Writing for Children

LISTS YOU SHOULD KEEP

Have you ever seen one of those journals where the pages have dots instead of lines? It’s called a bullet journal. If your desk has a tendency to become a bunny nest of paper scraps with lists on them, this could be a great idea for you. All of the lists are things you want to be reminded of. Sorting through your nest of lists could be the first step in creating valuable writer lists. Let's talk about the kinds of list that writers can use.

First month is FREE for the Writers' Block! Go to writingforchildren.com/writersblock use code WBPOD18

AN INTERVIEW WITH HANNAH HOLT

Debut picture book author Hannah Holt shares the results of her extensive surveys of picture book authors (How much do they make? What kind of advance do they get? Do they make more with or without an agent?), advice for prepublished authors, and how she researched and brought to life the picture book based on her grandfather, THE DIAMOND AND THE BOY.

First month is FREE for the Writers' Block! Go to writingforchildren.com/writersblock use code WBPOD18

USING TENSION AND PACE

This podcast was inspired by a post a former instructor wrote for us, the late Mary Rosenblum.

Let’s begin at the beginning. What exactly are tension and pace? Think of tension as a rubber band that pulls on us as we read. As the tension increases, that rubber band pulls us to the edge of our seats, riveted to the action on the page. As it relaxes, we sag back onto the sofa and enjoy the scenery in your world, really noticing those delicate drops of dew and the exquisite colors of the birds’ plumage. Controlling tension and pace is a matter of craft.

First month is FREE for the Writers' Block! Go to writingforchildren.com/writersblock use code WBPOD18

RECONNECTING WITH A WORK IN PROGRESS

One of the problems with writing is that it's fairly difficult to complete a project in one sitting. It can sometimes be a bit easier with a picture book where the rough draft may come in a rush during one sitting and then you return again and again to revise (and sometimes to rewrite). But for longer works, it's almost mandatory that you be able to stop, go about your non-writing life, and then return to the project. This can be difficult, especially if the break between the stop and return is lengthy. We're constantly changing as people and as writers, so returning to an older work in progress can be daunting. There are some things that can help.

First month is FREE for the Writers' Block when you use coupon code WBPOD18 - Go to writingforchildren.com/writersblock

For many children's writers, the concept of attempting a novel is daunting at best and filled with questions. So for the sake of those looking toward this exciting writing option, let's answer a few unusual but frequently asked questions:

- How long should a chapter be?

- What is high concept?

- What is a mainstream novel?

- Can I combine a bunch of stories into one book and call it a novel?

First month is FREE for the Writers' Block when you use coupon code: WBPOD18 - Go to writingforchildren.com/writersblock

AN INTERVIEW WITH ANNE R. ALLEN

Anne R. Allen writes funny mysteries and how-to-books for writers. She also writes poetry and short stories on occasion. Oh, yes, and she blogs. She's a contributor to Writer's Digest and the Novel and Short Story Writer's Market.

In this episode, Anne shares how keeping a writer's blog may be easier than you think!

First month is FREE for the Writers' Block! Go to writingforchildren.com/writersblock

TIPS FOR YOUR WRITER WEBSITE

Every author needs a website—yes, even if you're not published yet. In the Internet age, your website acts as your online business card for readers and even prospective agents and editors.

Today we discuss tips for keeping your website user friendly and keep them coming back for more.

Join the Writers' Block! Go to writingforchildren.com/writersblock

5 TIPS FOR YOUR AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

Amazon is the largest bookstore out there. Not only that, but did you realize it’s a search engine, just like Google? Not only that, it’s a search engine that people go to intending to buy things. Buy things like your books.

If you publish on Amazon, whether as a Kindle author, Create Space author, or with a traditional publishing house, you’re entitled to an “Author Page.” But so many authors simply don’t take the time to make the most out of their author page, and they’re missing out—not only on an opportunity to make a great impression, but on the chance to earn more money as well. Today, we talk about how to get the most of your Amazon Author Page.

Join the Writers' Block! Encouragement, support, and critiques for our members. Go to writingforchildren.com/writersblock to check it out!

TIPS FOR CREATING QUALITY DIALOGUE

A while ago on the Institute's Facebook page, someone was asking about dialogue, which made me think again about this important writing tool. And if you’re writing to self-publish you really need to know about how to write dialogue. Readers love dialogue because it makes a scene and a character come to life. Dialogue puts us into a specific moment within a story and that's a powerful thing for readers. But many writers struggle with dialogue and with making it feel lively, purposeful, and real. So what should you do first in the pursuit of good dialogue?

Join the Writers' Block! Encouragement, support, and critiques for our members. Go to writingforchildren.com/writersblock to check it out!

AN INTERVIEW WITH A SELF-PUBLISHING EXPERT

In this episode you’ll meet Dave Chesson, my friend otherwise known as The Kindlepreneur. He’s an expert on anything Amazon/Kindle related. Check out his podcast if you’re thinking about self-publishing.

Join the Writers' Block! Go to writingforchildren.com/writersblock