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Take Three…
vampires in the story could transform into animals. This inspired me to write a novel about a young shape-shifter on a quest. I called it Ravyn’s Quest. I began typing the story on my tiny Mac Classic. I actually made 3/4 of the way through the manuscript before I realized I didn’t know how the story would end. I sent my character on this treacherous journey only to realize I didn’t know what she was going to do when she got to where she was going. I always thought in the back of my mind, some day I’ll finish it. And I did take it back out last year. I started over, from the very beginning. This time I’d make sure there were actually characters in the book and…
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Creating a Writing Nook
Where do you complete your writing? Do you have a zen-like place with the sounds of a gentle trickling fountain nearby? Perhaps there’s a vanilla scented candle burning and Enya playing in the background? I think that’s how I pictured it would be before I started writing seriously, but in reality my writing corner has consisted of this… A saggy spot in the corner of a 30+ year old couch. I must say some of my brightest ideas were penned (actually typed) from this very corner. While it is homey and comfortable it doesn’t exactly inspire me to write in a professional and focused manner. So this summer I made it…
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Update on the journey
Here is a blurb from my first ever Sunflower Scribe Blog Post: In June 2010, inspiration struck. My first children’s book main character, Iris the Colorful Spider was born. The manuscript is written and now I am learning more about the editing and publishing process. The journey has just begun and I have finally found my focus. I want to be a Writer. I have come to terms with the fact that this may be a process that is years in the making but, I am up for it! Carpe Diem! I hope you enjoy the ride! I know I will. So how am I doing in my journey now…
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Bullies!
No — not the mean kind that pull your hair and call you names, rather English Bull Terriers, of course! My family has owned and loved them for the past fifteen years. Some people refer to them as ‘lovable dogs in clown suits’. It’s no wonder that bullies spark so many of my children’s story ideas. Stories for Children Ezine Nov. 2011 My first magazine story, Max and Digby’s Big Day (cover featured at left) was loosely based on my sister’s Miniature Bull Terrier, Elmo. Here’s Elmo posing for a photo op after winning several agility medals. He is an excellent agility dog with many titles, but Elmo’s ever the…
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Pick of the Month: February 2012
I have been plugging away at my 75 Book Challenge. I have read 26 books so far. Awesome — yes! But, I still feel behind. Will I make it to 75 by the end of the year? I hope so! It’s been fun so far. Here is my favorite read from February 2012. Picture Book: Lost Boy: The Story of the Man who created Peter Pan by Jane Yolen This is lovely picture book biography about the life J.M. Barrie, author of “Peter Pan.” At 2990 words, this is probably not the best choice for a one-night bedtime story for young children. It might work if you spread it out over…
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Leaving Room
When writing picture book texts have you ever heard the following advice? ‘You must leave room for the illustrations.’ I know I have. As a largely intuitive person, I have soaked in the knowledge from classes, conferences, workshops, and reading slowly over time. I can compare my picture book texts from two years ago to texts from today and see a difference — more room. So how can you achieve this in your own writing? Here’s a few things that have worked for me. 1) Reading at least 30-40+ classic & new picture books. I don’t just mean flip through the pages, get the general gist of the…
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Pick of the Month: January 2012
I have a confession to make…this post is almost a month late. My oh-so-wonderful-plan was to choose my favorite books I’ve read, as part of the 75 Book Challenge, and write a lovely post about them each month. I still love the idea and intend on following through with it. So, without further ado, here are my top picks for January 2012. It was a hard decision, as I read a number of ‘curl up with a cup of cocoa and eagerly read me’ kind of stories last month. Wait — that’s every month! Picture Book: Shark vs. Train by Chris Barton Sharks and Trains! I think I hear those…
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Getting out of my bubble — My SDSU Writer’s Conference Experience
I love attending writer’s conferences, workshops, and critique groups with fellow children’s and young adult writers. I get to spend time with like-minded, spirited individuals who love children’s books as much as I do. And, I don’t get people looking at me funny for enjoying them either! This past summer, I received a wonderful piece of advice while attending a Children’s Writers Schmooze — ‘Expand your horizons. Don’t limit yourself to events just for children’s writers. Branch out! Explore events for other genres as well.’ I percolated over the idea for some time and finally decided to take the plunge. I signed up for the SDSU Writer’s Conference in San Diego, and will…
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12 x 12 in 12
It’s official! I’ve signed up to for the 12 x 12 in 2012 Challenge hosted by Julie Hedlund! What is this challenge all about?The premise is simple. Write 12 full picture books (with a beginning, middle, and end) in 2012. It’s ok if they’re not submission ready. The idea is just to put pen to page, while motivating yourself and other writers in the process. You can even earn prizes!! How about that? I know, I know — writing 12 full length picture books sounds like a daunting task, but as long as you have the intention of completing them, it’s worthwhile to sign up! I have heard of so many…
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How will you say 2012?
Happy New Years! It’s 2012! Like the old saying goes, “You say tomayto, I say tomahto.” Some will call it Two-Thousand-Twelve, some will call it Twenty-Twelve. Personally, from the years 2000-2011, I referred to the years by their long names. Two Thousand, Two Thousand-one, etc. But, a very wise friend, who also happens to be my brother-in-law, pointed out to me that historically this is not how we have referred to the years. 1900 is not referred to as One Thousand-Nine Hundred, but rather Nineteen-Hundred. It makes sense to me! So, in 2012, I’m gonna try changing it up, and see if it sticks. I will refer to the year…
