The MiG Writers blog has posted on the difference between MG and YA novels, explaining how length, subject matter, intended audience, and other factors work together to determine where a book belongs: For those unfamiliar with the acronyms, MG = “middle grade” and YA = “young adult.” But what’s the difference? I’ve come across different... Continue Reading →
The NaNoNuj
Deb Lund, author of DINO-riffic picture books (and MONSTERS ON MACHINES), is offering encouragement for all you NaNoWriMo soldiers:If you know of anyone who might want a teeny-weeny daily NaNoNuj (for those who can't read and write at the same time -- literally just a few words), tell them to follow me on Twitter (deblund),... Continue Reading →
Writers and their blogs
You know who is the only writer who can get away with describing her ear infection, runny nose and assorted ailments? Jane Yolen.
On the book you wrote vs. the one you thought you were writing
Justine Larbalestier, author of LIAR and other YA novels, talks about her process in this interesting post: The Book You Thought You Were Going to WriteWhen I first got the idea for Liar I thought it would be a comedy. I thought it would be a goofy, screwball comedy with a protag who was lying... Continue Reading →
Tips for writing first drafts
Natalie Whipple has a great blog post on the art of the first draft: Oh, the first draft. Some people like them—some people hate them with the fire of a thousand vengeful ex-girlfriends. But no matter how you feel about that first draft, you have to write it! There is no getting around it, promise.My... Continue Reading →
National Bookstore Day coming up
Look! An announcement from Jaime Temairik. Let's all help get our favorite stores on the map. Read on: Hey YOU GUYS!Are you polishing your beanies for November 7th, National Bookstore Day?Well MSN Entertainment is. There's a bunch of new pages at the Bound blog dedicated to celebrating the best bookstores across the nation. And we... Continue Reading →
Sylvan Dell submission guidelines
They've updated their submission guidelines: The picture books that we publish are usually, but not always, fictional stories that relate to animals, nature, the environment, and science. All books should subtly convey an educational theme through a warm story that is fun to read and that will grab a child’s attention. Each book has a... Continue Reading →
826 Seattle: great class list
Want to learn to write from the woman who spun a mesmerizing vampire epic with incredible literary style? No, silly. Not *that* vampire epic. I'm talking about THE HISTORIAN by Elizabeth Kostova. She'll be teaching at 826 Seattle in January. Check out their whole (impressive) lineup here. Thanks to Brenda Winter Hansen for sending the... Continue Reading →
Perspective on the price wars
This comes from Puddnhead Books:With Walmart and Amazon racing each other to cheapen and devalue the worth of books, there are some consequences we all need to consider.If price is your first concern when buying books, you're in for a world of hurt.1. Low, Low prices mean the chain bookstores will fall first, and most... Continue Reading →
Mentor needed for high school writer (Lynnwood/Mountlake Terrace)
We received this email today and hope someone out there in the kidlitosphere can help. Please feel free to forward if you know someone who might be interested.Dear Reader,My name is M.E. [Ed note: Name changed to protect the identity of a minor.] I'm a student at Mountlake Terrace High School interested in creating a... Continue Reading →