I generally do not write to specific forms, and always have to look up the “rules” for villanelles, Shakespearean Sonnets, sestinas, and the like. What I truly love is free verse. However, there are many times that working within a form is liberating in that you’ve already got a set of parameters you don’t have to worry about. And, sometimes, when you’re forced to conform to a certain structure the little creative geniuses in your brain run off into territory … Read More »

Yay! You came up with an awesome idea for a story! It’s been swirling around in your brain for months, growing in size and complexity, and it’s getting more and more insistent in its pleadings to be released onto the page. You finally comply and begin the process but find yourself frozen in front of the screen/paper. What happened? And, just as important, what can be done to jump-start the journey from brain to book? As much as I may … Read More »

When the first round of covid hit a couple of years ago, it seemed like everything stopped. And in that stoppage was the monthly critique group I’d been part of since 2001. During that hiatus I thought if I can just keep myself motivated—keep that little spark of inspiration which was usually fueled by the critique group—that would be wonderful. So, the Friday Follies were born. What it is It’s quick. It’s simple. We meet online for no more than … 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 »

I recently blogged about the importance of beginnings—that first chapter or so of your novel that gins up your reader’s interest in it and hooks her good, so that she has to keep reading. Then there’s the all-important ending of the book, wherein you take advantage of your last chance to impress and leave a satisfied taste in readers’ mouths. We’ll get back to that in due time. And that’s the thing about endings: you have to get to them. … Read More »

Last month I presented 5 techniques that were easily learned from reading picture books (Part 1) regardless of what format or genre you work in. The fact that picture books are so short means you can find numerous examples of literary techniques in the best of them. And they are great teaching tools because they require precision and elegance. Today we will cover 5 more techniques you can find in picture books. There are many titles I could have chosen … Read More »