Friday, May 28, 2010

ARE YOU STEREOTYPING YOUR SETTING?

Are you stereotyping your setting? What do you think of when I say Iowa? Corn fields, right? Before I moved here that’s what I thought too. During one of our recent Harley trips I discovered there's a lot more to Iowa than flat corn fields…





Nathan, Kristin, and Angela Ackerman have some wonderful posts about the importance of setting. As a historical fiction (wannabe) writer, setting is key. The details must be right. Research is a priority. My good friend Jessica has a great post about her quest to get setting right for historical fiction she's working on.

My research comes from visiting England, digging  my way through antique shops, questioning family and friends, reading books from the time period in England (both fiction and non-fiction), and hunting on the web for more information.

How are you making sure you aren’t stereotyping your setting? Please share…

P.S. Have a safe and happy holiday weekend!

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

BRUSSLES SPROUTS...


Every once and a while you have to try something new…

As a kid, I never did like Brussels Sprouts, but I ate them. All good English children eat their Brussels Sprouts... Last week I was watching one of those cooking shows on the Food Channel and they were cooking Brussels Sprouts. I thought hmmm, that sounds a lot better than boiling them in water till they are soft (soggy).

I adapted the recipe a bit...Boil the Brussels Sprouts for four minutes. Sauté in olive oil (small amount) with sea salt and chopped garlic (to taste) for five minutes.

The thing that surprised me the most (other than that I liked them) was the color they turned. They were a brilliant green.

Have you tried anything new lately? Food? Trip? Writing? (Whatever...) Please share.

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

TIPS FOR TUESDAY...

The great Patti Gauch said that what makes a good fantasy is the details...You must embed real world details in your fantasy to make it believable.  I've been thinking about this a lot, as I'm writing a mg hf novel.  Today, as I was searching (frantically) for a speech given by Winston Churchill on September 9, 1940 and I discovered a wonderful site: The Quotation Page.  If you need to quote someone to give your novel some real world details this is a great place to find that quote.  I couldn't find any radio speeches given during the time period I was looking for (I guess they were busy with The War), but I did find a wonderful quote from Winston Churchill:

“…One ought never to turn one's back on a threatened danger and try to run away from it. If you do that, you will double the danger. But if you meet it promptly and without flinching, you will reduce the danger by half.”

Do you have a TIP FOR TUESDAY to share?

Monday, May 24, 2010

AND THE WINNERS ARE...

Catherine and Amy were selected by random.org, as the winner's of Gene Gagliano's book MY TEACHER DANCES ON HIS DESK.  They each will get a signed copy.

While I was working through losing Stripes several of my lovely blog friends gave me some awards and I'd like to pass them on:

Wendy, aka Quillfeather, has a lovely blog full of interesting and informative posts.  If you haven't checked her head down under...well, err..to New Zealand and have a look around.  :)

I'd like to pass this along to a few of my new blog friends...Brian and Jacqueline have creative cat blogs.  If you love cats check them out.

So let's see four truths and one untruth about me....
1. I'm 5'5.5" tall.
2. I've been to five countries including the US.
3. I'm a women's rights activist.
4. I've helped build a Habitat For Humanity house.
5. I was honored by the American Red Cross in Missouri a few years ago.

This award comes from one of my new critique group members: Hema.  Hema has an insightful blog full of deep thoughts.  I'd like to pass this award along to...Joany who has been steadily blogging and emailing even in her dentist induced tortured condition and to Talli who posts the most wonderful pictures of England and Wales and makes me a little bit homesick.

This lovely award came from Shannon.  Shannon is all over the blogging world.  I think I have yet to visit a site that she hasn't made a comment on.  I'd like to pass this along to Jill. She's a Christian romance writer and has a lovely blog.  She's the one who motivated me to post my weekly goals.  I'd also like to present this award to Jennifer, aka Old Kitty.  She and her cat Charlie frequent a lot of blogs and leave wonderful insightful comments.



This sweet blog award came from Jade.  Jade is in the middle of trying to make a big decision about her career.  So hop over and see if you can offer up any advice...I'd like to present this award to Dawn.  I met Dawn through Mark McVeigh and hope you'll check her out.  I'd also like to present it to A.L. (Amy).  I had the honor of reading the first 15 pages of one of her manuscripts.  To me it's a huge honor when someone wants my advice on a piece.  (big smile)  If you haven't checked out these blogs...give 'em a shot.  (really big smile)



Again, I'd like to thank all of you for helping me during my struggle with losing Stripes.  Over the past two weeks I discovered a whole new world of bloggers.  I had no idea people blogged about so many topics.  Seriously, I just thought blogging was a writer thing.  I found a whole world of bloggers that appear to be cats...cats that can type and take beautiful photographs.  (wink)  I found bloggers that talk about different diseases.  Blogs that are about our current culture and ones about decorating and crafts.  I put a few of my favorites on my sidebar.

Have you discovered any non-writer blogs that you have to check on, just because they make you smile?  Feel free to share.  I'm close to reaching my new blogs visited (and commmented on) goal for Jackee's May Scramble.  I promise, I will go visit any blogs you list (unless I think they are naughty ones...).

Thursday, May 20, 2010

SHHH…I’VE GOT SOME INSIDER INFORMATION…

A few weeks ago, I was scanning my email, when I saw “it.” My hands began to tremble and my heart began to race. There was an email from Literary Agent Mark McVeigh in my in box. I had been fortunate enough to win a Skype chat with Mark in February. To my surprise, Mark invited me to attend a webinar he was conducting about the publishing industry. Naturally, my technophobia kicked in causing my hands to perspire and my knees to knock. (But then I thought back to our Skype chat and the volume sign he held up to let me know that he couldn’t hear me. I knew he’d help again if I was having technical problems.) I accepted Mark’s invitation. Who wouldn’t? He was giving me another wonderful opportunity to learn about the publishing world.


Mark hosted a group of lucky followers in his first 90 minute webinar. We were able to see and hear Mark and ask him questions. We also could see each other and had a chat box on one side of the computer screen. It was a great experience and I’d like to share some of the advice Mark gave us.

-When researching agents, keep an individual file on each of them with their likes and dislikes. (Study your targets; Google them, read interviews, blogs, and their website.) This way you won’t have to look up their information repeatedly; you’ll have it all organized when you are ready to query them.
-Follow their submission policy; not following could automatically throw you out of consideration.
-All of your correspondence should be business like. (Just because you feel like you know them from their blog, doesn’t mean you’re buds and you can write to them like they are old friends.)
-Know the market; what is selling and what is not selling. Pay attention to the Publisher’s Market Place, it will give you lots of information about agents, editors and what is selling.
-Keep good records of who you have queried.
-Show editors and agents that you are a versatile writer.
-Don’t be afraid to ask questions.

Mark talked to us about how to pitch your manuscript both orally and in a query. He even discussed what to do when you get an offer. (I think that means he has faith in us.) In the 90 minute webinar, Mark gave us so much information! I had five pages of notes. He also gave us an assignment. (Knees knocking, again…) We were assigned to write a query letter for one of our projects, using all of the information he had given us in the webinar, and he would do a line by line edit and a follow up. Talk about a great guy!

During the webinar we shared our email addresses and decided to start an online critique group; Mark One (page at a time). If you check out my sidebar you can see some of the other lucky writers that Mark invited to this webinar.

One of my favorite things that Mark said during our webinar was, “Be Fearless! Decide who you are and be it.” I think that’s wonderful advice. I am truly grateful to Mark for taking me under his wing. If you haven’t checked him out please hop over to his blog and his website…Who knows, you might find your perfect agent…

If you are interested in future webinars, email me at skmayh at q dot com.

BTW…Who has surprised you by taking an interest in your writing? 
*******
FYI: check out my book give-away, DL's This is Sparta celebration and sign up for Jackee's May challange...

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Author Interview with Eugene Gagliano and a signed book give-a-way...


I’d like to introduce you to another one of my successful writing buddies. I met Eugene Gagliano at the 2008 Highlights Foundation Summer Workshop at Chautauqua. Gene already had several published books, but came to the conference to see some old friends and get his creative juices going. Well it must have worked for him, because his book MY TEACHER DANCES ON THE DESK made the 2010-2011 Delaware Diamonds Book List (grades 3-5 category) children's choice award. You may recognize Gene’s name from your children’s AR (Accelerated Reader) list. He also was nominated for the Western Writer’s Spur Award in 2006-2007 for his book FOUR WHEELS WEST and nominated for the Indian Paintbrush Award in 2005-2006 for the SECRET OF THE BLACK WIDOW. Gene doesn’t have a blog (yet), but he has a wonderful website and I hope that you will hop over and check it out.




Me: So Gene, tell us about your most recent books.

Gene: My most recent books were released a month apart by Sleeping Bear Press, so I’d like to mention both of them. My Teacher Dances on the Desk is a collection of poems that I wrote while I was an elementary teacher. Most of the poems are humorous and address themes with universal appeal. V is for Venus Flytrap, a Plant Alphabet is written in a two tier format with a rhymed verse for each letter of the alphabet for younger children and sidebars with further or related information for older students to adults (really a book for all ages). A wide variety of topics is included such as carnivorous plants; fascinating and unusual plant facts; the importance of conservation and environmental stewardship; exotic species and their locations; and food crops and the world economy. The book is enhanced with beautiful watercolor illustrations by Elizabeth Traynor.


Me: What is your best advice to aspiring authors?

Gene: My advice to aspiring authors is to practice, be persistent, and patient. Read, read, and read the kinds of books you want to write. Join writing organizations like the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators and read their bulletins, attend writing workshops, conferences and join a critique group. Networking is very important. Enter writing contests and apply for grants. Write what you feel most passionate about and believe that you can do it. Think of your rejection letters as building blocks to success.


Me: Gene, some writers have a strict writing routine, do you?

Gene: I usually like to write in the morning from 8:00 to 11:00 a.m. If I’m under a contract or working on a middle grade fiction manuscript, I’ll work longer. In the afternoon I prefer to do my reading of bulletins, “how to books”, or library books. I also spend time on marketing and preparing for author presentations.
Me: Are you an outliner?

Gene: Yes, I am. When I begin a middle grade fiction book I try to state the premise of the book in a short paragraph. I make character descriptions, and then I make an outline of about a dozen possible chapters for the book. It gives me a place to start. I use the outline as a basis for the story, but I’m very flexible and once the characters take over things usually change.


Me: By the way, what is the name of your next book and when does it come out?

Gene: My editor at Sleeping Bear Press just let me know that my newest work, a board book for preschoolers titled Little Wyoming, should be released at the end of June. My other contracted book is still unnamed. Zachary Pullen, who illustrated Eve Bunting’s latest book titled Finn McCool is the illustrator. It should be released by late summer.
Me: Gene, I’ve heard that it’s important to be visible to your readers; do you go on school visits? Book signings? Library visits?

Gene: YES! As a retired elementary teacher I look forward to my school visits which are entertaining, instructional and inspiring. I’ve done over 74 school visits in my home state of Wyoming. I enjoy presenting at public libraries and do book signings. I have presented at state and regional IRA conferences, teacher conferences, book festivals, library conferences, and SCBWI workshops in Colorado, Missouri, Montana, South Dakota, and Wyoming.

I hope you enjoyed my visit with Eugene Gagliano and that you will check out his books (and of course buy one or two)… I’ll be doing two drawings on Monday, May 24th at 5:00 for signed copies of MY TEACHER DANCES ON HIS DESK. To win a copy you must be a follower and leave a comment on this post. (It would be really sweet if you would pass on the word...)


FYI... Jackee at Winded Words is hosting a 1,000 words a day challenge for the rest of May. I’m in what about you?

Sunday, May 16, 2010

BLOG FORMATTING AND RESPONSES


First, I have a sidebar question for you…Would you be irritated if I changed your blog names that are on my sidebar to your real names? I try to read ever blog I follow at least once a week, but if you comment on my post I make sure I hop over to your newest post right away. I don’t know if it’s good or bad blog etiquette, but I think if you read and comment on my post I’d like to return the favor.  It’s easier for me to click on your blog if I have your names on my sidebar….So, what do you think???

Second, I’ve been responding to your comments via email for the last couple posts. However, I’m not sure if you are getting them, via my Gmail account. What do you prefer my Gmail responses or responses on the original post? I am leaning to going back to the responses on the post, so everyone can enjoy the discussions. What do you think?

Lastly, thank you so much for the comments and emails about Stripes. It’s been a very difficult time and all of you have really helped me. THANK YOU!

Thursday, May 13, 2010

(Updated) Thank You & Query Letter Queries....

First, I’d like to thank everyone for their kind words and thoughts over the loss of my beloved Stripes. I’m working my way back into the blog world…

Literary Agent, Wendy Lawton at Books & Such has been blogging about queries letters this week. I've been reading them every day and thought you might find them interesting.

Monday, Wendy talked about #queryfail announcements on Twitter and gave everyone a chance to sound off on their frustrations.
http://www.booksandsuch.biz/blog/queryfail-frustrating-process/

Tuesday, she talked about query myths:
Myth #1: When I get a form letter or no response at all, it means either my book is no good or my query was no good.
Myth #2: If I don’t follow the rules for a query an agent will dismiss it out of hand.
Myth #3: Agents remember the queries they receive. If I sent an amateurish query early-on to an agent I’ve got that mark forever against me.
http://www.booksandsuch.biz/blog/queryfail-debunking-the-myths/

Wednesday, she wrote about using humor in your queries and gave some examples.
http://www.booksandsuch.biz/blog/queryfail-clever-queries/

Thursday, she posted on the negative impact of putting too much information (TMI) in your query letters.
http://www.booksandsuch.biz/blog/queryfail-tmi/

Friday, Wendy discussed the effects of putting over the top information or promises in your query.
http://www.booksandsuch.biz/blog/queryfailover-the-top/#more-6135



Wendy has written a great series, full of information that is helpful to both the new and the seasoned querier. I hope you hop over and check out her posts and their informative website.

Books & Such will accept e-mail queries for the following genres:
• Adult fiction and nonfiction
• Teen fiction and nonfiction
• Twenty-to-thirty something fiction and nonfiction
• Children’s and youth fiction and nonfiction.

(My Summary) Know who you are querying, their likes and dislikes, if you follow their blog let them know, go to conferences and meet agents and editors, and most importantly read their submission guidelines…

Do you have any query advice you’d like to share?

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

R.I.P. MY DEAR STRIPES


In the week of July fourth 2001, he picked me. I walked past him to get to the cute little grey kittens. They were tiny and playfully romping around their gage. The MO Feline Rescue Association brought cats into to Petsmart about once a month. A giant cat reached out of the cage and patted my arm with his paws. I stopped and stuck my fingers in the cage and he rubbed his face on my fingers and began to purr. He was pretty but I wanted a kitten, and he was huge. I turned again to walk to the cage full of kittens and he reached out and grabbed a mouthful of my arm to get my attention. He didn’t hurt me, he just wanted me. I don’t think I ever made it down to the “kittens.”


Stripes was a 16 week old Maine Coon. He followed me from room to room. He slept with me. He sat on top of my armchair, when I was in it, and somehow he managed to balance on the top of my office chair. He would pull my hair if I hit the snooze too many times. He didn’t like competing with the computer and often walked in front of the screen to get my attention. Over the last year his health declined. When we traveled, he protested when we got back. We started taking him with us to our cabin (about 10 hour drive) so he would be less stressed. He and the dog, Macy, would alternate sitting in my lap. Sometimes, they would both sit with me facing opposite directions. He just wanted to be with me.

I can’t even begin to explain how much Stripes will be missed. Yesterday was my first day home alone without him (everyone went back to work and school). It was very lonely. I’m sure I’ll get back to normal eventually, but right now I just need to be sad…

Friday, May 7, 2010

AND THE WINNERS ARE...

Thew winners of a signed copy of SEW DEADLY by Elizabeth Lynn Casey are: Hema P. and Carolina!


The winner of a signed copy of KAYLA'S DADDY by Laura Bradford is Dru.
The final winner wins a signed copy of FORECAST OF EVIL and the winner is Susan Fields.
Congratulations to all of the winners.  Thanks to everyone who stopped and read my interview with Laura Bradford/Elizabeth Lynn Casey....You still have time to get in on Elizabeth's Launch Week Challenge!

Could the winners please email me their full names and addresses: skmayh at q dot com?  Thanks so much...

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

LAUNCH WEEK CHALLENGE AND SIGNED BOOK GIVEAWAY...

Elizabeth Lynn Casey (Laura Bradford), author of DEATH THREADS stopped by yesterday to chat.  If you didn't get a chance to read it and enter my signed book give-away, please click over and enter.  Laura's having a cool  Launch Week Challenge (contest) of her own, so hop on over and read the rules, then run to your local bookstore with your camera and don't forget to buy her newest book, DEATH THREADS.  (There are only four copies left at the Waterloo B & N, thanks to me...)

Good luck to all!

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

MYSTERY AND ROMANCE WRITER ELIZABETH LYNN CASEY/LAURA BRADFORD STOPS BY FOR A CHAT… (And a signed book give-away)

Today I’d like to introduce you to a special friend; Laura Bradford or as some of you might know her as, Elizabeth Lynn Casey. I met Laura about five years ago. Our daughters went to the same dance studio in St. Charles, Missouri. The first time I chatted with Laura she was diligently typing away on an Alpha Smart and I interrupted her to find out what she was doing. I took a break from grading papers and we began to chat. It turned out she was writing her second novel FORECAST OF EVIL (one of my favorite books). I was so excited to meet a real live author…Over the years; she’s shared her journey with me and encouraged me to start writing again. We’ve celebrated her success and my successful rejections (yeah, you all know what I mean) almost always over lunch at Olive Garden. Laura and I both moved away from St. Louis at about the same time. She moved to New York and I moved to Iowa. I hope you enjoy the interview and will hop over to her websites and buy one or two of her books…

Laura has two websites: http://www.laurabradford.com/ (romance) and http://www.elizabethlynncasey.com/ (mystery)
Me: First, tell us about your most recent book? (DEADLY THREADS was released today!)
Laura: DEATH THREADS, the second book in my Southern Sewing Circle Mystery Series, is a fun book! And by fun, I mean, fun! The people of Sweet Briar, South Carolina have long prided themselves on a history that saw them rising from the ashes (at the hands of Yankees during the Civil War) in Cinderella-style. It's a history they've prided themselves on for over a century.

It's also a history that's been wrong...a fact uncovered by local author, Colby Calhoun.

The truth isn't quite so pretty.

And for Colby, it could prove deadly.




Me: Could you tell a little about how your path to publication?
Laura: I wrote my very first book, JURY OF ONE, while raising two small children. It took me five years to write that book. I sent it (first) to a small press who was relatively new at the time. They responded after a few months with a no, but a desire to look at it again if I made some changes. Six months later, I sent it back and got a deal. I wrote three books for them--all of which were picked up for Harlequin's Worldwide Mystery direct to consumer book club. In 2008, I was contracted by Berkley Prime Crime to write their new Southern Sewing Circle Mystery Series. Two months later, I secured my first of three contracts (so far) with Harlequin American Romance.
Me: Even though you are “living the dream” do you ever doubt yourself?
Laura: Sure. When SEW DEADLY first came out and I realized how visible it was in B & N's across the entire country, I got worried. Could I sell that much? Would I fail?

I'm happy to say I did fine...hitting B & N's mass market mystery national best seller list at # 5 for the first few weeks along with other national lists as well. That said, I'm sure I'll panic again. With each new book.

Me: Best advice to aspiring authors?
Laura: Write every day. Read, read, read. And listen to your gut (but make sure it's your gut your hearing and not your pride).

Me: How did you get your agent?
Laura: I was already published with a small press when I got my Agatha nomination in 2005 and a book club deal with Harlequin's Worldwide Mystery. Those things--coupled with a fun (and complete) manuscript for a chick lit novel--caught the interest of several agents. I chose the one I thought would be best for me and then we joined forces. Sadly, that chick lit manuscript didn't sell (though it did earn some great rejections). But, as you can see, I've keeping busy with other projects.

Me: Do you Twitter? Blog? Facebook? Make your own book trailers?
Laura: I blog Monday-Friday on my website: http://www.elizabethlynncasey.com/

I also have an Elizabeth Lynn Casey page on Facebook (which I enjoy).

And I do twitter, but mostly via my Facebook page.

Me: Do you have a writing routine?
Laura: I am a morning writer. It's rare I write in the late afternoon/evening unless I'm on a tight deadline. And I find that I like to write away from home (Panera is a favorite) during the early part of the book when distractions at home affect me too much.

Me: Are you an outliner?
Laura: No. Every time I try to write with an outline, the characters take over and do what they want anyway.

Me: Typically, how long does it take you to write your first draft?
Laura: 2 months.

Me: Do you have a favorite book?
Laura: Mary Higgins Clark's A CRY IN THE NIGHT is the book that made me want to write mysteries rather than the children's books I'd always envisioned.

Me: At this point in your career, do have a critiquing partner or beta reader?
Laura: No. I have a goal/motivational partner...but in terms of critiquing my work?No.

Me: What is the name of your next book and when does it come out?
Laura: My next book is a romance and it will come out in July. A Mom for Callie will be part of the Harlequin American Romance line. It will be in stores (Borders, Wal-mart, K-Mart, etc) for one month starting July 12th. After that, it's only via online venues like www.eharlequin.com until it sells out!

Me: Do you have manuscripts in a file that you haven’t queried or submitted to anyone yet?
Laura: I have a suspense novel that is done--start to finish--but still needs a good 20 K increase. It's a fabulous concept and could really be something fun. The stumbling block is finding time to complete it between contracts. But I will. Soon.

Me: Do you do school visits? Book signings? Library visits?
Laura: Absolutely! I love doing all of the above!!! Especially school visits! It's my way of paying it back!

Me: When did you know you wanted to be a writer?
Laura: I knew I wanted to be a writer when I was ten. I was playing at a friend’s house one day (it was raining) and we'd run out of things to do. So she got out a stack of paper and said we should write a children's story. I did... And from that moment on it's all I've ever wanted to do.

Me: How did you celebrate your first sale?
Laura: My very first sale, ever? That would be my first small press mystery and I remember a drawing my kids made for me and a balloon. It was special!

Me: Mystery and romance are quite different. How difficult was it to switch genres? Did you have to spend a lot of time reading romances?
Laura: It wasn't as difficult as I would have thought. I just trusted my muse when writing the first romance and it didn't steer me wrong. I did read fairly extensively in the line I wanted to sell to, but more for feel than to truly analyze.

Me: Where do you find inspiration for your novels?
Laura: The radio, primarily. Those little 5-10 second newsbytes they run through in the morning between music sets. LOVE those!

I hope you enjoyed getting to know Laura. She’s just wonderful!

Now for the fun stuffLeave a comment and get one entry, post a link on your blog (leave me a link, please) and you get another entry, go to Elizabeth Lynn Casey’s blog post for today (5/4/10) and leave a comment about this interview and you get a third entry! (I’ll hop over there on Friday and add entries from there.) I’ll assign you a number for each entry and then use random.org to select four winners. Each winner will receive one signed book. I’ll announce the winners on Friday around 5 p.m. Good luck, everyone!

Sunday, May 2, 2010

LET’S TALK HARLEY DAVIDSON!!!

We did something last week; something special…We bought a 2010 Ultra Classic Harley Davidson!

I’m must admit, I was nervous about getting on it. I rode on the back of a couple bikes when I was a kid, but that was a long time ago. Buying a Harley and getting on it with my husband was really stepping out of my prim and proper comfort zone. But…let me tell you, it is awesome!


We went on a short ride today (51 miles). It was windy, but it’s always windy in Iowa. The thing I noticed most was the smells. I could smell different blooming trees and flowers. I could smell fresh cut grass and plowed fields. I’m pretty sure I could even smell water. Someone was burning wood and someone else was burning something that wasn’t wood (don’t know what it was). I had no idea how the smell of sense would be so intense while riding and all of this with my helmet on. (Yes, we did get helmets. It’s not the law here, but I’d rather be safe than sorry.)

When we signed the papers at Silver Eagle Harley Davidson the salesman told us a story about a trip he took in the Northeast. He said he and his wife were riding with no plan in mind, just looking for somewhere pretty to ride. They had a few days off and no plans. (My inner self was like, what no plan? How are you going to know when you get where you are going?)

He said they pulled up to an intersection and he asked a guy in a vehicle for advice.

“Where’s a good place to ride? You know a pretty ride,” he asked.

“Where are you going?” The guy asked.

“Nowhere, we’re just looking for a pretty ride?” he responded.

The guy in the vehicle looked dumfounded. “What are you going to see?” the guy asked.

“We’re just looking for a nice ride. We don’t have any plans,” he replied.

I’m not there yet. Getting on a Harley was out of my comfort zone. Going on a trip with no itinerary may take me a few years…

What have you done that took you out of your comfort zone?

Don’t forget to come back on TuesdayLaura Bradford (Elizabeth Lynn Casey) will be stopping by for an interview and I’ll be giving away four of her signed books.

Saturday, May 1, 2010

NAPIBOWRIWEE 2010!

NaPIBoWriWee 2010!


National Picture Book Writing Week begins at Midnight tonight (May 1st) and ends at 11:59pm on May 7thSeven books in Seven days.  Are you in?  If you are hop over to Paula Yoo's blog and register.  You can research, outline, and brainstorm until midnight tonight then start writing.  No first drafts.  No cheating.  When the clock strikes twelve grab your keyboard and make your way to seven new manuscripts.  Remember pictures books can range in size from 50 words to 2,000. 

Have fun!  Be creative! Let your VOICE shine through...

Happy Writing!