Look, there is almost NO reason for me to be posting this video of George Clooney, especially since the censors had to bleep out a certain word that rhymes with duck. But it's funny and he's George Clooney and he says something important about the role of confidence: it's 99 percent of what you need.
New agent seeking clients
Susan Hawk has joined the Bent Agency as an agent. Hawk, who was most recently marketing director at Henry Holt Books for Young Readers, will be representing young adult and middle grade authors and is actively acquiring nonfiction and fiction (especially literary fiction), as well as fantasy, science-fiction, historical fiction and mystery.The announcementGuide to Literary... Continue Reading →
Studio tours: Dana Sullivan
And now we have the studio of Dana "Sticky Love" Sullivan. You'll have to click to see the larger version because Dana cannot--CANNOT--be contained in small spaces, apparently.I have been so impressed with the neatness of these studios! As you can see, I operate in a Zen-like clutter that enables me to think freely while... Continue Reading →
Book trailer by Jennifer Wolf
Here's a book trailer Jennifer did for Bobbie Pyron’s YA book, “The Ring”. Jennifer has a bachelor’s degree in communications/broadcasting and she loves to do trailers. She offers a discount to SCBWI Western Washington members and is willing to offer her two cents to anyone who is trying to do a trailer on their own.Contact... Continue Reading →
Cool! See Dickens’ own edits
The New York Times has a copy of Charles Dickens' sole manuscript of A Christmas Carol, marked up with his revisions.Check it out.
SLJ: best books of the year
What should you read to study the craft? Here's a good list to peruse.
Studio tours: Paul Schmid
And now for a peek inside the amazing Paul Schmid's studio:Here is my new workspace, after having been crammed into a corner off the dining room for years. The most eagerly wanted feature is my 12 foot cork wall, where I can view up to three books in progress at a single blow.Most of the... Continue Reading →
How to take a critique
Nathan Bransford, the wildly popular literary agent who also recently sold his first novel, has good advice on how to handle an editorial letter/critique:1. When you get your editorial letter/critique, steel your resolve, read it once, put it away, and don't think about it or act on it for at least a couple of days.An... Continue Reading →
Good news for Justina Chen
Not only was Justina's book NORTH OF BEAUTIFUL honored with a best YA book of the year designation, the Curator for the distinguished Kerlan Collection of Children's Literature in the University of Minnesota contacted her and asked for her manuscripts and notes.These will be added to the collection along with the likes of Nancy Drew... Continue Reading →
Best writing advice of the day
This comes from Paul Schmid's 12-year-old daughter, who is as cool in person as her advice is smart:1. Figure out what you like. Write about what you like most.2. Think up the setting.3. Get the main characters. Your story would be especially interesting with a hero or two, and a villain.4. Remember three things: Beginning,... Continue Reading →