Critique Groups

This week, I was invited to be part of a critique group with three other children's book authors: Nelda, Linda and Sandy. What a wonderful, talented bunch of girls. I'm delighted to be part of the group.

I've been looking for a group because, apparently, I need deadlines. I have deadlines with my nonfiction writing; so, I tend to spend all my time writing nonfiction and never get around to writing fiction. Now, with a critique group, I'll have motivation to write that children's book I keep saying I'm going to write. After all, I'll feel kind of silly if I don't have something written next time I go!

Now, I need a fiction novel critique group for motivation to write my mystery!

Make your own iPad Book!

SCBWI Meeting - July 6

I really enjoyed our SCBWI meeting tonight. Helen Newton put together a very interesting presentation on what kids are reading at various grade levels. She also gave us a handout with lists of books that are most requested or award winners. I found all this very helpful.

Apparently, there is a need for nonfiction for struggling readers. I'd like to find out more about this. My son was a struggling reader when he was young, so I have some experience with this problem. I would love to write some books that appeal to these kids.

New article for iPhone Life

For the last couple weeks, I've been surrounded by iPad covers! I'm just finishing a 3,000 word article on iPad covers for iPhone Life magazine's Buyers Guide due out in October. This was a fun project, but I'm ready to move on. Just a few more tweaks and I should be able to send it out on Thursday or Friday.

How to Use Twitter - Video

Working on a Picture Book

I'm attending SCBWI-OK's Escape from Reality Weekend Retreat for Nonfiction Writers in June and working on a nonfiction picture book. It's much harder than I thought!

I spent several days researching, then more days outlining, then more days trying to figure out how to make thousands of words fit into a 16-page picture book that is fun to read. I didn't even get enough of the book done in time to send in a critique copy. I have a lot to learn

The teacher for this retreat is Melissa Stewart who has written dozens of nonfiction children's book. I'm looking forward to learning from her. Maybe, with her help, I'll get one written yet!

Love this video about Book Signings!

I haven't done one yet, and this definitely does not look like fun!