Revision – aka catching all the boo-boos
I’ve been up to my elbows in the muck of revision for a few weeks now. I started off looking at the forest, or the big picture. Have I built tension? Have the characters...
What inspires you?
Last month, I found myself in need of a little inspiration. I sat at my desk, fingers poised above the keyboard, blinking cursor ready to march across the page – and I couldn’t get...
A New Book in 2016!
After 15 years of writing, I have learned that the best news doesn’t arrive in the mail. Self-addressed stamped envelopes never contain anything more than rejection. The words I hope for – we’d like to...
Reflect, Aspire, and Strategize for 2015
Writers make a lot of resolutions. I like to take two kicks at the can, making resolutions in September (when I get my peace and quiet and writing time back), and in January (when...
Who have YOU met on the internet?
If you look carefully, you can find some fascinating, helpful people through the internet. While writing Dirty Jobs: Coal Miner (published by Weigl, 2014), I was challenged to find accurate, reliable details about modern...
Marketing Your Book: Next SCBWI meeting November 13
It can be a struggle to be heard over the white noise of “buy my book!” promotion when launching a book online or building a virtual visibility event. On Thursday, November 13, Angela Ackerman will present...
The Joys of Feedback and Revision with Frieda Wishinsky October 16
Honest – revision and feedback can be joyful, with a little help from your friends. At some point, we all get a little too close to our own work and have trouble seeing it...
Focus on Children’s Literature with Martine Leavitt: next SCBWI meeting September 11
Do you wrestle with theme when you’re writing, or is it your guiding light? If you write YA or mid-grade fiction, you won’t want to miss Martine Leavitt’s presentation on theme on Thursday, September 11. Leavitt is...
Kids’ books versus children’s literature
Is this a case of ‘I say potato, you say spud?’ I don’t think so. In my mind, children’s literature is like adult literature: finely crafted prose that delves deep into social issues. Great...
SCBWI & YABS get-together
September’s SCBWI and YABS meeting was a great success. Both groups support developing and published writers but offer different benefits of membership. Thanks to Lois Donovan for explaining details of Taleblazers and other YABS programs. You can...
SCBWI Meeting September 26
On Thursday, September 26, the SCBWI and YABS are getting together! This should be a great gathering of children’s writers and illustrators and everyone is invited. We will meet 7:00 – 8:30 pm in...
Calgary writers’ conference growing each year
In just a few days, one of Calgary’s largest writers festivals will throw open its doors and welcome readers, editors, publishers, illustrators and, of course, writers. When Words Collide has grown quickly in three...
