Bruce gave us permission to reprint this; if you like it, consider signing up for his newsletter at the link below:THREE TIPS FOR A JUICIER PLOTPlots are like Christmas turkeys -- we're always looking for ways to fatten them up. Juicier plots feel more complex, more satisfying. They keep readers up late turning the pages,... Continue Reading →
How to Write a Novel
By Justine Larbalestier, author of five novels:First of all you need a computer. (Yeah, yeah, I know in the olden days they made do with quill, ink and paper, and typewriters—aargh! don’t get me started on how creepy and scary typewriters are—plus, whatever, this is not the olden days.)More secrets revealed on her blog (including... Continue Reading →
Get This: It’s anti-plagiarism day
How Publishing Really Works has a roundup today of famous cases of plagiarism. It makes for fascinating reading--especially the parts that point out how we're most likely to be victims of other writers. Gulp!
Research Geekery from Kirby Larson
The author of HATTIE BIG SKY finds her facts in the most interesting places, including old travel guides. Read more about it here.
Quote of the Day: David McKee
"Picture books should be shared books, which can be looked at again and again by parents and child. I like to think that I'm writing for the adult that the child will be, and the child that the adult still is."(Read an interview with the author of Elmer here.)
Get This: thought-provoking articles and posts
Nikki Grimes thinks artists of African descent are getting robbed in the Caldecott Awards.Replacing Best Books for Young Adults with a Reader's Choice Award: pros and cons.Seven things every author's website oughtta have: a guest post on Nathan Bransford's blog.How to read out loud: advice from Neil Gaiman.
Calendar: Upcoming Events
We have some great events featuring our members coming up. For more information, click the links on the calendar on the left side of your screen:Joni Sensel Query Workshop: Hooks, Lines & StinkersSat, Jul 181:00pm - 5:00pmRichard Hugo HouseTrish Harding: LETTERS ALIVESun, Jul 194:00pm - 5:00pmVillage Books in BellinghamRichard Jesse Watson and Benjamin (Squeal!) Watson... Continue Reading →
Good News
Jenn Chushcoff reports news of a contract with Jumping Jack Press for her first children's book, a pop-up about snowflakes, tentatively titled, SNOWFLAKES: TINY TREASURES. Their paper engineers and artists are creating the illustrations. It's due to be released 8/2010.Deborah Reber announces that the website for the teen-authored memoir series she created and edited for... Continue Reading →
Announcing our 2009-2010 Professional Series Program
This year, our monthly professional series moves to the second Tuesday of the month. Meetings will be in the same room as last year--Demaray Hall Room 150, on the Seattle Pacific University campus. They start at 7 p.m. sharp and we encourage people to show up early for socializing, snacking and shopping at the book... Continue Reading →