Sunday, June 30, 2013

Theme

What is theme and how does it differ from plot? 

http://jodyhedlund.blogspot.com/2013/05/theme-what-is-it-and-how-do-we-develop.html

Saturday, June 29, 2013

Agent Warning Signs

Watch out for these red flags when you're choosing an agent. 

http://dailydahlia.wordpress.com/2013/05/13/when-agents-wave-the-red-flag/

Friday, June 28, 2013

Author Speed Dating

Here are some tips for quick meetings with librarians and booksellers. 

http://blogs.publishersweekly.com/blogs/shelftalker/?p=11110

Thursday, June 27, 2013

How to Fire Your Agent

What to do when it's time to part ways with your agent? 

http://jennybent.blogspot.com/2013/05/how-to-fire-your-agent-post-by-jenny.html

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Past Basic Editing

When you revise, you need to think about more than just the plot. 

http://scotteagan.blogspot.com/2013/05/go-beyond-wordsmithing-with-edits-and.html

Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Point of View Basics

Follow these basic rules to avoid confusion in your point of view. 

http://www.yourwriterplatform.com/blog-post-blunders/

Monday, June 24, 2013

Author Bio

What to include (and not include) in the bio section of your query letter. 

http://writerunboxed.com/2013/05/27/may-2013/

Sunday, June 23, 2013

Blog Post Blunders

It's best if you avoid these blogging mistakes and mis-steps. 

http://www.yourwriterplatform.com/blog-post-blunders/

Friday, June 21, 2013

Multicultural Picture Book Biographies

Author Don Tate offers advice on writing picture books from a multicultural perspective. 

http://writermorphosis.blogspot.com/2013/05/author-don-tate-tips-on-writing.html

Thursday, June 20, 2013

New MG/YA Agent

Emma Patterson of Brandt & Hochman Literary Agents is looking to build his list, including mg and ya authors.

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Editorial Letters

You'll run a gamut of emotions when your first editorial letter comes. 

http://operationawesome6.blogspot.com/2013/05/the-five-stages-of-editorial-letters.html

Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Titles

Seventeen things to consider when choosing your book title. 

http://www.helpingwritersbecomeauthors.com/2013/05/17-steps-to-reader-grabbing-title.html

Monday, June 17, 2013

Author Appearances

Author appearances can be more than just a book signing.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/matthew-dicks/post_4820_b_3293703.html

Sunday, June 16, 2013

Commas

Here are ten key rules for correct comma usage. 

http://bryanthomasschmidt.net/2013/05/06/write-tip-thou-shalt-not-sin-with-commas/

Saturday, June 15, 2013

Dialect

A little bit of dialect in a story goes a long way.

http://www.helpingwritersbecomeauthors.com/2013/05/most-common-mistakes-dos-and-donts-of.html

Friday, June 14, 2013

Thursday, June 13, 2013

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Agent Pitches

Here are some tips if you're lucky enough to have the opportunity to pitch an agent in person. 

http://carlywatters.com/2013/05/06/how-to-pitch-an-agent/

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Fantasy Cliches

If you use any of these fantasy tropes, be sure to do it better than it's been done before. 

http://wisb.blogspot.com/2009/06/top-10-overused-fantasy-cliches.html

Monday, June 10, 2013

Senses

Sensory description can enhance your characterization, setting, plot, and more. 

http://theeditorsblog.net/2013/05/04/come-to-your-senses/

Sunday, June 9, 2013

New Voices Award

Lee and Low's New Voices Award recognizes a manuscript by a writer of color. 

http://www.leeandlow.com/p/new_voices_award.mhtml

Saturday, June 8, 2013

Plot Structure

Here's a detailed description (and picture) of the classic three-act structure. 

http://www.magicalwords.net/carrie-ryan/plot-structure-chart/

Friday, June 7, 2013

Feedback Timing

Where you are in writing your manuscript determines the type of feedback you should be looking for. 

http://thebluestockingblog.blogspot.com/2013/05/feedback-but-when.html

Thursday, June 6, 2013

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Creating an Author and/or Illustrator Website

How to create a website that will draw the attention of teachers and librarians. 

http://cynthialeitichsmith.blogspot.com/2013/05/guest-post-creating-author-website-to.html

Tuesday, June 4, 2013

How Not to Get Published

Don't forget. There are always exceptions to every rule. 

http://www.notesfromtheslushpile.com/2013/05/notes-from-editor-how-not-to-get.html

Monday, June 3, 2013

Epilogues

What are the pros and cons of including an epilogue in your book? 

http://writewithfey.blogspot.com/2012/12/epilogue-or-not-to-epilogue.html

Sunday, June 2, 2013

Nonfiction and Dialogue

Putting dialogue into your nonfiction is a tricky proposition. 

http://www.hbook.com/2013/04/choosing-books/horn-book-magazine/danger-dialogue-ahead/

Saturday, June 1, 2013

Blogging Exhaustion

Are you running out of things to say? 

http://janefriedman.com/2013/04/22/reasons-to-keep-blogging/