Writing break- Let's draw

Finished a 50,000 word MG and now time for a little R&R. That means drawing time. Yes. time to draw and breathe some. And lots of dog walks.

Writing Craft

Back from a busy break-

Time to share my Writing Craft Books I'm reading and rereading.

Writing Down to the Bones-Goldberg

How to Write a Children's Book- Bine Stock

Story Genius-Cron

On Writing-Stephen King

A Writer's Reference- Hacker

 

And of course, Writing With Pictures- Uri Shulevitz  

My all time favorite- 

 

Summer of Experimenting

It's hot.

It's raining buckets. I'm all alone with my new watercolors, brushes and stretched paper.

 When I'm not painting or drawing; I'm reading every middle grade I can find. And I just finished, THE GIRL THAT DRANK THE MOON by Kelly Barnhill. Highly recommended. 

Time to take a breath

The love of my life passed away last November after a hard and difficult fight with Colon Cancer. Such a rough year. It has taken me time to adjust and to regain my footing. I look at everything different now.
Everything.
I started a few projects, at first for therapy and as an escape. Some fell apart, but some have grown and nourished me.
So I'm back and slowly but surely I'll continue with my passion for children's art and literature.
Thanks for waiting.....

Time to Play

Summer. So hard to get everything done.

BEST BOOK EVER ON NOVEL WRITING

Just finished reading STORY GENIUS by Lisa Cron. What a superb book on novel writing. 

She digs deep, getting to the meat of the novel, beginning with your protagonist's misbelief and how this is essential to everything you write. 

She explains how to use scene cards, plot points, and brain storming ideas. Plus so much more. I give it 5 stars and so will you.

New Project, New Excitement

Started on a new project. A picture book I've been working on in my head for some time. It's still in its infant stage, but I can't wait to see how it fills out.

Found some exceptional books to guide me as I work though my 600 word manuscript. Everyone should have them close by.

 How to Write a Children's Book by Eve Heidi Bine-Stock  Check out all three volumes! All excellent!

 Writing Picture Books by Ann Whitford Paul 

 

MORE MORE FUN

Still taking time to play with my new water soluble crayons- Neocolor ll. Kind of tricky but oh so fun.

Too Much Fun With My New Neocolors II

Just got my new Neocolors II and are they ever fantastic. So user friendly and colorful.

Spending a little time playing and getting to see exactly how much I can push them.

There are lots of youtube videos on how to use them, if you need a little help.

Check them out and you'll find all sort of amazing things they can do.

So much fun!

Illustrator Intensive with Paul Zelinsky

I've finally finished my middle grade novel.
But now the fun begins. Anxious to meet the great Paul Zelinsky and learn from his vast experience.

TED TALKS LINKED TO CHILDREN'S BOOKS

Found a neat blog I wanted to share with you.

 Playing by the Book is a blog that reviews kid's books and other fun stuff.

Besides these thoughtful reviews, I discovered their list of TED TALKS linked to children's books.

Enjoy.

I did.

Pitch It

My critique group is getting together for shop talk, food, and a sip of wine this week. Our assignment-- to bring a great pitch for the project you are currently working on.

I found an excellent pitching formula from Jessica Sinsheimer on Twitter this week. 

"MC wants to   GOAL but can't because of CONFLICT 

so s/he does ___________ which results in ___________________."

Is this great or what?  

She has 28 retweets and counting, so others think so too.

Thanks Jessica------