Michele Torrey sends this along: I first met Susan Marlow at a writers' critique group, where we took turns critiquing one another’s book excerpt or short story. I immediately “took a shine” to Susan. She was down-to-earth, insightful, and funny, her writing strong and resonant. Although at the time she’d not been published in the... Continue Reading →
A Lovely Story Behind Many Lovely Stories
How did the Carolrhoda imprint at Lerner Publishing Group get its name? The story is on their blog. (Thanks to Gail Martini-Peterson for the link.)
Seasoned Authors: Teaching Opportunity!
David Greenberg at the Oregon Coast Children's Book Writers Workshop sends this along:I am seeking well-established children's book writers to instruct at the Oregon Coast Children's Book Writers Workshop 2010. If this interests you, please review our website and send a brief message describing the books you've written, genre specialty, and your teaching experience.
How to Write a Picture Book That Shines
The people at Children's Book Insider have created this helpful video.The Children's Book Insider publishes the Children's Book Insider newsletter, and they manage a popular online community.
Committing Crimes in the Name of Rhymes?
How do you tell if you've written bad verse?When you read it aloud are you tempted to curse?Actually, forget that.Just read Cynthea Liu's blog. She's posted an article from Kelly Fineman on the topic of critiquing your rhyming children's books. In a nutshell: read it to yourself, read it aloud, and count the feet accurately.
Jay Asher in Bellingham Saturday
Late breaking calendar announcement:Jay Asher, author of THIRTEEN REASONS WHY, will be speaking and signing books at Village Books in Bellingham on Saturday, July 25th, at 2:00 p.m.For more information see Village Books' website.
PW Reviews Children’s Books
From PBs to YA novels, what fall books got stars from PW? Lucy Cousins, Jane Smiley, and Kristin Cashore, for starters.
School Library Journal Book Club Call
Found this on Twitter:sljournalLast call: YA/kids authors who do *free* 20-min bk club visits via Skype Send name/URL to slj[at]reedbusiness[dot]com. Deadline: Mon 7/20Translation: If you are a YA or children's author willing to do free 20-minute book club visits using Skype (a free, voice-over-Internet telephone service), send your name and Web site to [email protected] by... Continue Reading →
Worst. Book Signings. Ever
Chances are, you will never have a book signing as bad as the ones described on this blog. But if you do, well, think of the stories you can tell.
Creating a Villain? Give Him a Bad-Boy Name
A study of more than 15,000 names given to boys born between 1987 and 1991 revealed something interesting: a top-10 list of names that led to juvenile delinquency.Read more about the list and learn the surprising list top-10 bad-boy names: Alec, Ernest, Garland, Ivan, Kareem, Luke, Malcolm, Preston, Tyrell and Walter.