Congratulations to Linda Andersen for winning a copy of Two Girls Staring at the Ceiling. ********** When I recently completed reading John Bemis' first book in the Clockwork Dark Trilogy, The Nine Pound Hammer, I considered reviewing it here. But then I found this excellent review and figured I couldn't do any better. Instead, John agreed to answer questions about how… Continue reading The Nine Pound Hammer: An Interview with John Bemis and a Giveaway
This is my second blog post from the young adult workshop I recently attended. Erica Rand Silverman is an agent with Sterling Lord Literistic and Jacquelyn Mitchard is a prolific author as well as an editor-in-chief at Merit Press. Click here for Part I. Erica Rand Silverman These notes are from Erica's powerpoint presentation. * Research agents… Continue reading SCBWI Florida Workshop Part II- Querying in the Digital Age
Writers often wonder what agents really do all day long. Here is your opportunity to find out. Several months ago I picked up several books from Adams Literary that they were donating for giveaways to Talking Story. I was intrigued with the painted chalkboard wall where Josh, Tracey, Quinlan Lee; their assistant, Sam; and their intern, Ann; keep… Continue reading A Day in the Life of Adams Literary PLUS a Giveaway!
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In another totally random drawing, Rosi Hollinbeck, the SCBWI critique group coordinator for SCBWI in Northern California, won last week's giveaway contest! A copy of Chris Woodworth's new middle grade book, Ivy in the Shadows is on its way to California. Tracey Adams of Adams Literary kindly offered two copies and the second name I drew… Continue reading Two Winners and Some Winning Writing Advice
As every serious writer knows, the road to publication begins with crafting a memorable query. This fundamental tool of the writing trade must have muscle: its job is to capture an agent's or editor's interest, give a quick overview of your work, plus reflect your book's tone and your personality. And of course, all of… Continue reading Free Expressions Takeaway Part IV: Quintessential Queries
From left to right: (standing) Susan Walker, Quinlan Lee, MaryBeth Whalen, Carin Siegfried Angela Harwood, Amanda Phillips, Nancy Clare Morgan, (standing) Sally Brewster photo courtesy of Daniel Coston http://www.danielcostonphotography.com Recently the Charlotte chapter of the WNBA hosted a soup-to-nuts panel on the publishing industry. The panel was moderated by chapter president, Susan Walker. Quinlan Lee, an… Continue reading From Book Idea to the Book Shelf: The Process & Business of Publishing
At our recent SCBWI critique meeting, aspiring picture book author, Dorothy Price mentioned she had read on Rebecca Sherman's Writer House profile and on Teresa Kietlinski's profile for Prospect Agency that each were looking for individuals who could both write and draw. I wondered if this was a new trend, so I asked Harold Underdown and… Continue reading Author Illustrators
In the spring I published two interviews with Harold Underdown, children's book editor and children's publishing maven. In Part I he answered general questions about writing and publishing for children. In Part II he answered questions from illustrators. Here in Part III, Harold answers questions specifically about crafting picture books. Question: Recently I heard Tracey Adams of Adams… Continue reading Interview with Harold Underdown- Part III
...add sweet tea, the company of fellow writers and illustrators, and incorporate great advice from Adams Literary, then you have the recipe for a great schmooze. Which was exactly what happened last Saturday at the Fort Mill Library in Fort Mill, South Carolina. Josh Adams, Quinlan Lee, Tracey Adams Hosted by the Charlotte and Rock Hill SCBWI… Continue reading If You Give a Writer a Cookie….