There is a difference between having a writing partner and being part of a critique group. I think that serious writers need both a writing partner and a critique group in order to excel as a writer. This is especially the case when you are starting out as a writer. Recently, I formed a relationship…
This week, I will be continuing my reflections on the revision process and how important it is to take the time to enjoy the process of revision. I struggle so much with that in my own writing. We all want quick fixes in life, and the same seems to carry through to our writing life….
One of the differences between kids and adults is the fact that kids feel much stronger emotions in situations. When children get angry, they are angry with every fibre of their being. When children are happy, they are so overjoyed. Also, for children, everything matters and everything is serious. Adults sometimes wonder why a child…
Today, I will take a break from my theme of how to write children’s books and reflect on success journalling. Actually, I just came across this concept in one of Suzanne Lieurance’s Morning Nudge instalments. I kind of heard of gratitude journalling. However, I never heard of success journalling. To start a success journal, all…
As most of you know by now, I recently adopted a new fury writing buddy. He is now seven weeks old and he is so full of energy and love. He also teaches me to pace myself and to take time for the important things in my life. It’s strange that a kitten can teach…
Picture books are wonderfully crafted books by authors who are very gifted word smiths. The reason for this is that a picture book is very short, and it has to portray a concise and cute story line with rising and falling action. This is hard enough even for a novelist of a middle grade book…
Writers have all kinds of writing buddies. So far, I have been writing a lot about the importance of critique groups and getting writing buddies and partners to keep you accountable for your work. Well, today, I will be reflecting and writing about another type of writing buddy one of the fury variety. As some…
Writing first drafts of picture books is probably the most enjoyable thing that you will do. After that, your task will become much more arduous and difficult. I love the creative energy that goes into first drafts. There is an excitement that you want to get the story down and that your story is a…
Years ago, most nonfiction for teens and tweens in North America was written from the point of view of Caucasins. Times have really changed since then. We now live in a multicultural world that demands sensitivity to many points of view. North Americans are beginning to view their society as diverse, pluralistic, and fascinating. Kids…
Writers have a real responsibility to spread certain values to their readers. This is especially the case if you write for kids and teens. I have taken my responsibility of writing with an important message and moral very seriously. I love writing nonfictional articles and stories for children and teens. I think that teens can…