Category Archives: Resources

ODDS and ENDS for a new month

Posted on October 1, 2020 by

Happy October! Many things are going on this month that may have gotten buried in your inbox or desktop. Let me unclutter them for you. Nominations open today and close in just two weeks on October 15th. If you are … Continue reading →

Posted in Awards, Middle Grade News, New Release, Resources | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

WRITING DAY WORKSHOPS

Posted on August 7, 2019 by

Longtime Writer’s Digest Editor, Chuck Sambuchino manages these one day learning experiences. I went to a recent event in Colorado but many are scheduled throughout the United States and occasionally Canada through 2020. I often don’t have 3-5 days to … Continue reading →

Posted in Critiques, Literary Agents, Publishing, Resources, Writing | 4 Comments

The Battle with Non-Readers

Posted on May 1, 2019 by

When I first started this blog back in 2012, I featured a combination of writing tips, reviews, and reflections on my own writing. I also touched upon the needs of middle grade readers. Seven years later reviews have overtaken the … Continue reading →

Posted in Reading, Resources | Tagged | 4 Comments

KIDS AND PLEASURE READING

Posted on March 30, 2018 by

Are you frustrated with the lack of pleasure reading your tweens or teens are doing? Parents and teachers have all heard the excuses: I have too much homework. I’d rather play sports. There aren’t any books I like. I’ll just … Continue reading →

Posted in New Release, non fiction, Reading, Resources | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

You mean I’m not done?

Posted on June 16, 2017 by

The plot shines with all of the needed pieces to keep a reader turning pages and the characters are memorable. It looks like I can close the book (or rather the computer file) and call this one complete…. Okay, not … Continue reading →

Posted in Editing, Resources, Uncategorized, Writing | Tagged | 3 Comments

New Inspiration

Posted on April 14, 2017 by

I have my go-to list of sites I visit for writing inspiration and help. Ones like Janice Hardy’s Fiction University and Writer’s Helping Writers  have kept me entertained and informed on ways to improve and inspire my own writing. This … Continue reading →

Posted in Resources, Writing | Tagged , , , | 5 Comments

A Bright Place to Connect with Books: BRIGHTLY

Posted on November 4, 2016 by

Brightly is an ambitious project to help moms and dads raise lifelong readers.  Created by parents and avid bookworms, the effort is a partnership with Penguin Random House. The site is filled with book recommendations, reading tips, author essays and … Continue reading →

Posted in Resources | Tagged , | 1 Comment

A SCBWI ROCKY MOUNTAIN GATHERING

Posted on September 23, 2016 by

Last weekend I attended the 40th anniversary of the Rocky Mountain SCBWI Conference. What a fantastic time! Great speakers, food, and conversation. Nearly 300 people attended the two day chapter event. It struck me how little diversity there was in … Continue reading →

Posted in Resources, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Keep Moving Forward with Connections

Posted on February 25, 2016 by

Last weekend I attended one of the SCBWI local chapter’s Connect sessions. This one focused on how to hunt for an agent. It was hosted by author/illustrator Anna-Maria Crum. Anna-Maria and her colleague/fellow author, Hilari Bell, also run a business … Continue reading →

Posted in Literary Agents, Resources | Tagged , | 5 Comments

FIVE FOR THE FUTURE

Posted on January 28, 2016 by

I raced through the five Cybils finalists earlier this month giving me an opportunity to tackle the healthy stack of books in my TBR (to be read) pile. I also have an eye on the future and books yet to … Continue reading →

Posted in New Release, Resources, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 14 Comments