Yes, We need a Diverse Books Campaign

 I'm joining Grace Lin and many others to promote diversity in children's books. 

Yes a campaign.  Join us!

Yes, everyone is talking about it.

How to Delivery that Gutsy Pitch, - Joan Knows

It is baseball season. The warm springtime and the red clay dirt. What is better than baseball. So how do writers get warmed up and ready to take a few swings; make a hit, maybe a home run and fly around our bases or goals. Joan Edwards knows and her article:
How to Deliver a Short Gutsy Pitch to Entice Editors, Agents and Readers is the perfect way to prepare. Thanks Joan.

Voices of Experience, Advice From Publishing Veterans

Publishers Weekly holds so many gems for all, but when I found this article, I had to read twice and share at least three times. After Twitter and Facebook, here is my third. The article I speak of is The Voices of Experience-ADVICE FROM PUBLISHING VETERANS. Yes these are The Voices of Experience, starting with Barbara Marcus from Random House, Moira Kerrigan from Chronicle, Joy Peskin of Farrar Straus and Giroux and dozens of other editors and various insiders from the publishing world. They share great advice and insights. Well worth the read.

REVISION 101 with Kimberly Griffiths Little

I loved, loved, loved The Healing Spell, by Kimberly Griffiths Little. A middle grade book I couldn't put down.
So when I came upon her article on Writeoncon and her advice on revision, titled All the Things or REVISION 101, I read, highlighted, and made little stars all over it.

I hoped never to forget these important keys things writers need to be aware of as they begin the revision process.

Sewing and Writing, Ripping Out the Seams

Giving credit to Teresa Coltrin for her interesting comparison of sewing and the revision process. This Journaling Woman's four examples in  Ripping Out the Seams  helped me revisit some problem areas of my own.

It so works for me.

And how I love her Mark Twain quote!
“The difference between the almost right word and the right word is … the difference between the lightning bug and the lightning.” —Mark Twain

Literary Agent, Danielle Smith Moves to Red Fox Literary, -taking me too!

So the official announcement went out yesterday. I'm so very proud of my fantastic agent, Danielle Smith. and in awe at her expertise and background.

And she is taking me with her on this wonderful journey to Red Fox Literary. An excellent agency focused on children's picture books, chapter books, middle grade and YA  I couldn't be happier.
So hard to work when you are this excited and so honored-

Keep on, Keeping on...

So I am, 

Finished up my revision for first review with my agent, submitted to two contests and I'm reworking my outline presentation. Getting the most out of this chilly weather, since warm days aren't calling me out yet.

almost forgot,

and editing my promo too

I THINK I CAN, I THINK I CAN.....My Work in Progress

Still after this revision creature.  My Chapter book has changed and I believe, for the better.

Is all this work, reading, critiquing, reworking, researching and reworking again- paying off? We shall see. 

 And I hate to admit- I'm enjoying it so.

Needing My Plot Whisperer to Keep me on Track

Yes that is you, Martha Alderson. I'm leaning on you again as I revisit my revision process. Loving all your videos on how to improve the story.
This video struck home with your words:
A BIGGER VISION FOR MY REVISION 


Now let me get back to my chapter book.  
Oh, let me make my plot graph one more time.

Edit, Edit, Edit

As I comb through my chapter book and I prepared to do some revision work,
I find myself checking out how others work through this process.

Just where to begin.
I found Nathan Bransford's blog on how he edits with many great insights and ways to approach this (overwhelming at times) task.

Using Meaningful Verbs

When Beth Hill says verbs bring action, she means it. Such an excellent article from Editor's Blog that explains the many verb problems and successes.

Now back to some of my revision work waiting on the desk.

New Year's Plans

So I've started my list. All those New Year Goals.
But I"m taking it slow, making sure I haven't missed ones I really need to focus on while not wasting time on others. Ok, so sketching more was one of them and playing around with black and white work was my project for today.