For Adults:
Most writers have their favorite books about writing, so I’d like to share mine:
Are you in a critique group? I find them so worthwhile. If you are looking for one, your regional SCBWI chapter may be able to help. But whether you're in one or still looking, it is important to find people you trust and to offer (and receive) useful critiques. My best tip is that while praise and positive comments are nice, it's the "this isn't working" or "I was confused by" comments that really help move an author's work forward.
For kids:
Sometimes getting started is the hardest part of writing. When I get stuck, I find inspiration in THE MYSTERIES OF HARRIS BURDICK by Chris Van Allsburg. Another way to get ideas for a story is to write to a prompt. Here are several to get you started. And if you like the way your story turns out, send it to me!
Like many writers, I have written a number of pieces about writing. Several have appeared in the MidAtlantic SCBWI’s Highlighter Magazine. Here’s a little rhyme I wrote about writing, or rather about avoiding writing--enjoy!
There’s Some Jelly on my Keyboard
There’s some jelly on my keyboard, there’s some dust upon the screen.
There’s a re-run of Columbo on TV I haven't seen.
There are pillows to be straightened and a bill I have to pay.
So I guess I won’t get any further writing done today.
There’s a light bulb that needs changing and an email to be read,
And a button to be sewn on, if only I had thread.
There’s a cobweb in the corner and a fingernail to file.
So I guess I won’t be doing any writing for a while.
Most writers have their favorite books about writing, so I’d like to share mine:
- ON WRITING by Stephen King
- BIRD BY BIRD by Anne Lamott
Are you in a critique group? I find them so worthwhile. If you are looking for one, your regional SCBWI chapter may be able to help. But whether you're in one or still looking, it is important to find people you trust and to offer (and receive) useful critiques. My best tip is that while praise and positive comments are nice, it's the "this isn't working" or "I was confused by" comments that really help move an author's work forward.
For kids:
Sometimes getting started is the hardest part of writing. When I get stuck, I find inspiration in THE MYSTERIES OF HARRIS BURDICK by Chris Van Allsburg. Another way to get ideas for a story is to write to a prompt. Here are several to get you started. And if you like the way your story turns out, send it to me!
- The footsteps sounded closer.
- He was not like any of the other kids.
- I sat up in bed and heard it again.
- Or how about another story about ALFIE?
Like many writers, I have written a number of pieces about writing. Several have appeared in the MidAtlantic SCBWI’s Highlighter Magazine. Here’s a little rhyme I wrote about writing, or rather about avoiding writing--enjoy!
There’s Some Jelly on my Keyboard
There’s some jelly on my keyboard, there’s some dust upon the screen.
There’s a re-run of Columbo on TV I haven't seen.
There are pillows to be straightened and a bill I have to pay.
So I guess I won’t get any further writing done today.
There’s a light bulb that needs changing and an email to be read,
And a button to be sewn on, if only I had thread.
There’s a cobweb in the corner and a fingernail to file.
So I guess I won’t be doing any writing for a while.
Here are some links to websites about writing or other authors--kids, please check with your parents before clicking!
- www.kathyerskine.com
- www.robsanderswrites.com
- www.kimnormanbooks.com
- www.jacquelinejules.com
- www.beckieweinheimer.org
- www.wendyshang.com
- www.squealermusic.com/madclips/wordpress2/?page_id=2
- www.brennamaloneydc.com/
- www.scbwi.org/
- www.childrensbookguild.org/
- www.goodreads.com
- www.vistaprint.com (great place to order postcards of your book!)
- www.worldcat.org (to see what libraries have your book)
