Chapter Book Illustration

Time for postcards. I'm planning a mail out to several art directors with black and white line art for middle and early chapter books.
I do so love the depth of texture and form you get without using color. It is always an adventure whether you are using strong crisp lines or soft blurry forms.
If you are an Art Director and haven't received yours, just let me know or stop by www.kitgrady.com.

Does Writer's Block Scare You?

Yikes, Me too. So I'll just draw a while until all clears-

Some 2013 Conferences left to Attend

Found these end of the year conference dates on Vonna Carter.com
Check out where to meet up with your potential agent. My super agent, Danielle Smith, has a couple good gigs. Me, I'm sitting these out and finishing a new picture book.

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.