Category: Writer’s Blog
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Music to Induce The Writing Trance
Writing fiction requires that you dive into your character’s mind, heart, and soul. Lots of writers talk about the best material coming from a trance state, when you feel as if your character is talking/acting through you. Choosing music that reflects my character and/or the themes in the book helps me to get into my…
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“Humor is the Oxygen”
I’m remembering Sid Fleischman, who died this week. He said, “Humor is the oxygen of children’s literature. There’s a lot of competition for children’s time, but even kids who hate to read want to read a funny book.” My favorite book of his is The Whipping Boy, which I often use when I teach writing to…
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Great Beginnings
Just finished Alan Bradley’s Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie and enjoyed every bite. Listen to the opening three lines: “It was as black in the closet as old blood. They had shoved me in and locked the door. I breathed heavily through my nose, fighting desperately to remain calm.” What a hook! But…
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Getting Your Story on the Right Track
Having trouble revising? Maybe you should hop on a train. Over the years, I’ve done my best work while riding the rails. Why? Maybe it has something to do with literally being on a track? Yesterday as soon as I settled into my seat on the 7 a.m. train from DC to Philly, I pulled…
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Helping Young Writers at the Start
When it comes to writing, some kids have a hard time getting started. In this article (first published in the Arizona Reading Association Journal), you can read my suggestions. Helping Young Writers at the Start
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Connect with Writers
When I was at a book signing at the fantastic Downtown Book & Toy Store in Jefferson City, MO, a young woman introduced herself. She said that she was interested in writing for children and wondered if I’d be willing to share any advice. We talked about the importance of humor and about keeping a…
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Plotting your way
I often use index cards to keep track of my plot. I also use them to keep track of important bits of information.