ve helped me build my professional toolbox! – Danielle DeFauw I watched Mary Kole’s query webinar on Monday. Tuesday I wrote the most sweat-free query of my professional life. No joke! …
Over the holidays, I received a great question from Jenny about marketing a book and book launch ideas. She makes the very valid point that there’s so much focus on life before publication, because so many writers are striving to take that crucial step, and then there’s, perhaps, a dearth of information about what happens …
In Big Sur this past weekend, we had a collective “lightbulb moment” in one of my workshops about first draft novel revision and the difference between editing and revising. A writer had come to the Friday session, gone back to the drawing board, or so she thought, and returned with a revision on Saturday. We …
Continue reading “First Draft Novel Revision and the Difference Between Editing and Revising”
Not every sale happens quickly or easily, but when you finally make that connection with a project like this, it’s very gratifying. Such is the story of the middle-grade novel FLY A LITTLE HIGHER, PIPER LEE, by Dianna Dorisi Winget, pictured below. Dianna was one of my first clients and I loved everything about Piper …
Continue reading “Story of a Sale: Fly a Little Higher, Piper Lee by Dianna Dorisi Winget”
Writing is hard and intensely personal, which is why writers have a habit of taking criticism — any criticism — to heart. There’s a funny side effect of being an agent who blogs. On more occasions than I care to mention, I’ve gotten emails from my clients after a post, asking if the post was about …
Hey all, here’s my post from Tuesday, edited with today’s information: My query critique sold over the weekend (to fabulous blog reader Marybk, who got it for herself as a Mother’s Day present! Yay!). I’m so thrilled to be able to help (with your help, of course) the flood victims in Tennessee. Next up from …