As a children’s editor and book reviewer, I’ve read lots of manuscripts and books, and it’s easy to tell which authors haven’t bother to have their work critiqued. Any advice I give on writing for children or writing in general, I always include the importance of honing your skills and belonging to a critique group….
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!
Finding Children’s Story Ideas
Sitting at the computer with a blank Word document in front of you may be intimidating for a writer. You just finished one manuscript, or you’ve hired someone to ghostwrite a story, or whatever the reason is, you need or want to write a children’s story. Hmmm. What should it be about? You think and…
Back to School Basics for Teachers
By Karen Cioffi and Robyn Feltman Well, so much for summer break. The teaching grind is just around the corner. Yeah, yeah, two months off isn’t long enough, but hey, it’s pretty good. So, now it’s time to start getting in gear to go back to the professional attire and mindset, early morning rising, and…
Back to School Countdown for Kids
Five, four, three, two…yup, it’s that time of year again, rising early, getting to school on time, homework, tests…yuck! But you know, it’s not really that bad. If you’re prepared and get into the right mindset, that’s half the battle. Everything we have to do in life and come up against in life gives us…
Children’s Writing and Publishing Process – The Traditional Path
Children’s books fall into one of three primary categories: picture books, middle grade, and young adult. And, children’s writers need to take the necessary steps to achieve success whether aiming at traditional publishing or self-publishing. In regard to traditional publishing, there are four steps in a writing career: writing, submissions to agents and publishers, book…
Children, the Environment, and Story Telling
Children, the environment, and storytelling: a few simple words yet, when combined, can become a powerhouse for teaching children the importance of taking care of our planet. As an author, ghostwriter, rewriter, and coach, and a member of several writing groups, I’ve come to a realization. We, as a community, have a responsibility to advocate…
5 Must-Use Tips on Writing a Powerful Thriller (and most other fiction stories)
In Brian Klems’ Writer’s Digest Column on Writing, I read a great article titled, “The 5 C’s of Writing a Great Thriller Novel.” While I’m not a thriller writer, the information in this article is applicable to just about all fiction writing. There are fundamental elements needed in all fiction to make it reader engaging…
Characters or Story – Which Comes First?
A number of articles about writing for children, and other genres suggest knowing your characters inside and out before beginning the story. In fact, information suggests that the author builds the story around the characters once they are fully developed. While this is good advice, and many experienced authors recommend this technique, there are some…
How Do You Make a Good Story Worthy of Getting Past the Gatekeeper?
Just about every author knows about the “gatekeeper.” The dreaded acquisitions editor who decides if your manuscript is worthy of her attention and the publishing house’s backing. In other words, the editor who decides if your manuscript is worthy of a publishing contract. To make sure your ‘good’ story becomes a ‘worthy’ story, the Writer’s…
Are You Showing or Telling?
I’ve written about showing and telling before, but it’s such an important topic that I think more information is always helpful. Writing is an ongoing adventure…always something to learn and tweak and hone. A long while ago I wrote a children’s story and found I still had a bit of showing in it, noted by…