How To Spice Up Your Writing With Dialogue by Judy Cullins

Eight excellent ways to make your dialogue more effective. So get out your manuscript and check. http://www.archetypewriting.com/articles/writing/spiceUpWdialogue.htm

Synopsis Writing Can be Fun? Yes Really.

Found an older but perfect formula for that dreaded synopsis. With Kathryn Jankowski's easy to remember five steps of -
Who, Wants, But, So, How. -------------------------Okay so Kathryn makes it a lot clearer here at
http://kjankowski.blogspot.com/2011/03/how-to-write-synopsis.html
Writing mine as I work on my manuscript aids both and gives me yet another way to see clearer and  find problems.
Plus practice makes perfect.

Editing Time, AGAIN!

Isn't it always editing time. Yes, I'm waiting for my chapter book manuscript back any time now from my wonderful agent, Danielle Smith from Foreward Literary with her notes and insights. I'm so curious, scared and excited to begin.

Sketching and Book Lists, Such Little Time

I'm doing a little sketch book filling and taking a small editing break to clear the head; sitting back and watching the the butterflies of summer.

But how can I resist finishing some of these great books- Yes these 2013 Notable Books- from the Association for Library Service for Children.


Aww, such little time.

IS YOUR MAIN CHARACTER WORTHY OF A NOVEL

Yes, this is the question-- and title from the article by Martina Boone from Adventures in YA Publishing.
Excellent questions to ask yourself, as you complete that first draft of your YA or as in my case,  my younger chapter book.
Also find her 2012 Character Brainstorming worksheet to really get to know your character. Print it out and take a look to see if your character is Worthy!

The Revision Process Continues

So yes, The Revision Process continues- Writers Digest and Chuck Sambuchino presented an article in May of 2011 which is still perfect today as I continue my personal revision.

Revision Can Be Scarey

Yep, It sure can.........................

Plot and Scene Trackers from the Plot Master

So as I'm reworking and revising my new chapter book, I found two excellent templates,
One for Scenes and One for Plots.
Martha Alderson, you great Plot Whisperer!  - You are something else. Checking your story against these are tools are so important and useful.

VIDEO INTERVIEWS WITH SOME OF THE BEST CHILDREN'S AUTHORS AND ILLUSTRATORS

Is this wonderful and worth finding yourself mesmerized and glued to the screen during these interviews? YES YES YES
VIDEO INTERVIEWS WITH SOME OF THE BEST CHILDREN'S AUTHORS AND ILLUSTRATORS by Reading Rockets.
Such great information on this site.

Point of View Satori

Yes, finished my first book in my chapter book series. Strangely enough I did the second book first.   Now I have reworked book one with a minor (Did I really say minor) Point of View change.
But do I love how it turned out! It really improved the story so much.
Thanks Danielle Smith, my literary agent from Foreward Literary. You were right.  
Yes you were.

Now on to book one?

Questions To Ponder As You Write

I'm working on revising my chapter book. I need to cut, simplify and redo, and all the while strengthen. What an interesting but scarey task ahead.
I lucked up finding a blog by Carol Riggs, Tips for Writing.
What great questions she listed for me to think about.  Good things to ponder- from character, theme, setting, hooks, closing loose ends and pacing. Thank you Carol. I've bookmarked this page and maybe I'll print it to tape on my wall so I always have it near.

Mixing Creativity

Be well rounded, yes. That is the advice from so many illustrators and writers.

I'll take the advice.
Mix up your creativity box. Write some, draw some, take in the fresh air with a brisk walk letting those ideas simmer. Simmering time is good. Simmering time is a must.

What simmering thoughts do you have today?