I just got back from an SCBWI Midwest Conference and it was a great time! Learning all new things about the writing industry and making new writer connections. It’s the best part about attending writing conferences.
If you’ve ever been interested in going to a conference, watch the video to learn more about what to expect when you go.
…Are you a new writer who wants to know where to start? Check out the latest post on our Vlog that talks about the 3 things every new writer needs to be successful as an author. Watch the video posted below!
…When you picture being a writer, you imagine seclusion in an old house, clacking away on the keyboard, while the ideas flow. But all writers know that image is just a fantasy.
Here are ten things that are actually true about being a writer:
…Do you ever wonder how people come up with endless ideas? While you sit there and NOTHING comes to mind. How can you find a new children’s book idea that doesn’t already exist?
I’ve got you. Here are my little tricks I’ve learned to master the game of brainstorming so I never go without having a list of ideas to pull from.
…Sometimes, as writers, we get nervous to start our books. We worry about what people will think and that keeps us from writing. Or we let other things take priority and never sit down to write our book.
That’s what we’re tackling today in the Vlog. Don’t worry about what happens next. Just commit to write your book! Watch it below.
…Are you starting to doubt whether this writing “thing” will ever work? Whether it’s even worth your time trying to get published? Did you just get another rejection letter and now you’re experiencing all sorts of doubt?
I recently submitted to another batch of agents and I’m paralyzed in my writing. So much, I can’t even LOOK at my books right now. And questions like– is it worth it? Should I go back and get a “real job”?– keep soaring through my head.
…The act of writing is a solo experience most of the time. But as a writer, you will benefit more from having a writing mentor by your side for SO MANY reasons.
I have recently started surrounding myself with lots of different writing mentors. Some of them are multi-published authors and others are not quite published, but well on their way. Each of them is valuable in their own way and have helped to shape my writing journey.
…The only way to write amazing books is to study the craft of writing. After researching and reading for hours, I’ve found the best writing books to help you become a better writer almost over night–if you can read them that fast!
These writing books are quoted time and time again from other writers and coaches, and they’re the ones that I have personally read more than once. Because it’s impossible to glean all the information the first time through.
…You can’t spend all of your time writing alone. Eventually, you need to venture outside and learn the business of finding writing groups!
As writer’s, we like to spend time alone–you know, doing that whole ‘writing’ business. In fact, most of us are introverts and that’s why we chose this industry. To be alone with our thoughts.
…I was scrolling through a freelancing site for children’s book writing gigs, when I found this post: “Wanting to write a middle-grade novel about a 22-year old guy who struggles with sexuality and being an adult”. WHAT!! This person clearly doesn’t understand the age levels for children’s books.
If you didn’t catch the red flag, a 22-year old would NEVER be in a middle-grade novel because middle-grade is intended for 8-12-year-old readers. Not even YA would be old enough for a 22-year old character.
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