We all fall into the “I don’t think I can” hole now and then. It’s interesting how a lot of writers and people in general have negative thoughts throughout the day: – I’m tired. – This is too hard. – I don’t have enough time. – I’m not good enough. – This is overwhelming. –…
Author: Karen Cioffi
Karen Cioffi is an award-winning author and children's ghostwriter. She loves to help those who want to be the author of a children's book fulfill their dream. Contact Karen today to get your story started!
Overcome Writer’s Block with Automatic Transcription
Contributed by Descript If you’re a writer — of books, essays, scripts, blog posts, whatever — you’re familiar with the phenomenon: the blank screen, a looming deadline, and a sinking feeling in your gut that pairs poorly with the jug of coffee you drank earlier. If you know that rumble all too well: this post is for you. Maybe…
Series Writing – Is It For You?
Contributed by Linda Wilson How big is your children’s book idea? In fiction, it might cover generations as in Philippa Gregory’s Cousins’ War and Plantagenet and Tudor Series, or growth of the main character which occurs in Nancy Drew mysteries. Have your pick of nonfiction topics that can blossom into a series from a single…
Writing a Book – Bait and Switch Editing
Contributed by Melinda Brasher Bait and switch tactics don’t usually work well in writing. Of course, surprises and twists are good, but if you write a romance and market it as a psychological thriller, you’ll disappoint readers. If you start a novel as a realistic, contemporary mystery, and near the end reveal that the real…
Self-Publishing a Picture Book and Vanity Presses
Sadly, there are still new authors who fall for the lure of self-publishing (vanity) services. And, while this article focuses on picture books, it’s solid advice for authors of other genres. As a ghostwriter, the majority of my clients hit the self-publishing road as do I think most of today’s authors. It’s just easier and…
Writing a Successful Children’s Series – 3 Key Elements
This is Part2 of writing a children’s series. And, if you’re a children’s writer of chapter books, middle grade, or young adult you can write one. To write a series, you need three things: 1. Strong characters In a ‘live’ workshop, Scholastic senior editor Matt Ringler noted that the most important element of a series…
Writing a Children’s Book Series – Different Types
I attended another ‘live’ workshop through SCBWI. This one was with Senior Editor Matt Ringler with Scholastic. He’s in the series department for chapter books, middle grade, and young adult. If you write in these genres, you’ll want to read on! In case you weren’t aware, Scholastic is the only publisher that deals solely with…
Villain or Antagonist – Is There a Difference?
Guest Post by Linda Wilson Is a villain and an antagonist one and the same? Sometimes, and sometimes not. First stop, the dictionary definitions: Mwa Ha Ha A villain is: 1. a cruelly malicious person who is involved in or devoted to wickedness or crime; scoundrel; 2. A character in a play, novel, or the…
Writing a Publishable Children’s Story: 12 Power-Tips
I’m a children’s author and ghostwriter, and I’m always honing my craft. I read lots of books and articles on writing and writing for children, as well as books in the genres I write. I also attend workshops and webinars by expert children’s writers and editors. If you want to write for children, you must…
Create Strong Story Settings with Visual Prompts
Contributed by Team Member Suzanne Lieurance Setting plays a big part in any novel or short story. And the best way to create a strong sense of setting is to “show” your readers where your characters are living out your story. But how do you do this? Well, it takes practice. Generally, you will want…