My apologies if you received an email on Saturday evening with a link to an old blog post--blogger error! Rory's Promise was given away 5 months ago. I'm sorry for the confusion. Last week Jo Hackl, long-time member of SCBWI-Carolinas, shared the pitch and background of her debut novel, Smack Dab in the Middle of… Continue reading You Heard it Here First: Jo Hackl's Path to Publication – Part II
If you're a member of the SCBWI-Carolinas region, then you probably already know Jo Hackl's cheerful, friendly face. For three years she served as assistant Regional Advisor and for another three she was the voice of reassurance and encouragement as the Critique Coordinator at the annual conference. She and I have been in the region… Continue reading You Heard it Here First: Jo Hackl's Path to Publication Part I
When Tracey Adams of Adams Literary recommends a book, I listen. As a result, when I was given the opportunity by Recorded Books to listen and review the book Tracey recommended, the good braider (Skyscape, 2012) I jumped at the chance. For one fortunate blog reader, you'll be glad that I did. Following this review you'll… Continue reading The Good Braider: A Review and a Giveaway
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
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