Jonathan Hunt's Heavy Medal blog on SLJ makes predictions for this year's big awards. Have your own? Comment below!
Thoughts on coming up with first lines of your novel
Robert Bacon, who blogs at Selling Books, has thoughts on first lines.Nothing is more critical than the first few lines of a story, since this will often influence whether or not a reader will continue with a work. And a great opening is never more important than for a non-established writer who is trying to... Continue Reading →
Another reason to seek an agent
Slush piles are starting to melt because publishers no longer want to pay to wade through them, according to the Wall Street Journal. (And yet, the same story claims Writers House gets 100 queries a month. Per day, maybe.)Anyway, it's an interesting read and covers both screenwriting and books. Here's the intro:In 1991, a book... Continue Reading →
Book market outlook for 2010
Publishers are playing it safe, though 2009 was better than expected. For fledgling authors, especially those of a literary sort, it's a tough prospect.Read the whole thing at Bookseller.com.
Here’s a query for a YA novel
Kristin Nelson has posted this query on her blog:Dear Ms. Nelson:I am seeking representation for my completed 62,000 word young adult novel, IN MEMORY OF.Sixteen-year-old Cass McKenna would take the company of the dead over the living any day. Unlike her high school classmates, the dead don't lie or judge, and they're way less scary... Continue Reading →
Conference registration coming soon
Soon you'll be able to register for our spring conference, which happens April 10 and 11 at the Marriott Redmond Town Center (there are also two events on the 9th, and illustrator's intensive and kid-lit drink night).If you've never been to one of our conferences, we hope you'll join us. We're offering something new this... Continue Reading →
Class: Storytelling through Picture Book Illustration
Doug Keith and Rollin Thomas are offering the next segment in their picture book class at Pratt. Here's the description:Whether you want to create a picture book or a graphic novel, this class will help you write/illustrate with effective storytelling through a visual medium. Learn to refine your ideas with a study of story structure... Continue Reading →
Oops! Are you overwriting?
This piece on Editorial Ass is full of chuckles and good advice:We need to talk about my editing pet peeve. And, well, to put bluntly, it's not me. It's you.I know that you think that saying things in a straightforward way is boring. I can tell, having worked through about sixty grueling pages of your... Continue Reading →
How should authors market themselves?
Nathan Bransford, as usual, has good insights:Instead: do what you're best at. Don't make yourself miserable doing what you think you should be doing, do what you enjoy doing. Utilize your time where it's best spent:- If you have a talent and passion for blogging: do that.- If you enjoy Twitter and know the ins... Continue Reading →
7 things I’ve learned so far
Jim Whiting sent along this essay by Jody M. Roy. It's full of wisdom about the writing and editing process.I particularly liked these bits:2. Editorial notes are both an immediate to-do list and a long-term lesson plan. I first transform editorial notes into a very specific checklist for my work in the coming hours or,... Continue Reading →