In WE’VE GOT A JOB: THE 1963 BIRMINGHAM CHILDREN’S MARCH (Peachtree, February 2012), author Cynthia Levinson shines a light on a dark, oft-forgotten chapter in the American struggle for civil rights. Impeccable research, including direct quotes from marchers themselves, has resulted in an expertly crafted, three dimensional true story. More than a must read, this… Read more »
There it is in all its blank glory. The only gift I asked Santa for. Well, that and a new car. Santa’s budget clearly looks alot like mine. There’s something exciting, and invigorating, and, yes, a bit scary about having a stack of giant blank pages in front of me, ready for scribbles, and plots,… Read more »
Meet Mittens. Promoted from paper weight to list keeper. In January 2011, I pulled out a crisp new spiral notebook and penned the words “Donna’s Reading Log” on the front. My plan was to list every book I read in 2011. I’ve posted previously about the fluid picture book log I keep, complete with word… Read more »
2011 has been a great year to follow our favorite publishing professionals through their individual blogs. Today, I direct your attention to the blogs I’ve followed throughout the year. Trust me, you’ll want to follow them, too. Drum roll, please. (look to the left) BLOG ROLL 2011
My shelves are full of books on craft and I’ve mentioned many in this previous blog post. Today, I offer the best craft books I’ve read in 2011. I recommend them all. **Special note: Reading craft books is a great way to improve your literary education, but don’t forget to put your own words on… Read more »
I’m blogging a bit differently for the month of December. Today, I share some online sources that have either been helpful to my own research, or that are part of my cyber-library for future reference. Naturally, this isn’t an all inclusive list (like that would ever be possible) and it’s a bit of a hodge… Read more »
Ever wonder how a manuscript becomes a published book? Publishing Trendsetter, a site dedicated to publishing professionals, not only put the process to a flow chart, they include video clips from professionals at every stage; writer, agent, editorial, production, digital, design, marketing, publicity, sales, distribution, and book buyer. They call it Life Cycle of a… Read more »
Among the most prolific and award-winningest authors of our time, Jane Yolen has authored more than 300 books, including OWL MOON, and HOW DO DINOSAURS SAY GOODNIGHT? Here are just a few of her newest releases. SISTER BEAR: A NORSE TALE (Marshall Cavendish, 2011) ages 5-8 Yolen has retold an old Norse folktale that has… Read more »
My currrent work-in-progress has had me befuddled. That’s a good word, isn’t it? Befuddled. My Webster’s Dictionary defines the word as, “To confuse or stupefy.” Yep, that sums it up. Said manuscript is complete and it’s not half bad. Yay! I’ve got a compelling story with suspenseful scenes and historical significance. But, my inner-editor has… Read more »
Cardinals vs Texas Rangers = World Series 2011 It’s the curse of a writer to always be in critique mode. Once the inner editor is brought to life, there’s no stopping it. When I go to movies, I subconsciously pick apart plot problems and character inconsistencies. When I pick up a magazine or journal, I… Read more »
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