Last week, I signed a new book contract, and I am thrilled. This book is really special and while I don’t have all the details to share right now, I hope you’ll join me in celebrating. Every book contract is cause for celebration, but this one is special. In many ways this story started when… Read more »
Writing
More writing tips that are all about success
When you want to be a writer, the first step is to sit down and write. But then what? You can’t write a book all in one sitting. (Well, you can write a picture book in one sitting. But then you revise it for months, am I right?) It can be hard to get that… Read more »
Writing is a lot like Birding
Writing is a lot like birding. It’s great to be in a critique group, you can learn so much. But most writing you have to do on your own. And you can learn so much birding with others. But at some point, you have to learn to identify the birds on your own. Sometimes you… Read more »
How to Be a More Productive Writer
Did you already part 1 “Tips to help you Write More”? No? Check it out here! OK readers, you’re looking for more tips on how to be a productive writer. You already know that you need to set aside time on a regular basis – something even I am having trouble doing right now! But… Read more »
Tips to Help You Write More
Are you having trouble writing? Not sure how to get started? Looking for tips to help you write more? I do a lot of writing. Every day. And I do a lot of reading about writing. Every so often I read a book with advice on writing. These books usually have really great tips in… Read more »
When You Finally Get to Hold Your New Book!
I’m so thrilled I was finally able to hold my new book in my hands last week – what a joy! I remember each stage of the process of creating this book. It started out as an idea for a field guide for kids to learn HOW to listen to bird song. Then it became… Read more »
Books and Board Games: For Sushi Lovers
Can’t get enough of sushi? Love taking the family out to eat some nigiri and tamago and sashimi? Then I have a tasty book and game combo for you. But this time, I’m switching things up. Instead of a board game it’s a card game. And instead of a picture book, this book and game… Read more »
Some Free Critique Advice
I’m in several critique groups and I try to really provide useful, actionable feedback for my partners. I thought you might like to read some useful, actionable feedback that YOU can use on your story. Yes, these comments are for other writers writing other books, but if you think about them in general terms you… Read more »
Should I hire a professional editor for my book?
You’ve written the final draft of your book, and you’re so proud. You want to submit it to that dream agent RIGHT NOW! You’ve revised it, used the “find” tool to go through the whole manuscript and delete unnecessary words, you’ve worked on showing, not telling, and you’ve even come up with a great pitch…. Read more »
Some Advice for Writers from Birders
I’m both a birder and a writer. When I bird, I’m often out there enjoying whatever birds come my way. But sometimes, I’m looking for a specific bird. I have a goal. It can be frustrating when I can’t find it, and even more frustrating when others can. When I’m writing, I’m often creating a… Read more »