Monday, March 31, 2014

Picture Book Database

Search for picture book titles by category in this database. 

http://dlp.lib.miamioh.edu/picturebook/

Sunday, March 30, 2014

Agents and Sales

Just because you have an agent, that doesn't mean your manuscript will always sell. 

http://scotteagan.blogspot.com/2014/03/having-agent-does-not-mean-automatic.html

Saturday, March 29, 2014

Writing Picture Books

Here are a few basic rules you may not know about writing picture books.

http://writetodone.com/six-best-tips-writing-childrens-picture-books/

Friday, March 28, 2014

Nonfiction Research

One of the challenges is deciding how much of your research gets into the book and how much remains for research only.

http://rateyourstory.blogspot.com/2014/03/the-writer-as-archeologist.html

Thursday, March 27, 2014

Historical Fiction

Authors of historical fiction give reasons why it's important.

http://www.childrensliteraturenetwork.org/blog/radar/?p=856

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Pinterest for Authors and Illustrators

How authors and illustrators can use Pinterest to market themselves and their books. 

http://writersrumpus.com/2014/03/14/pinterest-for-authors-and-illustrators-you-bet/

Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Diversity Within Diversity

When writing diverse characters, it's important to remember they're not all the same. 

http://avajae.blogspot.com/2014/01/on-diversity-within-diversity.html

Monday, March 24, 2014

Write the Whole Manuscript

Why you need to finish your book before looking for an agent or publisher. 

http://www.booksandsuch.com/blog/write-the-whole-book/

Sunday, March 23, 2014

Skype in the Classroom

Use Skype for a virtual school visit anywhere in the world. 

https://education.skype.com/

Saturday, March 22, 2014

Sometimes It's Good to Be Rejected

Author Sarah Aronson looks back on a manuscript she's glad was rejected.

http://www.thewritingbarn.com/2014/03/10/rejecting-rejection-author-sarah-aronson/

Permissions

When do you need to seek permission for quoting material, and how to go about getting it. 

http://wolflit.com/how-and-when-to-seek-permissions-for-your-book/

Friday, March 21, 2014

Rhyming Picture Book Month

The first annual rhyming picture book month opens for registration of March 16, 2014. 

http://angiekarcher.wordpress.com/rhypibomo-countdown/

Thursday, March 20, 2014

Author Platforms

What it means, and doesn't mean, when agents and editors talk about having a strong author platform. 

http://janefriedman.com/2012/03/13/author-platform-definition/

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Strong Characters

What's the best way to create strong, believable characters? 

http://www.yavengers.com/2014/02/the-trick-gods-tricks-to-introducing.html

Tuesday, March 18, 2014

Prologues in Submissions

If the guidelines say to send the first x number of pages, should you send your prologues? 

http://jetreidliterary.blogspot.com/2014/03/question-oft-maligned-prologue.html

Monday, March 17, 2014

Word Choice

By the judicious choice of words, you can save pages of world building text, whether your book is fantasy or realistic, historical or contemporary. 

http://www.adventuresinyapublishing.com/2014/03/craft-of-writing-secret-art-of-word.html

Sunday, March 16, 2014

What to Look For In an Agent

You have to understand your own needs before you can decide whether or not an agent will be a good fit. 

http://scotteagan.blogspot.com/2014/01/what-to-look-for-in-agent.html

Saturday, March 15, 2014

Getting Ready to Pitch

The secret to good pitches is being prepared. 

http://scotteagan.blogspot.com/2014/03/getting-ready-to-pitch.html

Edit Without Mercy

It's not enough to be a good writer--you also have to be a good reviser. 

http://www.adventuresinyapublishing.com/2014/01/craft-of-writing-edit-without-mercy-by.html

Friday, March 14, 2014

Is It Young Adult

If the main character is a kid, does that automatically make it young adult? 

http://jetreidliterary.blogspot.com/2014/01/question-my-main-character-is-kid-but.html

Thursday, March 13, 2014

Fantasy Finales

Here's a list of fantasy series which have ended and are worth reading. 

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/lisa-parkin/12-young-adult-fantasy-book-finale_b_4794057.html

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Protagonists and Antagonists

Every story needs a protagonists, but it doesn't always need an antagonist.

http://writewithfey.blogspot.com/2012/08/protagonist-vs-antagonist.html

Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Capstone YA Imprint

Capstone launches a new young adult imprint, Switch Press.

http://www.prweb.com/releases/2014/02/prweb11583942.htm

Monday, March 10, 2014

Agent Questions

Links to posts about questions to ask a prospective agent. 

http://accrispin.blogspot.com/2014/02/questions-to-ask-your-prospective.html

Sunday, March 9, 2014

Middle-Grade Themes

Middle graders learn about these common literary themes in their language arts class. 

http://networkedblogs.com/U7o9l

Saturday, March 8, 2014

Grammar No-Nos

Sometimes it's okay to break the grammar rules--just look at the writing of these famous authors. 

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/02/20/grammar-rules_n_4768485.html

Friday, March 7, 2014

How to Write YA

Here are a few simple "rules" about writing young adult novels. 

http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/childrens/childrens-authors/article/61185-how-to-write-ya.html

Thursday, March 6, 2014

The Heart of a Character

Questions to ask in order to truly understand your character. 

http://ingridsnotes.wordpress.com/2014/02/24/character-questionnaire-getting-to-the-guts-of-character/

Wednesday, March 5, 2014

When the Publishing Process Goes Awry

It's not always smooth sailing to publication, even if you have an agent. 

http://writerunboxed.com/2014/02/16/first-line-of-defense/

Tuesday, March 4, 2014

Giving and Receiving Critiques

Newbery Medal winner Linda Sue Park gives detailed information about the critiquing process. 

http://lindasuepark.com/writing/critique.html

Monday, March 3, 2014

YA Novels Everyone Should Read

Young adult novels aren't just for kids anymore. 

http://flavorwire.com/434697/25-ya-novels-everyone-even-adults-should-read/

Sunday, March 2, 2014

Reading Like a Pro

Here are tips to make your school or bookstore reading professional.

http://blog.spalding.edu/mfainwriting/2013/07/02/reading-like-a-pro/

Saturday, March 1, 2014

Character Wounds

Seven common themes for the psychological damage of characters. 

http://writershelpingwriters.net/2014/02/help-character-wounds-list-common-themes/