Nancy Kelly Allen's Blog, page 48

Keep a Small Notebook/ Two No-fee Contests

Writers, keep a small notebook with you, one that will fit into your pocket or purse. Teachers, encourage your students to do the same. Every time you hear a distinctive phrase write it down. If you read an article you think you could work into a story, write it down. Ideas pop into our heads and we always think we'll remember them, but of course we don't. Instead of relying on our memories, you guessed it: write it down in the small notebook you never leave home without. You just might creat...

Writing Activities Based on The Truth About Princesses

My latest picture book, The Truth About Princesses , is a look at popular fairy tale princesses. Where do princesses live? If you should meet a princess, how do you address her? Find out what princesses wear and what they do to have fun. Twirl through the pages of this book and catch up on all the princess fun. Here are some fun writing activities for students or anyone wanting to expand their writing techniques.

Ø Imagine what would have happened to Cinderella if her step-mother and step-siste...

Writing Contest Part 2

Today, I'm listing three more contests with no entry fees. Check out the Websites for more information and follow the guidelines. Good luck!

1. Free Short Story Writing Contest "Family Stories"

The short stories could be about your family in the past, your family in the future, an imaginary family, a family of ducks or a family of your friends.

Enter your short story about families in BookRix's free writing contest "Family Stories" now. The story must relate to families in some way. Tell us yo...

Writing Contests Part 1

Hear ye! Hear ye! The Truth About Princesses, my latest picture book is now available. Ths book is all aout popular fairy tale princesses. Where do princesses live? If you should meet a princess, how do you address her? Find out what princesses wear and what they do to have fun. Twirl through the pages of this book and catch up on all the princess fun.

Teachers, check out Class activities on my website, www.nancykellyallen.com for fun ways to use this book.

Now, on to the writing contests. Thes...

Writing Goals

- Happy New Year!

The beginning of a new year is an ideal time to set writing goals. Whether you're a writer or a teacher of writing, or both, goals will keep you focused on the path you choose.

Motivating students to become more involved in the writing process is a goal many teachers have. The key is to plan activities that will capture the interest of students using activities that are fun. In grade three and up, brainstorm with students to create writing projects. If the students are involve...

Critique Groups Provide First-Aid for Writers, Part III

For the last two weeks, I've presented reasons to join a critique group. Today, I'm focusing on how to join a critique group.

One way to form a critique group is to post notices on the bulletin boards of public buildings—library, college, church, museum and other places that may attract potential members. Church bulletins, free classifieds in local newspapers, and community calendars on local television and radio are other ways to notify writers. Attend local writing groups and writing con...

Critique Groups Provide First-Aid for Writers, Part II

A critique group is vital to the development of a writer, not only in the realm of the craft of writing but the emotional ups and downs associated with publishing. Here's an inside look at the critique group to which I belong.

Members of my group provide emotional support for each other. If a member has a manuscript rejected or another personal problem, we listen and provide words of encouragement. When a member receives good news, we perform a chocolate dance in celebration.

Each month, a...

Critique Groups Provide First-Aid for Writers

Since many students will soon be on a holiday break, I'm going to write about tips for writers in a series of three blogs that focus on critique groups.

You've pounded the keyboard day after day, week after week, creating your story. You've spit-shined the revisions, rearranged the sentences, and typed the last word. Now you're ready to kiss your manuscript good-bye and ship it off to strangers, AKA editors.Not so fast! Mailing you're manuscript at this time may be a little premature. Co...

Overused Words

We writers strive to make our stories and articles interesting. One way to up the interest level is to avoid overused words. Every writer falls prey to the overuse of certain words, and those words vary with each person who puts ink to paper. My downfall is the word just. I just didn't realize I was so dependent upon the word just and wrote it over and over throughout a manuscript. A member of my critique caught the problem and justly brought it to my attention. Hats off to my critique group....