Category: Writing

First Draft – Focus on what excites you about your story (If you’re bored writing it, I don’t want to read it.)

Brandon Sanderson has many excellent YouTube videos about writing fiction. In a 2020 class, he states: "In your writing, focus on what excites you about the story, and get the story done. Then go back and fill in what needs to be there." Of course, every writer is different. You have to do what works … Continue reading First Draft – Focus on what excites you about your story (If you’re bored writing it, I don’t want to read it.) →

Children’s Writer’s & Illustrators Market

Would you like to become a children's book author or illustrator? If so, you should be aware of this guide: The cover does a good job selling it. It gives you the following information about publishers and magazines: *which publishers are open to submissions without agent representation (and those who are not) *submission guidelines *what … Continue reading Children’s Writer’s & Illustrators Market →

What should be in the first sentence of your novel?

Newbery-winning author Richard Peck said, "You are only as good as your first sentence." That sounds a bit harsh. Is it fair for someone to judge your entire story from only one sentence? Maybe not, but it happens all the time. Think about people browsing in a book shop, trying to decide which one to … Continue reading What should be in the first sentence of your novel? →