Plot Graph Excitement

Hmm, nothing makes me more excited than to find a great tool to use with my writing. I'm working on the third chapter book in my series and after using all different types of ways to keep my plot and subplot clear, I found a blog by Nancy I. Sanders with an excellent plot outline graph. AND YOU CAN PRINT IT OUT AND GET STRAIGHT TO WORK. Lots of other tidbits of good stuff here also.

Don't I just feel on top of the world.

The New SCBWI Blog Is Open For Business

The wait is over all SCBWI members. The SCBWI Blog looks great, with clearer more direct links to everything a writer and illustrator for children's books would want. Take a tour and enjoy.

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.........................