Sound

Use sound to add another dimension to your writing. 

http://michellehbarnes.blogspot.com/2014/08/renee-m-latulippe-sound-bitesmaking_14.html

Writer Blogs

Use this tool to find writer blogs of interest. 

http://www.writersblogfinder.com/faqs

Submission List

Look behind the scenes at how an agent crafts a list of editors to submit to.

http://literaticat.blogspot.com/2011/02/crafting-editor-submission-list.html

How Not to Start a Novel

These scenes might not be the best to choose for your opening. 

http://annerallen.blogspot.com/2011/09/13-ways-not-to-start-novel.html

Best Kidlit Books of 2014

All the most well-know "best of" lists in one place, courtesy of Publishers Weekly. 

www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/childrens/childrens-industry-news/article/64947-a-roundup-of-2014-s-best-book-lists-for-kids-and-teens.html

Response Times

What's an agent doing before he/she responds to your query? 

http://www.denpatrick.com/2014/02/response-times-guest-post-by-juliet.html

Are You Easy to Work With?

Follow these suggestions to make your relationship with your editor or agent better. 

http://kathytemean.wordpress.com/2014/08/10/agent-talk-7-ways-to-make-yourself-an-easy-author-to-work-with/

Adults

Even though we're writing for children, there's a place for adults in our stories. 

http://katiaraina.wordpress.com/2014/11/25/the-value-of-adults/

Book Release

What should you do in the month before your book is going to be released? 

http://www.adventuresinyapublishing.com/2014/11/preparing-for-release-month-by-kate.html

Deep Point of View

When the author disappears entirely from the story, you're in your character's deep point of view. 

http://writersinthestormblog.com/2014/10/diving-deep-into-deep-point-of-view/

Music for Book Trailers.

There are several sources of LEGAL music to use on your video. 

http://creativecommons.org/legalmusicforvideos

LGBTQ Stereotypes in YA

Here's a five-part blog series on how to avoid LGBTQ stereotypes in young adult novels.

http://www.malindalo.com/2010/06/avoiding-lgbtq-stereotypes-in-ya-fiction-part-5-resources/

Picture Book Structure

There are many different ways to structure your picture book. 

http://www.scbwi-illinois.org/pub/PrairieWind/?p=592

Social Media Etiquette

Avoid social media gaffes by using these tips. 

http://annerallen.blogspot.com/2014/04/the-10-commandments-of-social-media.html

New Agency

Newly formed Rising Bear Literary Agency will represent picture book through young adult authors.

http://risingbear.com/about-us/

Book Signing Checklist

What to do before, during, and after your book signing event.

http://www.amarketingexpert.com/book-signing-checklist-tip-29-52-ways-market-book/

Micro-Level Revision

After you've revised your manuscript over and over again, it's time to look at the individual words and sentences. 

http://www.adventuresinyapublishing.com/2014/11/craft-of-writing-micro-level-revision_7.html

Titles

There are many different ways to choose a title, and here are some examples. 

http://taralazar.com/2014/10/31/pre-pibo-day-6-dianne-de-las-casas-and-the-terrible-horrible-no-good-very-bad-title/

Agent Move

Lana Popovic has switched agencies to Chalberg Sussman and is actively looking for new middle-grade and young adult clients.

http://www.writersdigest.com/editor-blogs/guide-to-literary-agents/literary-agent-spotlight-lana-popovic-of-chalberg-sussman

Leaving Your Agent

If you and your agent no longer connect, maybe it's time to think about moving on. 

http://querytracker.blogspot.com/2014/07/when-happily-ever-after-ends.html

Writers' Conferences

Why should you go to conferences and how to get the most out of your experience.

http://annerallen.blogspot.com/2013/08/why-go-to-writers-conference-10.html

Ageism

How to incorporate older characters into your books while avoiding stereotypes. 

http://www.lindseymcdivitt.com/2014/07/07/5-stereotypes-positive-aging-picture-books-avoid/

Finding Your Audience

You need to think outside the box to expand your reading audience.

http://writershelpingwriters.net/2014/09/5-steps-finding-books-ideal-audience/

Backstory

How do you avoid the dreaded infodump while still giving your readers the information they need to understand your story? 

http://elizabethspanncraig.com/2515/write-compelling-balanced-backstory/

Mailing Lists

Here's a source for bookstore and library mailing lists. 

http://www.newpages.com/mailing-lists/

Types of Picture Books

Here are some types of picture books that work for different ages of children. 

http://www.writingpicturebooksforchildren.com/types-of-picture-books.html

New Agent

Heather Alexander has switched from editor to agent and is now representing picture book through young adult authors at Pippin Properties. 

http://www.kidlit411.com/2014/11/Kidlit411-Agent-Spotlight-Heather-Alexander.html

Kill Your Darlings

It's not always easy, but it's important to trim the fat from your manuscript. 

http://rateyourstory.blogspot.com/2014/10/courageous-cutting.html

Critiquing

Whether you're being paid or not, your critiques should always be professional. 

http://www.noshovelshere.com/?p=607

Social Media Errors

Avoid sabotaging your book promotion by making sure you don't do these social media goofs. 

http://jetreidliterary.blogspot.com/2014/10/ten-common-errors-in-social-media.html

Character Arc

Can you get a story published that's only about a situation, but with no character arc? 

http://www.helpingwritersbecomeauthors.com/2014/09/no-character-arc.html

Nonfiction Picture Books

What's involved in writing and getting published a nonfiction picture book? 

http://www.juliehedlund.com/melissa-stewart-12-x-12-featured-author-august-2014/

New Agent

Rich Richter has joined the Zachary Shuster Harmsworth Agency and represents picture books through new adult.

http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/childrens/childrens-industry-news/article/63934-rick-richter-joins-zachary-shuster-harmsworth-agency.html

Being Professional

What writing mistakes will signal to an agent or editor you're not professional? 

http://fromsarahwithjoy.blogspot.com/2014/09/top-7-mistakes-that-make-your-writing.html

Pantser of Planner?

Do you plan out your novels in advance or write by the seat of your pants. 

http://www.adventuresinyapublishing.com/2014/09/craft-of-writing-from-pantser-to.html

Picture Book Structure

There are many possible structures for a picture book. 

http://www.scbwi-illinois.org/pub/PrairieWind/?p=592

Short Stories

Short stories are alive and well in the young adult market.

http://www.allvoices.com/article/100001976

Getting Your Book Reviewed

It never hurts to ask nicely if you want someone to review your book. 

http://taralazar.com/2014/11/06/piboidmo-day-6-sudipta-bardhan-quallen/

Characters are Key

Your book might have the best hook in the world, but it won't be published without well-written characters.

http://taralazar.com/2014/11/06/piboidmo-day-6-sudipta-bardhan-quallen/

Reasons for Rejection

If your book is rejected, it doesn't necessarily mean it's poorly written. 

http://annerallen.blogspot.com/2011/05/what-it-really-means-when-your-book.html

Nonfiction

Do nonfiction books always have to have a story arc? 

http://donnabowmanbratton.blogspot.com/2011/07/do-nonfiction-picture-books-always-have.html

Dialogue Tips

Seven tools to help your dialogue be realistic, but still interesting. 

http://www.writersdigest.com/online-editor/the-7-tools-of-dialogue

World Building

Here are some techniques to use when creating a fantasy world for your story. 

http://www.adventuresinyapublishing.com/2014/10/craft-of-writing-world-building-tips-by.html

University Presses

Some books are better served by a university press than a trade publisher. 

http://cynthialeitichsmith.blogspot.com/2014/10/guest-post-margo-sorenson-on-pleasures.html

Similar Titles

When looking for an agent, how similar (or not) should your book be to his/her existing clients? 

http://literaticat.blogspot.com/2014/10/how-similar-is-too-similar-in-great.html

Booksellers and Librarians

When it comes to marketing, booksellers and librarians are an author's best friend. 

http://publishingperspectives.com/2014/09/an-authors-best-friends-booksellers-and-librarians/

Rights Reversion

What's involved in getting the rights to your book back from your publisher?

http://accrispin.blogspot.com/2014/10/how-to-request-rights-reversion-from.html

Colors

See samples of many of the colors that might be appropriate for your text. 

http://ingridsnotes.wordpress.com/2014/02/04/the-color-thesaurus/

Rhythm

Whether or not your picture book is written in rhyme, you still need to pay attention to the rhythm of your text.

http://kidlit.com/2014/09/15/i-got-rhythm/

The Agent Call

Prepare before you get the call from a prospective agent so you know what to ask. 

http://writersrumpus.com/2014/09/05/what-to-do-before-and-after-the-call-from-an-offering-literary-agent/

Public Speaking

How to make your talks easier for you and more engaging for your audience.

http://www.clarelydon.co.uk/2014/08/public-speaking-for-authors-top-ten-tips/

Opening Chapters

Ten things your opening chapter should do. 

http://annerallen.blogspot.com/2013/06/10-things-your-opening-chapter-should.html

Scam Literary Agencies

Don't get taken in by a bogus literary agency. 

http://annerallen.blogspot.com/2011/02/do-you-know-how-to-spot-bogus-literary.html

Book Fairs

Get exposure for your book by participating in a book fair. 

http://www.read.gov/resources/statefairs.php

Book Launch Parties

Make your book launch party a success by following these tips. 

http://writersrumpus.com/2014/10/03/tricks-and-tips-for-a-successful-book-launch-party/

Waiting to Hear Back

If you haven't heard back from an editor or agent, here are some thing you can do. 

http://www.elawreads.com/blog/2014/9/30/the-art-of-following-up-5-things-to-do-when-you-havent-heard-back-from-an-editor-or-agent

Book Trailers

How to plan what your book trailer should say and how to accomplish it. 

http://www.adventuresinyapublishing.com/2014/09/craft-of-writing-creating-treatment-for.html

Conference Tips for Introverts

How to get the most out of a writing conference, even if you're not comfortable networking. 

http://marielamba.wordpress.com/2014/09/29/agent-monday-conference-tips-for-introverts/

Reviewers

Here's a list of reviewers for traditionally published books. 

http://publishedtodeath.blogspot.com/2014/09/list-of-reviewers-for-published-books.html

World Building

Do you have to have your story's world completely figured out (and described) before you write the rest of your book? 

http://rateyourstory.blogspot.com/2014/09/worldingbuilding-as-you-go.html

Song Lyrics

Do you need to have the rights in order to song lyrics in your manuscript? 

http://annerallen.blogspot.com/2013/03/so-you-want-to-use-song-lyrics-in-your.html

Dialogue

How to make your dialogue sound as kids would really say those words. 

http://write2ignite.com/2014/09/10/14-tips-for-writing-believable-kids-dialogue/

Chapter Titles

Your chapter titles can do more than just announce the next pages of your book. 

http://www.helpingwritersbecomeauthors.com/2014/09/chapter-titles.html

Authors and Editors

How the author and editor partnership makes for a great book. 

http://accrispin.blogspot.com/2014/09/guest-blog-post-author-editor.html

Opening Chapter

Ten things your opening chapter should do. 

http://annerallen.blogspot.com/2013/06/10-things-your-opening-chapter-should.html

Character Based Plotting

Do you need to fully know your character in order to plot your book?

http://pcwrede.com/character-based-plotting-not/

Symbolism

There are many ways to incorporate symbolism into your story. 

http://writershelpingwriters.net/2014/07/5-important-ways-use-symbolism-story/

Scene Breaks

Here are some things you need to think about when you transition to another scene. 

http://nelsonagency.com/the-pesky-scene-break/

Prologues

Not all prologues are created equal. 

http://ingridsnotes.wordpress.com/2014/09/16/4-types-of-prologues/

Shorter is Sweeter

When you write picture books, you need to pare the text to the bare minimum. 

http://picturebookbuilders.com/2014/09/shorter-really-is-sweeter/

Writing Scams

Beware of scams perpetrated by authors and/or malicious others.

http://annerallen.blogspot.com/2012/10/beware-seven-deadly-writing-scams.html 

New Children's Agent

Rachel Brooks from the L. Perkins Agency is looking for fun picture books in addition to novels.

http://www.adventuresinyapublishing.com/2014/09/introducing-agent-rachel-brooks-from-l.html

Poetic Lines

How do you decide where to end each line in a poem. 

http://thelinebreak.wordpress.com/2010/11/06/lineation/

LGBTQ Friendly Press

Harmony Ink Press is moving to LGBTQ and YA books.

http://publishingperspectives.com/2014/09/harmony-ink-press-reaching-out-to-lgbtq-youth/

Grandparent Names

Lists of grandparent names, from the traditional to the trendy. 

http://www.grandparents.com/family-and-relationships/grandparent-names/grandparent-names

First Drafts

You've finished your first draft. Now what? 

http://annerallen.blogspot.com/2014/02/from-pathetic-to-professional-8-ways-to.html

Virtual Author Visits

What's the best way to give a presentation when you're not there in person?

http://picturebookden.blogspot.com/2014/09/10-tips-for-great-virtual-author-visits.html

E-Queries

How do you format email queries? 

http://www.literaryrambles.com/2009/12/how-do-i-format-my-e-query.html

Author Events

How to book author events and what to do at them.

http://www.nicolamorgan.com/publishing-advice-books/getting-and-giving-great-author-events/

Picture Book Tips

Twenty do's and twenty don'ts from Mem Fox about writing picture books. 

http://memfox.com/for-writers-hints/for-writers-20-dos-and-20-donts/

Career Planning

Agents can do more for you than just selling your book. 

http://scotteagan.blogspot.com/2014/08/the-role-of-agents-in-career-planning.html

Dialogue Tips

Written dialogue does not consist of simply writing down the spoken word. 

http://www.adventuresinyapublishing.com/2014/08/craft-of-writing-diatribe-on-dialogue.html

Series

You can still lay the groundwork for a possible series while writing a standalone book. 

http://kidlit.com/2014/08/25/laying-groundwork-for-series/

Writing Videos

Brian Sanderson has posted videos of all his lectures from his 2013 creative writing course.

http://www.writeaboutdragons.com/

Bad Reviews

Every book gets some bad reviews, but here are some ways you can minimize them for yours. 

http://colleencollinsbooks.com/blog/2012/11/30/three-tips-for-minimizing-bad-reviews-on-google-and-in-your-life

New Writer Mistake

The most common mistake new writers make is to rush to publication. 

http://annerallen.blogspot.com/2013/01/the-number-one-mistake-new-writers-make.html

Sound Effects

Add fun and interest to your writing with sounds effects. 

http://picturebookden.blogspot.com/2014/08/m-o-t-o-r-c-y-c-l-e-thoughts-on-sound.html

Write Faster

These three techniques will help you to increase your daily word count. 

http://www.sfwa.org/2011/12/guest-post-how-i-went-from-writing-2000-words-a-day-to-10000-words-a-day/

Leave Room for the Illustrators

Picture book writers can tighten their manuscripts by remembering the illustrations will help carry the story. 

http://taralazar.com/2010/02/20/saying-a-lot-with-a-little/

Three-Act Structure

Whether you're writing picture books or novels, the three-act structure is a common way to plot your story. 

http://ingridsnotes.wordpress.com/2013/03/29/three-act-structure-a-pair-of-spanx-for-your-novel/

There's a Book

This website contains reviews of many kids' books. 

http://www.theresabook.com/archive/

New U.K. Agency

Skylark Literary will specialize in children's and young adults books.

http://www.wordsandpics.org/2014/08/amber-caraveo-joanna-moult-to-set-up.html

Pen Names

Reasons you might want to consider writing under a pen name. 

http://www.deanwesleysmith.com/the-new-world-of-publishing-pen-names/

Powerful Picture Books

Eve Bunting gives a few hints on writing picture books. 

http://www.highlightsfoundation.org/3182/eve-bunting-pointers-for-writing-powerful-picture-books/

Amazon Author Pages

Increase your sales by using these strategies on your author page. 

http://kathytemean.wordpress.com/2014/08/06/amazon-strategies-sales-page/

Learning from Illustrators

Even if you write novels, your writing will benefit from thinking like an illustrator. 

http://www.notesfromtheslushpile.com/2014/07/what-writers-can-learn-from-illustrators.html

How Many Words

What's the typical word count for the different genres (picture book, middle grade, etc.)?

http://literaticat.blogspot.com/2011/05/wordcount-dracula.html

Hiring an Editor

Is it necessary for you to have your manuscript professionally edited before submitting? 

http://www.adventuresinyapublishing.com/2014/07/should-you-hire-editor-before-querying.html

Attending a Conference

There are many advantages to going to conferences with a writing friend. 

http://jetreidliterary.blogspot.com/2014/08/going-to-conferences-with-pals.html

Being a Writer

Contrary to what you might think, you don't need any of these things to be a successful writer. 

http://www.adventuresinyapublishing.com/2014/08/wow-wednesday-10-things-you-dont-need.html

Introducing Your Main Character

Fourteen things to do (or not to do) to introduce your protagonist. 

http://annerallen.blogspot.com/2011/09/14-dos-and-donts-for-introducing-your.html

Myths About Dialogue

Don't believe everything you're told about writing dialogue. 

http://www.jeshays.com/?p=662

Endpages

Endpages in hardback picture books help justify their higher price. 

http://picturebookden.blogspot.com/2014/08/do-hardback-childrens-picture-books.html

Selling Your Picture Book

Here are some things to think about as you try to find a publisher for your picture book.

http://www.writersdigest.com/online-editor/how-to-sell-your-picture-book

Middle Grade or Young Adult

What are the key differences between middle grade and young adult novels? 

http://www.writersdigest.com/online-editor/the-key-differences-between-middle-grade-vs-young-adult

Reader Pet Peeves

What bothers readers about a book? 

http://jodyhedlund.blogspot.com/2014/08/reader-pet-peeves.html

How Not to Start a Novel

Here are a few things not to put in your opening pages. 

http://annerallen.blogspot.com/2014/07/how-not-to-start-novel-four-things-to.html

Picture Book Agents

Not all agents represent picture books. Here's a list of some that do. 

http://www.childrensbookacademy.com/mondays-with-mandy-or-mira/100-picture-book-agents

Funny Novels

Why you should (and shouldn't!) write humorous novels. 

http://annerallen.blogspot.com/2013/11/how-to-write-funny-novelsand-why-you.html

How to be Easy to Work With

You don't want to be the difficult author no one wants to represent. 

http://kathytemean.wordpress.com/2014/08/10/agent-talk-7-ways-to-make-yourself-an-easy-author-to-work-with/

Bad Agents

It's true. A bad agent is worse than no agent at all. 

http://bookendslitagency.blogspot.com/2007/06/bad-agent.html

Sidetracking Your Success

Sometimes we're out own worst enemies. 

http://annerallen.blogspot.com/2014/07/ten-dumb-things-writers-do-to-sidetrack.html

Sequels

How much should you refer back to the previous book in a sequel? 

http://www.teachingauthors.com/2014/08/and-hits-keep-on-comin.html

Book Events

Get the most out of your next book signing or author visit.

http://behlerblog.com/2014/03/27/making-the-most-of-your-book-event/

Submission Checklist

Double-check these before submitting. 

http://writersinthestormblog.com/2014/07/submission-tip-checklist-double-check-these-16-things-before-sending-your-book-out/

Time Transitions

Sometimes you need to give your reader a hint when time elapses between scenes. 

http://ingridsnotes.wordpress.com/2014/07/28/transitions-in-time/

100 Children's Books to Read

A list from Amazon of 100 children's books everyone should read. 

http://www.amazon.com/b?ie=UTF8&node=9660210011

Twitter Hashtags for Writers

Here are some hashtags you may want to follow on Twitter. 

http://www.aerogrammestudio.com/2013/03/12/100-twitter-hashtags-every-writer-should-know/

Critique Group Advice

Though you should sometimes ignore the advice from your critique group, you should still have one. 

http://annerallen.blogspot.com/2014/08/why-you-should-ignore-most-of-advice.html

Agent Building List

Leon Husock, associate agent at L. Perkins Agency is looking for middle grade and young adult authors.

http://kathytemean.wordpress.com/2014/08/19/agent-looking-to-build-list-6/

We Need Diverse Books

The ground roots movement for more diversity in books now has an official organization. 

http://weneeddiversebooks.tumblr.com/post/93178270072/we-need-diverse-books-announces-incorporation-as-a

How Not to Write a Picture Books

Make your picture book better by avoiding these common traps. 

http://picturebookden.blogspot.com/2014/08/dont-do-it-how-not-to-write-picture.html

Revising Too Much

Overworking your revisions can sometimes be as bad as underworking them.

http://scotteagan.blogspot.com/2014/07/dont-over-work-your-manuscripts-you.html

When Agents Go Bad

How do you know if your agent has gone off the rails? 

http://jetreidliterary.blogspot.com/2014/04/agents-going-off-rails.html

Adding Depth

Adding more scenes is not the same as adding depth to your story. 

http://scotteagan.blogspot.com/2014/07/adding-depth-to-your-stories.html

Blogging Mistakes

Don't make these mistakes on your author blog. 

http://annerallen.blogspot.com/2012/09/top-10-self-sabotaging-mistakes-of.html

World Building

Editor Stacy Whitman answers questions about world building in speculative fiction.

http://blog.leeandlow.com/2014/06/19/ask-an-editor-worldbuilding-in-speculative-fiction-part-i/
http://blog.leeandlow.com/2014/06/26/ask-an-editor-worldbuilding-in-speculative-fiction-part-ii/

Can Self-Publishing Lead to an Agent

Hear what some agents think about using a self-published book to land an agent. 

http://theblabbermouthblog.com/2014/06/09/getting-an-agent-by-self-publishing-your-manuscript-what-some-agents-think/

Writing Mistakes

Ten things that will make an editor stop reading your manuscript.

http://www.elawreads.com/blog/2014/7/15/finishing-the-hat-ten-things-that-make-an-editor-stop-reading-your-manuscript

Pitch Equals Concept

In your pitch, you need to give the concept of your book. 

http://kathytemean.wordpress.com/2014/07/17/pitch-is-concept/

Serials

Things to consider if you're planning on writing a series. 

http://www.adventuresinyapublishing.com/2014/07/confessions-of-serial-novelist-part-2.html

Types of Book Publishing

As shown by this chart, there are many paths to a published book.

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B3BkwFa5qpaIci1BYUViWFJpdGc/edit

Picture Book Techniques for Novelists

Many of the lessons learned in writing picture books are also applicable to writing novels. 

http://taralazar.com/2014/07/08/using-picture-book-techniques-in-novels-by-anna-staniszewski/

Agent Submissions

What your submission looks like to an agent's reader. 

http://writersinthestormblog.com/2014/07/what-i-learned-about-submissions-as-a-reader-for-an-agent/

Giving Better Critiques

Are your critiques as helpful as they can be? 

http://writersrumpus.com/2014/07/08/are-your-critiques-as-helpful-as-they-could-be/

Getting Into Bookstores

How to get your local bookstore to carry your book. 

http://www.amarketingexpert.com/secrets-getting-bookstores-tip-14-52-ways-market-book/

What is Voice?

It's hard to define voice in writing, but we recognize it when we read it. 

http://www.adventuresinyapublishing.com/2014/07/what-is-voice-in-fiction.html

Searching for an Agent

Don't be scammed in your eagerness to find an agent.

http://www.victoriastrauss.com/advice/safest/

Pitch Etiquette

There's more to planning your pitch than figuring out what you're going to say. 

http://scotteagan.blogspot.com/2014/07/pitch-ettiquette.html

Challenging Content

Even picture books can contain darker themes. 

http://picturebookden.blogspot.co.uk/2014/07/challenging-content-in-picture-books-by.html

Writing Scenes

How to make your scenes, the building blocks of your story, the best they can be. 

http://ingridsnotes.wordpress.com/2014/07/01/4-tips-for-writing-great-scenes/

Writing Young Adult

If you're going to write young adult books, you should be reading them. 

http://terribleminds.com/ramble/2013/06/04/25-things-you-should-know-about-young-adult-fiction/

Do You Need an Agent?

Whether or not you need an agent depends on how you see the path for your career as a writer. 

http://www.adventuresinyapublishing.com/2014/07/agent-sara-megibow-on-whether-you-still.html

Conference Tips

Make your conference-attending experience a success by following these suggestions. 

http://scotteagan.blogspot.com/2014/07/10-things-to-make-conference-success.html

Reversion Clauses

With the advent of digital media, it's more important than ever to understand the reversion clause in your contract. 

http://accrispin.blogspot.com/2012/04/importance-of-reversion-clauses-in-book.html

Mischief In Kidlit

The Wild Things website is devoted to showcasing mischief in children's books. 

http://scotteagan.blogspot.com/2014/07/dont-over-work-your-manuscripts-you.html

New MG/YA Agent

Whitley Abell of Inklings Literary is looking for middle-grade and young adult books.

http://www.writersdigest.com/editor-blogs/guide-to-literary-agents/new-literary-agent-alert-whitley-abell-of-inklings-literary

Author Bios in Queries

What you should and should not include about yourself in a query letter. 

http://rateyourstory.blogspot.com/2014/07/what-do-i-write-author-blurbs-for-pre.html?spref=fb

Advice from Stephen King

Twenty-two suggestions on how to become an amazing writer. 

http://www.businessinsider.com.au/stephen-king-on-how-to-write-2014-7

Path to Publication

Here are some things to remember on your way to being published. 

http://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/2014/07/nine-things-writers-need-to-know-before.html

Picture Book Structures

There are many ways to structure your picture book, and here are seven of them.

http://www.writersdigest.com/whats-new/7-ways-to-structure-your-picture-book

Crafting Scenes

We all want to write great scenes that keep our readers engaged. 

http://ingridsnotes.wordpress.com/2014/07/01/4-tips-for-writing-great-scenes/

Writing Middle-Grades

Make your middle-grade novel unputdownable.

http://www.writersdigest.com/editor-blogs/guide-to-literary-agents/march-15-richard-ungar-4-keys-to-middle-grade

Writing a Series

When you're writing a series, the subsequent books usually have to be written quickly. 

http://acrowesnest.blogspot.com/2014/06/dianne-writing-series-what-i-didnt-know.html

Picture Book Revision

Here are some common problems in picture book manuscripts and how to correct them. 

http://www.writingforchildrenandteens.com/revision/revision-9-1-1-for-fiction-picture-books/

Pacing

Get your story moving and keep it moving. 

http://scotteagan.blogspot.com/2014/06/pacing-in-your-book-get-us-moving-and.html

Essential Story Ingredients

Make sure your stories contain these five vital ingredients. 

http://www.writersdigest.com/online-editor/the-5-essential-story-ingredients

Nonfiction Detectives

Two librarians review the best nonfiction books for children. 

http://www.nonfictiondetectives.com/

Writing Contests

Winning a writing contest can boost your confidence and maybe even lead to greater things. 

http://cynthialeitichsmith.blogspot.com/2014/06/guest-post-janci-patterson-on-writing.html

New Agent

Alexander Slater of Trident Media Group is looking for children's, middle-grade, and young adult authors.

http://www.writersdigest.com/editor-blogs/guide-to-literary-agents/new-literary-agent-alert-alexander-slater-of-trident-media-group

Unusual Words

Add interest to your writing by using fun and different words. 

http://taralazar.com/2014/06/09/list-of-200-fun-cool-and-interesting-words/

Agent Offers

What do you do after an agent says, "Yes?" 

http://literaticat.blogspot.com/2014/06/all-about-offer-etiquette-and-how-to.html

Writing Dialogue

Remember that written dialogue is different than real speech. 

http://cynthialeitichsmith.blogspot.com/2014/06/guest-post-giveaway-kristen-tracy-on.html

Foreign Rights

Even if you have an agent, it's important to understand how the sale of foreign rights works. 

http://project-middle-grade-mayhem.blogspot.com/2014/06/foreign-rights-for-dummies-aka-people_16.html

Show Don't Tell

We've all heard this advice, but how do you write it? 

http://www.adventuresinyapublishing.com/2014/06/the-real-meaning-of-show-dont-tell-and.html

Educational Materials

Having a teacher's guide for your book will help sell more copies. 

http://bookmarketingtools.com/blog/create-education-materials-to-sell-more-books/

The Role of an Agent

Having an agent does not guarantee a book sale.

http://scotteagan.blogspot.com/2014/06/understanding-role-of-agent.html

Tween Voice

To capture the tween reader, your book needs to have an authentically tween voice. 

http://kidswriterjfox.blogspot.com/2014/06/creating-believable-tween-voice-guest.html

Subtle Interiority

In addition to interior dialogue, you can inject emotion toward an outward object, place, or person via description or narration. 

http://kidlit.com/2014/05/19/subtle-interiority/

Query No-Nos

Keep your query letter professional by avoiding these no-nos. 

http://scotteagan.blogspot.com/2014/05/query-letters-day-3-no-no-list.html

Conference Tips

How to make the most out of your writers' conference.

http://junesmalls.blogspot.com/2014/02/writers-conference-tips-and-advice.html

Tough Choices

It's important for your character's growth to face tough dilemmas.

http://writerunboxed.com/2014/05/19/mckee-morsels-part-ii/

Young Adult Basics

Here are a few things to think about when planning your young adult novel. 

http://www.adventuresinyapublishing.com/2014/05/craft-of-writing-crash-course-in-basics.html

Querying Hints

Here are many hints about what to put and not to put in your query letter. 

http://mylifeasateenagenovelist.blogspot.com/2011/06/what-i-learned-from-query-shark.html

Interiority

How can you prevent your character's interior monologue from being all about telling? 

http://kidlit.com/2011/05/18/interiority-vs-telling/

Making Picture Books Sing

Use of these poetic tools will help make your picture book memorable. 

http://cynthialeitichsmith.blogspot.com/2014/06/guest-post-helen-ketteman-on-making.html

Pre-Flight Checklist

Forty question to ask before you send out your manuscript to make sure it's the strongest you can make it. 

http://www.adventuresinyapublishing.com/2011/06/forty-questions-for-stronger-manuscript.html

Editing on Spec

Should you accept an agent's revision suggestions with no promise of representation? 

http://www.literaryrambles.com/2014/04/agent-tina-wexler-skila-brown-guest.html

Promotion

Should you promote your book, yourself, or both? 

http://writerunboxed.com/2014/06/09/the-false-divide-between-book-promo-and-author-promo/

Proofreading Matters

Of course, it's all about the writing, but if you don't proofread your query/manuscript, the reader may never finish your story. 

http://selfmadewriter.blogspot.com/2014/06/what-authors-should-know-proofreading.html

The Gap

Make your book a page turner by taking advantage of the moment in your characters' lives when the world acts in a way that surprises them. 

http://ingridsnotes.wordpress.com/2014/05/21/the-gap-how-to-make-your-story-a-page-turner/

Crafting a Pitch

Answer these eleven questions to help you craft your fiction pitch. 

http://www.booksandsuch.com/blog/crafting-a-fiction-pitch/

Introspection

Don't be afraid to let your characters talk to themselves. 

http://scotteagan.blogspot.com/2014/06/dont-be-afraid-to-let-your-characters.html

Wordless Picture Books

How wordless picture books empower children. 

http://www.slj.com/2014/05/authors-illustrators/how-wordless-picture-books-empower-children-slj-day-of-dialogue-2014/#_

Ageism

Our children's books need diversity and non-stereotyping of older people. 

http://www.lindseymcdivitt.com/2014/05/16/we-need-diversity-in-aging-also/

Plotting

Michael Crichton used 3x5 index cards when plotting out his stories. 

http://writershelpingwriters.net/2014/05/michael-crichtons-method-plotting-story/

Curriculum Guides

Make it easier for teachers to incorporate your book into their lessons by providing a detailed curriculum guide.

http://kathytemean.wordpress.com/2014/05/27/tying-your-novel-into-the-core-curriculum/
http://kathytemean.wordpress.com/2014/05/28/curriculum-guide-darlene-beck-jacobson/

Fast Drafting

Commit to getting that first draft on paper and then put away the manuscript for later revision.

http://rateyourstory.blogspot.com/2014/05/how-to-achieve-high-and-publishable.html

What's Your Book About

Before you can perfect your pitch, you need to understand what your book is about. 

http://publishedtodeath.blogspot.com/2013/02/pitching-is-like-fishing-more.html

Getting an Agent

There are many myths associated with the process of acquiring an agent. 

http://www.adventuresinyapublishing.com/2014/06/so-youre-desperate-to-get-agent-heres.html

Art Notes

Another approach to use when you need to put art notes into your picture book manuscript. 

http://taralazar.com/2012/10/03/art-notes-in-picture-book-manuscripts/

Anti-Heroes

Why do we love anti-heroes, and why aren't more of them women? 

http://writerunboxed.com/2014/05/31/anti-heroes-why-devious-is-so-delectable-and-where-are-all-the-women/

Critique Comments

What if you don't agree with your critiquer's comments? 

http://www.shellicornelison.com/2014/06/celebrating-critique-comments-i-dont.html

Query Language

Use of effective language in your queries will increase the chances of receiving interest from an agent or editor. 

http://scotteagan.blogspot.com/2014/06/effective-language-in-your-queries-will.html

Writing Young Adult

Here are some tips for writing YA from author Seth Fishman. 

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

Publisher Mergers

What happens and what should you do if your publisher merges with another one? 

http://querytracker.blogspot.com/2014/05/when-your-publisher-merges.html

Nonfiction Picture Books

Led by children's book historian Leonard Marcus, a panel of picture book experts discusses nonfiction in picture books. 

http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/childrens/childrens-industry-news/article/62215-nonfiction-in-picture-books-a-panel-discussion.html

Disagreeing With Editorial Letters

What do you do when you receive suggestions from your editor that you don't agree with? 

http://www.booksandsuch.com/blog/difficult-editorial/

Rejecting Rejection

Remember that rejections are part of the business of getting published. 

http://www.thewritingbarn.com/2014/05/19/rejecting-rejection/

World Building Rules

Sometimes it's okay to break the rules when you're building a world for your book.

http://kidlit.com/2014/05/12/breaking-the-rules-in-world-building/

Overnight Success Stories

Most of the "landing an agent in a day" stories hide the years of work leading up to them. 

http://rateyourstory.blogspot.com/2014/05/how-i-landed-my-agent-meta-story.html

Plot Issues

Don't force them, but rather use them as an opportunity. 

http://scotteagan.blogspot.com/2014/05/dont-force-plot-issues-look-for.html

Editorial Process

Here's a description of three phases of editing: macro, line, and copy.

http://www.booksandsuch.com/blog/editorial-process/

#WeNeedDiverseBooks

Join the campaign to increase diversity in books. #WeNeedDiverseBooks 

http://latinosinkidlit.com/2014/05/05/make-the-weneeddiversebooks-campaign-a-movement-that-pushed-for-intentionality/

Query Letter Additions

Your query letter should only include those items specifically requested by the guidelines, such as the letter itself, SASE, and pages. 

http://jetreidliterary.blogspot.com/2014/05/ten-most-useless-things-you-mail-in.html

Being Nearly There

Sometimes it seems as if the hardest part of the writer's journey is when you've almost succeeded.

http://writerunboxed.com/2014/05/09/surviving-nearly-there/

School Visits

Hints for planning, preparing, and performing school visits. 

http://project-middle-grade-mayhem.blogspot.com/2014/05/planning-preparing-and-performing.html

Middle-Grade Characters

Middle-graders are becoming independent and starting to solve problems on their own or with limited help. 

http://cynthialeitichsmith.blogspot.com/2014/05/guest-post-giveaway-kami-kinard-on.html

Face-to-Face Pitches

Pitching sessions are a wonderful opportunity to talk with an agent about your manuscript, but they also have some problems. 

http://scotteagan.blogspot.com/2014/05/the-problems-associated-with-face-to.html

Disabled Characters

All children should have the opportunity to see themselves reflected in the characters of our books. 

http://www.slj.com/2014/05/diversity/disabled-characters-in-ya-literature/

Action Scenes

Action scenes add much more to your story than the action depicted.

http://ellaroutloud.wordpress.com/2014/03/11/dystropian-guest-post-sheryl/

Contemporary World Building

Just because you're not writing fantasy, that doesn't mean you can skimp on the world building. 

http://scotteagan.blogspot.com/2014/04/writing-contemporary-requires-just-as.html

Selling Your Book at Events

Things to do before and at events to sell more books.

http://www.amarketingexpert.com/52-ways-market-book-tip-1-sell-books-events/

Blog Tour Tips

How to arrange and conduct your blog tour. 

http://marielamba.wordpress.com/2012/03/25/blog-tour-tips-on-planning-your-journey/

Point of View Character

It's important to figure out whose story is it. 

http://querytracker.blogspot.com/2014/04/choosing-point-of-view-character.html

Meeting Deadlines

Here are some tips to avoid the ever-present distractions of life. 

http://scotteagan.blogspot.com/2014/04/avoid-distractions-meet-those-deadlines.html

Teacher's Guides

Teacher's guides aren't just for nonfiction. 

http://www.fromthemixedupfiles.com/2014/04/teachers-guides/

Don't Forget Setting

Your setting affects your characterization, plot, pacing, voice, and much more. 

http://cynthialeitichsmith.blogspot.com/2014/04/guest-post-author-editor-deborah.html

Finding the Right Title

Just remember, no matter how much you like your title, there's a good chance your publisher will change it. 

http://scotteagan.blogspot.com/2014/05/finding-right-title-for-your-book.html

TV Interviews

What you might want to know before you go on the air. 

http://buildbookbuzz.com/9-things-you-wish-you-knew-before-your-first-tv-interview/

Fantasy Worlds

Three tools to make your fantasy world more realistic and come alive. 

http://www.adventuresinyapublishing.com/2014/04/three-tools-to-make-your-fantasy-world.html

Endowed Objects

Giving your characters props does more than just surround them with things. 

http://www.thebrainlair.com/2010/12/keeper-by-kathi-appelt-guest-post.html

All About Agents

What do agents do, and do children's writers need one? 

http://www.institutechildrenslit.com/rx/ws06/skinny.shtml

Does Your Story Have Emotional Impact?

Your characters need to show both empathy and sympathy for other characters. 

http://scotteagan.blogspot.com/2014/04/does-your-story-have-emotional-impact.html

Author Panels

How to make your author panel run smoothly, even if you're not in charge. 

http://cynthialeitichsmith.blogspot.com/2014/04/the-perks-perils-of-author-panels.html

Transitions

Here's a handy list of useful transitional phrases. 

http://www.adventuresinyapublishing.com/2014/05/from-archives-narrative-transitions.html

Sometime It Is Who You Know

Never underestimate the value of networking with your fellow writers.

http://www.booksandsuch.com/blog/sometimes-know/

Query Letters

Yes, they do serve a purpose. 

http://scotteagan.blogspot.com/2014/04/your-query-letter-does-serve-purpose.html

Picture Book Tips

Five award-winning picture book authors give their advice. 

http://www.openbooktoronto.com/articles/writing_picture_books_tips_top

To Outline or Not

A third choice is to write the outline and then throw it away as soon as you start writing. 

http://www.adventuresinyapublishing.com/2014/04/craft-of-writing-why-outlines-work-for.html

Revision

Revision and polishing are not the same thing. 

http://www.mariondanebauer.com/blog/2014/04/1615/

Writing Out of Order

Rather than writing your novel from the first scene to the last, try writing them out of order. 

http://katiaraina.wordpress.com/2014/04/16/writing-out-of-order/

Editing for Agents

Many times an agent will give you feedback and suggest revising before offering representation. 

http://www.literaryrambles.com/2014/04/agent-tina-wexler-skila-brown-guest.html

Emotional Plot

Unless your character experiences highs and lows, your story will be flat. 

http://kidlit.com/2014/04/14/i-hate-nice/

Lack of Agent Communication

What might be happening if your agent has gone missing in action. 

http://jetreidliterary.blogspot.com/2014/04/agents-going-off-rails.html

Kidlit Blogs

Kidlitosphere Central contains links to a wealth of children's and young adult blogs. 

http://www.kidlitosphere.org/bloggers/

First Pages

A group of agents give advice on writing the first pages of a novel. 

http://chasingthecrazies.wordpress.com/the-f3/

Layers of Characterization

There are many layers you can give your character to add to their depth. 

http://scotteagan.blogspot.com/2014/04/layers-of-characterization.html

School Visit Toolbox

Bring a box of these essential tools on every school visit. 

http://kathytemean.wordpress.com/2014/04/08/the-little-magic-box-for-school-visits-and-signing/

Improve Your Writing

Nine ways to challenge yourself and grow your writing skills. 

http://jodyhedlund.blogspot.com/2014/04/9-ways-to-grow-in-writing-skills.html

Free Trailers

How to make a great trailer for your book without spending any money. 

http://www.adventuresinyapublishing.com/2014/04/craft-of-writing-how-to-make-killer_4.html

Do You Have a Good Agent?

Having no agent is better than having a bad agent. 

http://blog.nathanbransford.com/2014/04/8-ways-to-know-if-you-have-good-agent.html

Secondary Characters

What role do secondary and minor characters play in your novel?

https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1016917725611909564#allposts/postNum=11

Revision Strategies

Here are some quick and easy revision strategies. 

http://writersrumpus.com/2014/04/08/quick-and-easy-revision-strategies-for-days-your-brain-isnt-working/

Query Letters 101

Include all the information needed in a query letter, but make it short.

http://scotteagan.blogspot.com/2014/03/query-letters-101.html

Writing Tips

Here are some tips (not rules!) about the creative writing process. 

http://writerunboxed.com/2014/03/31/10-tips-about-process/

Alphabet Books

Writing an alphabet book isn't as easy as A,B,C. 

http://cynthialeitichsmith.blogspot.com/2012/05/guest-post-eric-pinder-on-x-files-why.html

Formatting Your Manuscript

Using standard manuscript formatting won't get you published, but it will help.

http://www.writingforchildrenandteens.com/writing-basics/how-to-format-your-manuscript/

Unlikeable Protagonists

A main character doesn't have to be likeable to be interesting and complicated, worthy of knowing better.

http://cynthialeitichsmith.blogspot.com/2013/10/guest-post-sarah-aronson-on-its-okay-if.html

How to Write a Query Letter

The purpose of your short query letter is to attract an agent's interest enough to request more of your work. 

http://kathytemean.wordpress.com/2014/03/25/how-to-write-a-query-letter-2/

Writing is Seeing

Author Kate DiCamillo tells us writers see and pay attention. 

http://www.katedicamillo.com/onwrit.html

School Presentations

Tips to get you invited back to schools. 

http://writerunboxed.com/2014/04/03/presenting-to-school-students-top-tips/

Emotional Anticipation

Build tension to build your character's emotions. 

http://kidlit.com/2014/03/24/building-emotional-anticipation/

Picture Books

Author George Shannon blogs about all things picture book. 

http://georgeshannon.wordpress.com/

Synopsis Checklist

Make sure your synopsis covers all these points before you send it out. 

http://kathytemean.wordpress.com/2014/03/20/synopsis-check-list/

Social Media Platforms

Agents weigh in on whether you need one or not. 

http://www.adventuresinyapublishing.com/2014/04/do-you-need-social-media-platform.html

Middle Grade Nonfiction

Here are some tips for writing nonfiction for the middle-grade level. 

http://middlegrademarch.com/2014/03/23/writing-middle-grade-non-fiction-by-carmella-van-fleet/

Slush Pile

Here's how a first reader describes the reality of the slush pile.

http://katiaraina.wordpress.com/2014/03/28/the-realities-of-slush/

Inspired Openings

As the saying goes, you only have one chance to make a good first impression. 

http://www.adventuresinyapublishing.com/2014/03/inspired-openings-make-your-first.html

Rhyming Nonfiction

Sometimes a poem is just what you need for your nonfiction topic. 

http://www.teachingauthors.com/2014/03/www-rhyme-nf.html

Money

How much money can you really make as a children's book author? 

http://scbwi.blogspot.com/2014/03/laura-purdie-salas-talks-money-and.html

Tension

Learn how to ramp us the tension in your novel. 

http://cynthialeitichsmith.blogspot.com/2010/12/guest-post-april-henry-on-just-add.html

Crafting a Series

Even if you're a pantser and not an outliner, there are techniques you can use when writing a series.

http://www.adventuresinyapublishing.com/2014/01/craft-of-writing-crafting-series-by.html

1,000 Words Or Less

It's not easy to write with the low word count of the picture book. 

http://metro.nyscbwi.org/news/a-story-in-a-1000-words-or-less/

50 Tips to Better Writing

From general tips to editing, here are suggestions to improve your writing. 

http://joshuakeith.net/50-quick-tips-how-to-write-better/

Writers' Conference Tips

Five simple tips to improve your experience at a conference. 

http://junesmalls.blogspot.com/2014/02/writers-conference-tips-and-advice.html

Transitions

Transitions help the reader switch from one idea/setting/time/person to another. 

https://writingcenter.unc.edu/handouts/transitions/

Pitch Sessions

What do agents think about when they listen to your pitch? 

http://scotteagan.blogspot.com/2014/03/what-are-we-thinking-about-during-your.html

Tips on Writing a Synopsis

Here are some things to consider when writing a synopsis. 

http://kathytemean.wordpress.com/2014/03/19/tips-on-writing-a-synopsis/

Picture Book Database

Search for picture book titles by category in this database. 

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

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

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/

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

Historical Fiction

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

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

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/

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

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/

Skype in the Classroom

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

https://education.skype.com/

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/

Rhyming Picture Book Month

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

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

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/

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Capstone YA Imprint

Capstone launches a new young adult imprint, Switch Press.

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

Agent Questions

Links to posts about questions to ask a prospective agent. 

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

Middle-Grade Themes

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

http://networkedblogs.com/U7o9l

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

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

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/

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/

Giving and Receiving Critiques

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

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

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/

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/

Character Wounds

Seven common themes for the psychological damage of characters. 

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

Writing Cross-Culturally

Ten great resources for understanding how to include diversity in your writing. 

http://blog.leeandlow.com/2014/01/24/10-great-resources-for-writing-cross-culturally/

Conference Dos and Don'ts

Get the most out of your conference attendance by following a few simple "rules." 

http://querytracker.blogspot.com/2014/02/conference-dos-and-donts.html

Thought Verbs

Show your story instead of telling via what your character thinks, wonders, believes, understands, etc. something. 

http://marmaladia.org/2013/08/07/practical-writing-advice-from-chuck-palahniuk/

Starting Your Novel

Find the place that feels right and start your novel there. 

http://scotteagan.blogspot.com/2014/02/where-do-you-start-your-story.html

Characters with Disabilities

How should you portray characters with disease or disability?

http://writewithfey.blogspot.com/2014/01/writing-about-character-with-disease-or.html

Color Thesaurus

What a great idea--color names to enliven your writing, displayed atop a swatch of the color. 

http://ingridsnotes.wordpress.com/2014/02/04/the-color-thesaurus/

Overused Words

Here are some great suggestions for words you can cut from you manuscript. 

http://writewithfey.blogspot.com/2014/01/words-to-cut-out-of-your-writing.html

First Drafts

It's not just you. Nobody writes good first drafts. 

http://www.rachellegardner.com/2014/02/good-first-drafts/

Is it MG or YA?

What determines if it's middle-grade or young adult--the age of the protagonist? the themes? the word choices? something else? 

http://jetreidliterary.blogspot.com/2014/01/question-mgya-divide.html

Advice From an Editor

Writing is editing and editing is writing. 

http://cynthialeitichsmith.blogspot.com/2014/02/guest-post-kallie-george-on-what-being.html

Endings

Make sure your book ends as strongly as it begins. 

http://kathytemean.wordpress.com/2014/01/14/tips-on-writing-endings/

Book Trailers

Eleven tips for making the most out of a book trailer. 

http://querytracker.blogspot.com/2014/01/11-tips-for-making-book-trailer.html

New MG/YA Agent

New agent, Laura Zats of Red Sofa Literary is open to queries for MG and YA novels. 

http://www.writersdigest.com/editor-blogs/guide-to-literary-agents/new-literary-agent-alert-laura-zats-of-red-sofa-literary

Writing Race

Ten questions to ask yourself when writing cross-culturally. 

http://www.mitaliblog.com/2009/04/writing-race-checklist-for-writers.html

Protecting Your Ideas

Even if another book comes out based on a similar idea to yours, it's all about the execution of that writing. 

http://www.booksandsuch.com/blog/protecting-your-idea/

Positive Traits

Use your characters' morals and basic needs to showcase their positive traits. 

http://elizabethspanncraig.com/1658/morals-basic-needs-influence-characters-positive-traits/

Interiority vs. Telling

How can you show your character's interior thoughts without lapsing into the dreaded "telling?" 

http://kidlit.com/2011/05/18/interiority-vs-telling/

Don't Quit Writing

Here are a few tips to help keep you on your writer's journey. 

http://taralazar.com/2014/01/27/students-authors-and-skype-believe-the-hype/

Skype Visits

A school librarian shares why Skype visits work for her and her students. 

http://taralazar.com/2014/01/27/students-authors-and-skype-believe-the-hype/

Writing a Series

If you're planning a series, it's a good idea to plan out the broader strokes. 

http://blog.janicehardy.com/2013/08/7-tips-on-writing-series.html

Rewriting History

Ten rules of thumb for writing historical fiction. 

http://elizabethspanncraig.com/1712/process-approaching-large-revisions/

Large Revisions

Organize before you revise to help avoid being totally overwhelmed. 

http://elizabethspanncraig.com/1712/process-approaching-large-revisions/

Inciting Incident

What is the even that really starts your story? 

http://ingridsnotes.wordpress.com/2014/01/22/inciting-incident/

Transitions

How to change scenes without resorted to the hackneyed, "meanwhile, back at the ranch." 

http://writerunboxed.com/2013/12/17/meanwhile-back-at-the-ranch/

World Building Tips

Even if you're writing realistic fiction, you still need to build the landscape of your story. 

http://kathytemean.wordpress.com/2014/01/21/world-building-tips/

Writing Out of Sequence

There's no law that says you have to write your rough draft in order from the first word through to the last. 

http://www.darcypattison.com/revision/writing-out-of-sequence/

Blog Tour Tips

Here are some tips to help you have a successful blog tour. 

http://sharingwithwriters.blogspot.com/2014/01/blog-tour-tips-reminder-or-new-ideas.html

Writing Group Rules

Hints from members of a writing group that has been together for twenty years. 

http://smack-dab-in-the-middle.blogspot.com/2013/12/writing-group-rules-by-claudia-mills.html

Creating Active Characters

What does your character want, what does she need to do to get it, and what stands in her way? 

http://writersrumpus.com/2014/01/17/creating-active-characters/

Opening Scenes

We need to care about your character in your book's opening. 

http://www.darcypattison.com/revision/muggle-world/

Fantasy Novels

Ignore the trends and don't write a "me too" novel.

http://www.institutechildrenslit.com/rx/ws06/appleorange.shtml

Research Links

Links to government, university, library, and other sites for doing research. 

http://www.institutechildrenslit.com/rx/wt06/getstarted.shtml

Query Dos and Don'ts

Agent Rebecca Sherman tells what you should and shouldn't do when querying. 

http://ingridsnotes.wordpress.com/2010/05/24/querying-dos-and-donts-from-agent-rebecca-sherman/

Write Great Dialogue

Ten tips to make your dialogue more believable. 

http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2012/11/19/how-to-write-good-dialogue-ten-tips_n_2159311.html

Worldbuilding in Science Fiction

How to create a universe for your story without using the dreaded infodump. 

http://malschmitz.hubpages.com/hub/How-to-Build-a-Universe

Revising on Spec

What to consider if an agent asks for revisions before offering representation. 

http://querytracker.blogspot.com/2010/04/agent-requested-revisions-interview.html

Subplots

Weaving a subplot into your novel will help bring out more facets of your characters. 

http://www.fictionfactor.com/articles/subplots.html

Rules for Writing YA

Teens despise fakes and won't read a young adult novel unless it feels real. 

http://www.guidetoliteraryagents.com/editor-blogs/guide-to-literary-agents/5-rules-for-writing-ya

Midwest Book Review

A description of one journal's way of doing it, gives insight into the book review process. 

http://www.midwestbookreview.com/bookbiz/advice/system.htm

Character Building

Use this online tool to see which archetype your character is. 

http://writeronline.com/

School and Library Visits

Get your understanding for the visit in writing using these forms as a template. 

http://groundreport.com/how-to-publicize-your-writing-by-speaking-in-schools-libraries-and-shopping-malls/

Reader Age

Though this article was written about magazine articles, it's also applicable to books.

http://www.institutechildrenslit.com/rx/ws05/agerange.shtml

Researching Agents

The Literary Rambles blog keeps adding to its interviews of kidlit agents. 

http://www.literaryrambles.com/2009/03/introducingagent-spotlight.html

Suspending Disbelief

Make it so your readers can't help but be carried along by your story. 

http://www.omnivoracious.com/2012/01/stacy-whitman-on-writing-cross-culturally-.html

Cross-Cultural Fantasy

It's important to be respectful of all cultures when you write fantasy. 

http://www.omnivoracious.com/2012/01/stacy-whitman-on-writing-cross-culturally-.html

Secondary Characters

Supporting characters tend to fall into certain archetypes. 

http://diymfa.com/writing/archetypes-for-supporting-characters

Inspired Openings

The more you care about your character, the better you can make your opening. 

http://childrenspublishing.blogspot.com/2013/12/inspired-openings-care-about-your.html

Successful Dialogue

Tips from playwriting can help improve the dialogue in your manuscript. 

http://writersrumpus.com/2013/12/20/how-to-write-successful-dialogue/

Bad Query Letters

If your query contains some of these, an agent might pass without even reading your manuscript. 

http://scotteagan.blogspot.com/2014/01/why-we-pass-on-projects-without-reading.html

Battles

How do you write a realistic and gripping battle scene when writing for children? 

http://writewithfey.blogspot.com/2013/11/writing-about-battle.html

Biographer's Challenge

In a biography, how do you make your character more than just his or her accomplishments? 

http://thewholemegillah.wordpress.com/2013/12/29/the-biographers-challenge-guest-post-by-catherine-reef/

Mapping Your Story

This simple method will help you keep track of multiple storylines. 

http://diymfa.com/writing/mapping-out-your-story

Character Chart

You can use this very detailed chart to learn more about your character. 

http://www.epiguide.com/ep101/writing/charchart.html

Trends in YA

Agents share how they view the upcoming market in young adult titles. 

http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/childrens/childrens-industry-news/article/59297-new-trends-in-ya-the-agents-perspective.html

Beginnings

Here are some hints to creating a good beginning for your stoyr. 

http://katiaraina.wordpress.com/2013/12/17/an-honest-promise-of-a-great-beginning/

Emailing Submissions

Formatting an email submission takes some work on your part. 

http://www.institutechildrenslit.com/rx/ws04/postage.shtml

Picture Book or Short Story

It's important to know if your manuscript will work as a picture book. 

http://kidlit.com/2010/07/26/picture-book-or-short-story/