Summer is upon us! It’s time for vacations, beach trips, lazy afternoons, and bucket lists. Summer bucket lists are easy to find, and they’re filled with fun ideas. Go ziplining, Spot a herd of manatees. Swim in a lake. But what about writers? Wouldn’t it be fun to turn your writing goals and to-do list into a summer bucket list? What would that list include? How could it be both goal-oriented and fun? Well, I have a few ideas. Write … Read More »

When writing fiction, we often focus on the plot, and our characters become vehicles for moving the narrative forward. However, if we want readers to become invested in the story, we need to create protagonists who will draw them in. So what are some concrete strategies for helping readers identify with our main characters and develop some sort of attachment? How can we be sure readers care about what happens to these fictional friends, and that they stick around to … Read More »

As writers, we know that the three basic elements of a fictional story are character, setting, and plot. We spend a lot of time planning and developing each of those elements. However, if we want to create a story that really captures readers, we need to be mindful of the stakes. When we talk about stakes, we’re referring to what might be gained or lost in the story. The higher the stakes, the more compelling the story. If the protagonist … Read More »

During my years of teaching, this was the time of year when I unrolled a favorite laminated poster and taught my students this lovely poem by Beatrice Schenk de Regniers: Keep a poem in your pocket And a picture in your head And you’ll never feel lonely At night when you’re in bed The little poem will sing to you The little picture bring to you A dozen dreams to dance to you At night when you’re in bed So … Read More »

Do you have an interest in writing for children? Do you dream up story ideas that would make great books for young readers? If so, it’s important to learn about the children’s market. Every author is familiar with genre, and most can easily identify their writing as nonfiction, realistic fiction, fantasy, historical, sci-fi, etc. However, in the children’s market, it’s important to also know about book categories. Children grow through stages of cognitive development, and at each stage, they change. … Read More »

How is your 2023 To Be Read pile stacking up? If part of your plan for the new year includes learning more about the writing process and the publishing world, you may want to add some tried and true titles to your reading list. Get started here with some books that can boost your creativity, awaken your imagination, and teach you about the publishing world. Okay, here’s my suggested reading list to make you a well-informed writer. The Artist’s Way … Read More »