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

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/

Author Speed Dating

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

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

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

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

Point of View Basics

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

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

Author Bio

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

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

Blog Post Blunders

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

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

Middle Grade Fantasy

The buzz from BEA 2013 is that middle grade fantasy is hot.

http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/childrens/childrens-industry-news/article/57627-bea-2013-middle-grade-buzz-is-fantasy.html

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

New MG/YA Agent

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

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

Titles

Seventeen things to consider when choosing your book title. 

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

Author Appearances

Author appearances can be more than just a book signing.

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

Commas

Here are ten key rules for correct comma usage. 

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

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

Graphic Novels

Graphic novels are one of the fastest-growing areas in the library. 

http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/libraries/article/57093-how-graphic-novels-became-the-hottest-section-in-the-library.html

New Publisher

Creston Books used kickstarter to fund the launch of its Spring 2013 debut line. 

http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/childrens/childrens-industry-news/article/51472-bay-area-author-kickstarts-new-children-s-publishing-venture.html

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/

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

Senses

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

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

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

Plot Structure

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

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

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

Good Picture Books

Ten key elements of good picture books. 

http://scarlettapress.blogspot.com/2012/11/what-makes-great-picture-book-10-key.html

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

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

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

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/

Blogging Exhaustion

Are you running out of things to say? 

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