I wrote a fantasy story geared initially toward the middle grade. Realizing the word count wasn’t enough for a middle-grade story, I changed it to a chapter book. Good idea. Right? Yes it was, but if you do something like this, you need to remember to check the age appropriateness of the words you originally…
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Become an Author – 5 Basic Rules
It may seem like becoming an author today is a simple decision. You just write something, get it up on Kindle, and you’re an author. Well, that’s true, but that doesn’t make you an author. Experienced authors wouldn’t consider you an author. And, chances are, if you get any readers, they wouldn’t call you an…
Being a Writer – Learn the Craft of Writing
In the June 2010 issue of The Writer, author Jane Yolen discussed the need to learn the craft of writing in an article titled, “Dedicate Yourself to a Writing Apprenticeship.” She explained that the process is slow and long, but is necessary to being a writer, to learn the craft of writing. If you’re wondering…
Critiques are Essential for Writers
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….
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…