Marcia Thornton Jones's Blog, page 123
February 5, 2018
The Power in the Short by Deborah Lytton: February Theme
One of my favorite books when I was a young reader was a collection of short stories by the very gifted Joan Aiken called A Necklace of Raindrops.
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The main story about a girl with a necklace made out of raindrops captivated me and I read it over and over again. The magic of stepping into another world is what I loved so much about reading. A few years ago, my sister located a vintage copy of the book and gave it to me as a gift. Reading the book as an adult brought me right back to my younger self and I experienced the same joy when I entered Ms. Aiken's worlds. The book sits on my shelf near my writing desk where it can inspire me to write a story that will capture the imagination of a reader just as A Necklace of Raindrops did for me. As an adult, I have found myself lost in the immensely powerful short stories of Margaret Atwood. She so brilliantly uses the form to break my heart into pieces in just a few pages. As writers, we all strive to craft that kind of story, a story that connects us to our readers. Studying and writing short stories will help us reach that goal. Exploring different forms for our writing can challenge us to hone our skills and just might lead us to some very exciting new works. So today, write a short story about a world made of dreams and see where it takes you.
Show Us Your Shorts!
By Charlotte Bennardo
I'm going to keep this short - because that's the theme.
Do you write short stories? No?
I know the excuses:
I can't write anything under 20,000 words.
I don't know what to write about.
The word limit is too... limiting.
I only write novels. (Or picture books. Or anime. Or screenplays.)
When I first started writing for children, I wrote picture books. But since I couldn't keep to a word count under 1,300 words, I gave that up and found my niche in novels for young adults and middle grade.
Then I saw an intriguing call for submissions for an anthology by Leap Books celebrating the 150th anniversary of Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll.
And I thought... why not?
Photo by Lum3n.com from Pexels https://www.pexels.com/
A word limit of 3,000 to 5,000 words must be observed, the story had to employ three elements (Alice, the White Rabbit, and a journey) and of course the work must be submitted within the deadline. If accepted, I would even be paid a small honorarium (hey, it's still money).
I thought and I thought. When an idea hit, I ran with it.
It was rejected- and I recognized that yeah, it deserved to be. But I was determined and wrote another submission- which was accepted (Alice Through the Wormhole is my story, and the anthology is Beware the Little White Rabbit. It's still available through Amazon or Barnes & Noble.)
I forced myself to stay in the word count (actually, I misread that part; I thought it was up to 3,000 words, but it was a minimum of 3,000). Writing that short story not only helped me sharpen my skills by learning to make judicious word choices and a streamlined plot, but it built confidence that I could write shorter pieces.
Since that success, I've had a short horror story, Faces in the Wood, included as part of a charitable anthology, Scare Me to Sleep, and I've submitted a gothic-style short for Leap's newest anthology celebrating the 200th anniversary of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. The contest deadline is February 14th, and is titled Strangely Are Our Souls Constructed (a line from the book). More details can be found on their website. There's still time!
I've seen a number of colleagues branching out from novels into short stories. If you're intimidated by writing a 50,000+ word novel, this is the perfect starting point. Even if your story is not accepted, once you read it over (and you will) you'll see places where you could have improved, but you'll also see sections that amaze you.
I've gone on long enough... See you next month!
I'm going to keep this short - because that's the theme.
Do you write short stories? No?
I know the excuses:
I can't write anything under 20,000 words.
I don't know what to write about.
The word limit is too... limiting.
I only write novels. (Or picture books. Or anime. Or screenplays.)
When I first started writing for children, I wrote picture books. But since I couldn't keep to a word count under 1,300 words, I gave that up and found my niche in novels for young adults and middle grade.
Then I saw an intriguing call for submissions for an anthology by Leap Books celebrating the 150th anniversary of Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll.
And I thought... why not?
Photo by Lum3n.com from Pexels https://www.pexels.com/A word limit of 3,000 to 5,000 words must be observed, the story had to employ three elements (Alice, the White Rabbit, and a journey) and of course the work must be submitted within the deadline. If accepted, I would even be paid a small honorarium (hey, it's still money).
I thought and I thought. When an idea hit, I ran with it.
It was rejected- and I recognized that yeah, it deserved to be. But I was determined and wrote another submission- which was accepted (Alice Through the Wormhole is my story, and the anthology is Beware the Little White Rabbit. It's still available through Amazon or Barnes & Noble.)
I forced myself to stay in the word count (actually, I misread that part; I thought it was up to 3,000 words, but it was a minimum of 3,000). Writing that short story not only helped me sharpen my skills by learning to make judicious word choices and a streamlined plot, but it built confidence that I could write shorter pieces.
Since that success, I've had a short horror story, Faces in the Wood, included as part of a charitable anthology, Scare Me to Sleep, and I've submitted a gothic-style short for Leap's newest anthology celebrating the 200th anniversary of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. The contest deadline is February 14th, and is titled Strangely Are Our Souls Constructed (a line from the book). More details can be found on their website. There's still time!
I've seen a number of colleagues branching out from novels into short stories. If you're intimidated by writing a 50,000+ word novel, this is the perfect starting point. Even if your story is not accepted, once you read it over (and you will) you'll see places where you could have improved, but you'll also see sections that amaze you.
I've gone on long enough... See you next month!
February 3, 2018
3 Shorts for the Shortest Month
1. I recently read FREAK THE MIGHTY by Rodman Philbrick about an unlikely friendship between giant-sized, slow-learning Maxwell and short, highly intelligent, handicapped Kevin (nicknamed "Freak"). I loved it!
2. I have on my nightstand FLYING LESSONS & OTHER STORIES edited by Ellen Oh, cofounder of We Need Diverse Books, whom I've been lucky enough to share a panel with twice in the past few months. Such great short stories! The one that I keep going back to is The Beans and Rice Chronicles of Isaiah Dunn by Kelly J. Baptist. Wish I'd read this one when, a few weeks back, someone asked me for a middle grade book about "rural poverty." It's not rural, exactly, as the kids live in an apartment building, but it's definitely poverty and addiction and heartbreaking and hopeful all at the same time.
3. One of my favorite songs EVER, is "Short Skirt Long Jacket" by Cake. Want to be inspired to write original analogies and unforgettable characterizations? Take a listen!
Hope your shortest month is full of all the things most important to you.
------Irene Latham is an Alabama author of more than a dozen current and forthcoming poetry, fiction and picture books for children and adults, including Leaving Gee's Bend, 2011 ALLA Children's Book of the Year and Can I Touch Your Hair? Poems of Race, Mistakes and Friendship (with Charles Waters). Winner of the 2016 ILA Lee Bennett Hopkins Promising Poet Award, she also serves as poetry editor for Birmingham Arts Journal. irenelatham.com
2. I have on my nightstand FLYING LESSONS & OTHER STORIES edited by Ellen Oh, cofounder of We Need Diverse Books, whom I've been lucky enough to share a panel with twice in the past few months. Such great short stories! The one that I keep going back to is The Beans and Rice Chronicles of Isaiah Dunn by Kelly J. Baptist. Wish I'd read this one when, a few weeks back, someone asked me for a middle grade book about "rural poverty." It's not rural, exactly, as the kids live in an apartment building, but it's definitely poverty and addiction and heartbreaking and hopeful all at the same time.
3. One of my favorite songs EVER, is "Short Skirt Long Jacket" by Cake. Want to be inspired to write original analogies and unforgettable characterizations? Take a listen!
Hope your shortest month is full of all the things most important to you.
------Irene Latham is an Alabama author of more than a dozen current and forthcoming poetry, fiction and picture books for children and adults, including Leaving Gee's Bend, 2011 ALLA Children's Book of the Year and Can I Touch Your Hair? Poems of Race, Mistakes and Friendship (with Charles Waters). Winner of the 2016 ILA Lee Bennett Hopkins Promising Poet Award, she also serves as poetry editor for Birmingham Arts Journal. irenelatham.com
February 1, 2018
Smack Dab News
A.M. Bostwick will be an instructor at the Tomahawk Elementary School this April during the Wisconsin State Reading Association Young Author's Festival. The festival is sponsored by the Headwaters Reading Council in northern Wisconsin and the school's reading program. The program features two workshops for students grades 1-8 during a half-day introduction on writing novels. Participants also will have the opportunity to meet and chat with authors post-instruction.
Women of Kidlit Launches: A new initiative is in the works, aimed at increasing equity of opportunities for Women of Kidlit (which is the name of the Facebook group where this planning conversation is taking place). The group is administered by Grace Lin and Karen Blumenthal, with plans for using the month of March (Women's History Month) to get the word out through as many channels as possible. Women and male allies are invited to participate. If you'd like to get in on the conversation, find WOMEN OF KIDLIT on Facebook and request to join the group there.
Holly Schindler Released INVENT YOUR OWN SUPERHERO: A BRAINSTORMING JOURNAL
Create a brand-new superhero with never-before-seen powers and the perfect arch-enemy. Learn to tell an exciting story!
Psst: And it’s fun, too!
~
Award-winning author Holly Schindler turns her attention to helping young writers learn the craft of storytelling. Yes, this activity book is a guide for creating a new superhero, but it also uses brainstorming prompts to take young authors through the process of constructing a story with solid characters, plenty of pulse-pounding conflict, and a satisfying ending. Great for individual or classroom use. Suggested grades: 3-8.
Buy now at Amazon.
Women of Kidlit Launches: A new initiative is in the works, aimed at increasing equity of opportunities for Women of Kidlit (which is the name of the Facebook group where this planning conversation is taking place). The group is administered by Grace Lin and Karen Blumenthal, with plans for using the month of March (Women's History Month) to get the word out through as many channels as possible. Women and male allies are invited to participate. If you'd like to get in on the conversation, find WOMEN OF KIDLIT on Facebook and request to join the group there.
Holly Schindler Released INVENT YOUR OWN SUPERHERO: A BRAINSTORMING JOURNAL
Create a brand-new superhero with never-before-seen powers and the perfect arch-enemy. Learn to tell an exciting story!
Psst: And it’s fun, too!
~
Award-winning author Holly Schindler turns her attention to helping young writers learn the craft of storytelling. Yes, this activity book is a guide for creating a new superhero, but it also uses brainstorming prompts to take young authors through the process of constructing a story with solid characters, plenty of pulse-pounding conflict, and a satisfying ending. Great for individual or classroom use. Suggested grades: 3-8.
Buy now at Amazon.
January 28, 2018
Faster. Higher. Stronger.
by Charlotte Bennardo
Picture Courtesy of: International Olympic Committee
Faster. Higher. Stronger. That's the Olympic motto. As we start a new year, and the Olympics are less than two weeks away, I'm adopting their motto, with a twist, as my own. No, I'm not an athlete (unless showing up for yoga and swimming twice a week count), but I identify with the words. Here's how it applies to my writing life and goals:
Faster : Writing faster is not the goal, since I can knock out a novel in 30 days, via NaNoWriMo or if I'm simply motivated by a new project. For me faster will be my reaction to jumping on opportunities for appearances, events, and writing projects. It also means this year I'll be faster to say NO to things that offer no benefit for me or which cost me in money or too much time. Traveling for events where I know I won't sell a book, or doing workshops and presentations where people expect me to guide them through the writing process yet they don't even ask me to sign a copy of my book as they stand there holding books from others. This is the year of learning and discerning faster.
Higher: Jumping up to cheer/volunteer is also getting cut. I've been the faithful team player but now it's time for higher aspirations than just being a good colleague, donating to the cause, or selling more books. I'm branching out into other areas professionally which I will reveal in time. Selling more books is not the be all, end all. There is something higher- something I want to wear my tiara for.
Stronger: I have to be stronger in my goals and my persistence in chasing new dreams. Some dreams I'm abandoning in favor of newer ones. That also means that I have to be stronger to face the new challenges, new skills, new people which will be presented to me in pursuit of these goals. I have to be strong when it comes to clearing out what isn't working anymore: a style, a manuscript, an event, an organization, even people. All these are like clothes: some are so basic, like a comfy pair of jeans that will never go out of style, will always serve you well. Others, well, no one wears gold lame MC Hammer pants anymore. Some things will be easy to let go of- others will be very hard, but I have to be strong to do what must be done.
As the Olympics approach, think of your own goals and dreams; like first time Olympian ice skater Adam Rippon or veteran gold medalist Shawn White, you have to get faster, higher, stronger in order to succeed.
Picture Courtesy of: International Olympic Committee Faster. Higher. Stronger. That's the Olympic motto. As we start a new year, and the Olympics are less than two weeks away, I'm adopting their motto, with a twist, as my own. No, I'm not an athlete (unless showing up for yoga and swimming twice a week count), but I identify with the words. Here's how it applies to my writing life and goals:
Faster : Writing faster is not the goal, since I can knock out a novel in 30 days, via NaNoWriMo or if I'm simply motivated by a new project. For me faster will be my reaction to jumping on opportunities for appearances, events, and writing projects. It also means this year I'll be faster to say NO to things that offer no benefit for me or which cost me in money or too much time. Traveling for events where I know I won't sell a book, or doing workshops and presentations where people expect me to guide them through the writing process yet they don't even ask me to sign a copy of my book as they stand there holding books from others. This is the year of learning and discerning faster.
Higher: Jumping up to cheer/volunteer is also getting cut. I've been the faithful team player but now it's time for higher aspirations than just being a good colleague, donating to the cause, or selling more books. I'm branching out into other areas professionally which I will reveal in time. Selling more books is not the be all, end all. There is something higher- something I want to wear my tiara for.
Stronger: I have to be stronger in my goals and my persistence in chasing new dreams. Some dreams I'm abandoning in favor of newer ones. That also means that I have to be stronger to face the new challenges, new skills, new people which will be presented to me in pursuit of these goals. I have to be strong when it comes to clearing out what isn't working anymore: a style, a manuscript, an event, an organization, even people. All these are like clothes: some are so basic, like a comfy pair of jeans that will never go out of style, will always serve you well. Others, well, no one wears gold lame MC Hammer pants anymore. Some things will be easy to let go of- others will be very hard, but I have to be strong to do what must be done.
As the Olympics approach, think of your own goals and dreams; like first time Olympian ice skater Adam Rippon or veteran gold medalist Shawn White, you have to get faster, higher, stronger in order to succeed.
January 27, 2018
2017 MG Debut Books and Goals for 2018
It’s a new year, and we’re talking about new goals! I definitely have some goals for the year, many centered around my new book coming out this fall, 24 HOURS IN NOWHERE, an adventure story about four kids who live in the poor desert town of Nowhere, AZ and decide to venture into an old abandoned mine one night in hopes of finding a piece of gold to buy back a dirt bike that was taken by a bully.
It can be tough to focus on working on a new project when you are so caught up in promoting current ones, but I definitely want to write a third book this year and maybe even get started on a fourth. My second book is quite different from my first book, so I’m struggling a bit in figuring out what direction I want to take with my writing. I’m about to be the Writer in Residence at Tempe Public Library here in a couple of weeks, so I better figure out something to work on soon so I'm not just sitting there for eight hours a day staring at the stacks! I reached out to some of my fellow 2017 middle grade debuts to see what they had going on this year. It’s wonderful to hear that many of them have a second book coming out—some sequels and some stand alones—and most are working on another project. Be sure to mark your calendars for all of these fabulous new books coming out this year! Sally Pla’s (THE SOMEDAY BIRDS) sophomore stand alone novel, STANEY WILL PROBABLY BE FINE, releases in only a couple of weeks and has already received a starred review from Kirkus. "A book two is like going from freshman to sophomore year of high school," Sally says. "The newness has worn off, but a certain unmistakable aura of anxiety/insecurity every remains... which may be a fitting way to look at it as my book-two is about anxiety." Jake Burt’s (GREETINGS FROM WITNESS PROTECTION) sophomore stand alone novel, THE RIGHT HOOK OF DEVIN VELMA, chronicles one boy's quest to figure out why his best friend punched him in the face (sounds amazing, doesn't it?). It releases on October 2nd, and they’re in the midst of fine-tuning the cover art right now. Rob Vlock has a second book coming out in his SVEN CARTER series called SVEN CARTER & THE ANDROID ARMY releasing in the fall of 2018. Filled with just as much humor and action as the first book, SVEN CARTER & THE ANDROID ARMY follows Sven, Will and Alicia, as they set off on a frantic race across the country to seek out and stop six other Omicron model androids, each just as deadly as Sven, before they carry out their plans to destroy the human race. Along the way, Sven has to come to terms what it really means to an android in a human world -- and figure out where his allegiances really lie. Ultimately, Sven and his friends come to realize that the threat to humanity is greater than they ever imagined. And the only way they can stop it involves putting not only their friendships, but their very lives in grave peril. Jen Petro-Roy is the author of P.S. I MISS YOU, an LGBTQ middle grade novel told in letters from twelve-year-old Evie to her older sister Cilla, out on March 6th from Macmillan/Feiwel and Friends. Jen has two more books coming out in early 2019: GOOD ENOUGH is about Riley, a seventh grader struggling to recovery from anorexia nervosa while dealing with overbearing parents, a gymnastic star sister, and a fellow patient intent on sabotaging her process. YOU ARE ENOUGH is a nonfiction guide to self-esteem, body image,and eating disorder recovery, based on Jen's own journey to recovery. Jen's goal for 2018 is to filter out the internet a bit more--both distraction-wise and review-wise, and to write for herself and her readers above all! Karina Glaser (THE VANDERBEEKERS OF 141ST STREET) will be releasing a sequel to her debut on September 25, 2018 with HMH Books for Young Readers. It’s called THE VANDERBEEKERS AND THE HIDDEN GARDEN. "This book felt different to write from the first because it needed to feel fresh and different but continue with the Vanderbeeker family story line," Karina says. "There are also a lot more illustrations!"
Jonathan Rosen has a sequel (not yet titled) coming out around August to his hilarious debut, NIGHT OF THE LIVING CUDDLE BUNNIES. It has the same cast of characters from the first book, but this time, they go up against a Performing Arts School of Vampires. Jonathan's goals for this year are to keep writing--a third book in the Cuddle Bunnies universe, and something entirely different as well. Wendy McLeod MacKnight (IT'S A MYSTERY, PIG FACE), has a second book coming out on June 5 called THE FRAME UP. Set in the real-life Beaverbrook Art Gallery, The Frame Up tells the story of the friendship between the gallery director's son, Sargent Singer and Mona Dunn, a portrait. A celebration of art and artists, this inventive mystery features devious plots, shady characters, and a grand art heist. Wendy recently turned her third book into Greenwillow and plans to complete her fourth book this year!
Beth Von Ancken McMullen (MRS. SMITH'S SPY SCHOOL FOR GIRLS) has a sequel releasing on July 3 called POWER PLAY. "Second books are tough," Beth says, "especially with a series. I was trying to amp things up to keep them exciting but not ‘jump the shark’. Yikes! In the end, being back with Abby and her friends was totally worth the book two jitters. I made a deal with myself back in December that 2018 would be less about marketing, social media-ing, etc and more about writing. My goal for the next few months is to finish Mrs. Smith’s Spy School #3 without ripping my hair out and finish up ten chapters of another idea that I love. We’ll see how it goes."
Kristin L. Gray (VILONIA BEEBE TAKES CHARGE) will be working on her next book during 2018. "I began my second novel, THE AMELIA SIX (2019), three times before I found the right start," Kristin says. "I learned that having one book out does not give you a magic formula. Each story takes its own path. That’s okay! My goal for 2018 is to simply enjoy this story’s journey. And to make time for these great reads!"
Jarrett Lerner, who released the hilarious ENGINERDS in 2017, has a sequel coming out in early 2019. “My writing goal for 2018," Jarrett says, "is to finish up a few of the projects that I've left in various stages of completion. I'll also be working soon with a young writer or two as part of my Kid Lit Mentorship Project, and so another goal of mine will be to help them complete a writing project of their choice, and to make sure that, at the end of the process, they are more confident, eager, and skilled creators.”
Susan Tan has a sequel coming out to her charming debut, CILLA-LEE JENKINS, FUTURE AUTHOR EXTRAORDINAIRE. It’s called CILLA-LEE JENKINS, THIS BOOK IS A CLASSIC and releases on March 27. Alison Hymas also has a sequel coming out to her fun debut, UNDER LOCKER AND KEY. It’s called ARTS AND THEFTS and releases on February 13.
Katie Silvensky’s debut, THE COUNTDOWN CONSPIRACY, is currently a Cybils finalist! Her sophomore title, THE SEISMIC SEVEN, comes out in June.
Kiersi Burkhart (SHY GIRL AND SHY GUY) will be changing genres in 2018 and releasing her first YA novel, HONOR CODE, releasing March 1. I can't wait to see what Kiersi does for young adult!
For those who don't have a second book releasing this year, the work certainly doesn't stop! Danielle Davis (ZINNIA AND THE BEES) is trying her hand at a zany and fun chapter book. Melissa Roske (KAT GREENE COMES CLEAN) is working away at her second novel and Darcey Rosenblatt (LOST BOYS) is just about to finish hers! I can't wait to see what they have in store for us next! So as you can see, everyone's journey from book one to book two is different. I'm looking forward to having many new books to read in 2018 and hopefully one or two to write. Good luck to everyone in the new year!
It can be tough to focus on working on a new project when you are so caught up in promoting current ones, but I definitely want to write a third book this year and maybe even get started on a fourth. My second book is quite different from my first book, so I’m struggling a bit in figuring out what direction I want to take with my writing. I’m about to be the Writer in Residence at Tempe Public Library here in a couple of weeks, so I better figure out something to work on soon so I'm not just sitting there for eight hours a day staring at the stacks! I reached out to some of my fellow 2017 middle grade debuts to see what they had going on this year. It’s wonderful to hear that many of them have a second book coming out—some sequels and some stand alones—and most are working on another project. Be sure to mark your calendars for all of these fabulous new books coming out this year! Sally Pla’s (THE SOMEDAY BIRDS) sophomore stand alone novel, STANEY WILL PROBABLY BE FINE, releases in only a couple of weeks and has already received a starred review from Kirkus. "A book two is like going from freshman to sophomore year of high school," Sally says. "The newness has worn off, but a certain unmistakable aura of anxiety/insecurity every remains... which may be a fitting way to look at it as my book-two is about anxiety." Jake Burt’s (GREETINGS FROM WITNESS PROTECTION) sophomore stand alone novel, THE RIGHT HOOK OF DEVIN VELMA, chronicles one boy's quest to figure out why his best friend punched him in the face (sounds amazing, doesn't it?). It releases on October 2nd, and they’re in the midst of fine-tuning the cover art right now. Rob Vlock has a second book coming out in his SVEN CARTER series called SVEN CARTER & THE ANDROID ARMY releasing in the fall of 2018. Filled with just as much humor and action as the first book, SVEN CARTER & THE ANDROID ARMY follows Sven, Will and Alicia, as they set off on a frantic race across the country to seek out and stop six other Omicron model androids, each just as deadly as Sven, before they carry out their plans to destroy the human race. Along the way, Sven has to come to terms what it really means to an android in a human world -- and figure out where his allegiances really lie. Ultimately, Sven and his friends come to realize that the threat to humanity is greater than they ever imagined. And the only way they can stop it involves putting not only their friendships, but their very lives in grave peril. Jen Petro-Roy is the author of P.S. I MISS YOU, an LGBTQ middle grade novel told in letters from twelve-year-old Evie to her older sister Cilla, out on March 6th from Macmillan/Feiwel and Friends. Jen has two more books coming out in early 2019: GOOD ENOUGH is about Riley, a seventh grader struggling to recovery from anorexia nervosa while dealing with overbearing parents, a gymnastic star sister, and a fellow patient intent on sabotaging her process. YOU ARE ENOUGH is a nonfiction guide to self-esteem, body image,and eating disorder recovery, based on Jen's own journey to recovery. Jen's goal for 2018 is to filter out the internet a bit more--both distraction-wise and review-wise, and to write for herself and her readers above all! Karina Glaser (THE VANDERBEEKERS OF 141ST STREET) will be releasing a sequel to her debut on September 25, 2018 with HMH Books for Young Readers. It’s called THE VANDERBEEKERS AND THE HIDDEN GARDEN. "This book felt different to write from the first because it needed to feel fresh and different but continue with the Vanderbeeker family story line," Karina says. "There are also a lot more illustrations!"
Jonathan Rosen has a sequel (not yet titled) coming out around August to his hilarious debut, NIGHT OF THE LIVING CUDDLE BUNNIES. It has the same cast of characters from the first book, but this time, they go up against a Performing Arts School of Vampires. Jonathan's goals for this year are to keep writing--a third book in the Cuddle Bunnies universe, and something entirely different as well. Wendy McLeod MacKnight (IT'S A MYSTERY, PIG FACE), has a second book coming out on June 5 called THE FRAME UP. Set in the real-life Beaverbrook Art Gallery, The Frame Up tells the story of the friendship between the gallery director's son, Sargent Singer and Mona Dunn, a portrait. A celebration of art and artists, this inventive mystery features devious plots, shady characters, and a grand art heist. Wendy recently turned her third book into Greenwillow and plans to complete her fourth book this year!
Beth Von Ancken McMullen (MRS. SMITH'S SPY SCHOOL FOR GIRLS) has a sequel releasing on July 3 called POWER PLAY. "Second books are tough," Beth says, "especially with a series. I was trying to amp things up to keep them exciting but not ‘jump the shark’. Yikes! In the end, being back with Abby and her friends was totally worth the book two jitters. I made a deal with myself back in December that 2018 would be less about marketing, social media-ing, etc and more about writing. My goal for the next few months is to finish Mrs. Smith’s Spy School #3 without ripping my hair out and finish up ten chapters of another idea that I love. We’ll see how it goes."
Kristin L. Gray (VILONIA BEEBE TAKES CHARGE) will be working on her next book during 2018. "I began my second novel, THE AMELIA SIX (2019), three times before I found the right start," Kristin says. "I learned that having one book out does not give you a magic formula. Each story takes its own path. That’s okay! My goal for 2018 is to simply enjoy this story’s journey. And to make time for these great reads!"
Jarrett Lerner, who released the hilarious ENGINERDS in 2017, has a sequel coming out in early 2019. “My writing goal for 2018," Jarrett says, "is to finish up a few of the projects that I've left in various stages of completion. I'll also be working soon with a young writer or two as part of my Kid Lit Mentorship Project, and so another goal of mine will be to help them complete a writing project of their choice, and to make sure that, at the end of the process, they are more confident, eager, and skilled creators.”
Susan Tan has a sequel coming out to her charming debut, CILLA-LEE JENKINS, FUTURE AUTHOR EXTRAORDINAIRE. It’s called CILLA-LEE JENKINS, THIS BOOK IS A CLASSIC and releases on March 27. Alison Hymas also has a sequel coming out to her fun debut, UNDER LOCKER AND KEY. It’s called ARTS AND THEFTS and releases on February 13.
Katie Silvensky’s debut, THE COUNTDOWN CONSPIRACY, is currently a Cybils finalist! Her sophomore title, THE SEISMIC SEVEN, comes out in June.
Kiersi Burkhart (SHY GIRL AND SHY GUY) will be changing genres in 2018 and releasing her first YA novel, HONOR CODE, releasing March 1. I can't wait to see what Kiersi does for young adult!
For those who don't have a second book releasing this year, the work certainly doesn't stop! Danielle Davis (ZINNIA AND THE BEES) is trying her hand at a zany and fun chapter book. Melissa Roske (KAT GREENE COMES CLEAN) is working away at her second novel and Darcey Rosenblatt (LOST BOYS) is just about to finish hers! I can't wait to see what they have in store for us next! So as you can see, everyone's journey from book one to book two is different. I'm looking forward to having many new books to read in 2018 and hopefully one or two to write. Good luck to everyone in the new year!
January 25, 2018
BREAK WORK (HOLLY SCHINDLER)
Many bloggers have been focusing this month on creative nourishment. Filling the well. Making sure we replenish ourselves in the midst of creating something new.
For the past several years, most of my goals have focused on doing more. Writing more, submitting more work, trying new genres, learning the ins and outs of self-publishing.
I’m not slowing down any, but I find myself wanting to fill the well lately, too. Sometimes, you’ve just got to push yourself away from the desk for a few minutes. And when you come back, you’re stronger than ever.
For mini-breaks, I’ve been sinking deep into sewing: I’ve been crocheting and knitting for a few years now, and this year, I’m also getting into embroidery. I did a little embroidery when I was younger, but mostly, I was just kind of futzing around. This time, I want to learn all the actual stitches. (Thanks, YouTube!) The best part of these “breaks” is that in the end, I also have something to show for them. There's something about being somehow productive even during your breaks that feels good, too.
What about you? Are you sewing? There's kind of a remarkable number of writers who do, actually!
Let’s share our “break work”! Find me on Twitter: @holly_schindler
January 20, 2018
Goodbye Distractions, Hello Writing!
Everyone's lives are full of them - distractions. From Twitter to Facebook; from cable news to the sitcoms I love. It seems that there is always something interesting keeping me from my "To Do" list. So, then I make a valiant effort to be more disciplined and stay on track, attacking that "To Do" list with a vengeance, feeling a huge thrill every time my pencil checks off another finished task. But what about my other work? My real work. My writing. Could it be that even my "To Do" list with its long list of emails to answer and letters to write and even blog posts to create is keeping me from my most important creative endeavor, the draft of my next middle grade novel? Could it be that all of those tasks that are part of my job as an author, not only distract me from "doing" my writing, but also distract me from living a creative life so that I have the inspiration I need to create interesting characters and tell unique stories? I wish I could say I asked myself those thoughtful questions on my own, but I only began asking those questions after readingManage Your Day-to-Day: Build Your Routine, Find Your Focus, and Sharpen Your Creative Mind.
This book allowed me to step back and, not only evaluate my work, but also evaluate how I go about accomplishing that work each day. After that evaluation, I realized how much I have let the distractions (even the author-related ones) stand in my way. But in 2018, I plan to give my best energy and attention to my writing, saving the other tasks on my "To Do" list for later. So goodbye pesky, annoying, aggravating distractions and hello year of amazing, creative, fulfilling writing!
Nancy J. Cavanaugh
This book allowed me to step back and, not only evaluate my work, but also evaluate how I go about accomplishing that work each day. After that evaluation, I realized how much I have let the distractions (even the author-related ones) stand in my way. But in 2018, I plan to give my best energy and attention to my writing, saving the other tasks on my "To Do" list for later. So goodbye pesky, annoying, aggravating distractions and hello year of amazing, creative, fulfilling writing! Nancy J. Cavanaugh
January 19, 2018
Putting writing goals on paper for 2018
The general thought of putting pen to paper to establish goals for the next 12 months is something that tends to give me stress flashbacks to my junior high days. Academics tell us goals must be specific, measurable, realistic and timed.
This is not how I write.
It’s true I am a very structured person. I am goal-oriented, highly organized and as a past journalist, driven by the motivation of deadlines.
When I transitioned from being in the newsroom to being at home and attempting to be a writer – whether it be freelance, books or blogging – I knew it was only me at the helm. Me to hold myself responsible, me to enforce the deadlines and the hours in which I’d be in my chair at the keyboard. I’ve always worked well independently. I took several college courses online, I often worked remotely as a reporter. I have no problem telling myself what to do, possibly because of the crushing guilt I feel if I leave responsibilities hanging.
In relation to writing novels, however, I have had few deadlines. Going to publication meant deadlines for editing and proposals and marketing plans. I’ve always met those. When it comes to writing a new novel, however, I never know exactly what I’m getting into. Some novels have taken me many months to write. One I wrote in a frenzied but euphoric three weeks. Some characters are more willing to show themselves to me, their plots readily unfolding, and therefore quicker to write. And it comes through that ability to recognize my characters and setting to properly convey their story that the entirety of the novel comes.
I have yet to be able to staple a deadline to this.
So when 2018 approached, just as in years past, I give myself an outline. Each month, I assign a basic goal that I hope to achieve. “Finish writing X chapters” or “Complete manuscript” or “Edit manuscript.” Perhaps “Query X manuscript” or “Critique partner’s manuscript” or “Submit to X to contest or Pitch Wars.” I also allow certain months for nothing but “Write write write.” In trusting myself with a certain amount of structure yet also free reign, I’ve been able to reach not only my annual goals but many of my lifelong goals as a writer. To see myself in publication, to see my short story in a literary magazine, to earn writing accolades, and perhaps best of all – simply to keep writing throughout my life.
Happy New Year and happy reading!
AM Bostwick
This is not how I write.
It’s true I am a very structured person. I am goal-oriented, highly organized and as a past journalist, driven by the motivation of deadlines.
When I transitioned from being in the newsroom to being at home and attempting to be a writer – whether it be freelance, books or blogging – I knew it was only me at the helm. Me to hold myself responsible, me to enforce the deadlines and the hours in which I’d be in my chair at the keyboard. I’ve always worked well independently. I took several college courses online, I often worked remotely as a reporter. I have no problem telling myself what to do, possibly because of the crushing guilt I feel if I leave responsibilities hanging.
In relation to writing novels, however, I have had few deadlines. Going to publication meant deadlines for editing and proposals and marketing plans. I’ve always met those. When it comes to writing a new novel, however, I never know exactly what I’m getting into. Some novels have taken me many months to write. One I wrote in a frenzied but euphoric three weeks. Some characters are more willing to show themselves to me, their plots readily unfolding, and therefore quicker to write. And it comes through that ability to recognize my characters and setting to properly convey their story that the entirety of the novel comes.
I have yet to be able to staple a deadline to this.
So when 2018 approached, just as in years past, I give myself an outline. Each month, I assign a basic goal that I hope to achieve. “Finish writing X chapters” or “Complete manuscript” or “Edit manuscript.” Perhaps “Query X manuscript” or “Critique partner’s manuscript” or “Submit to X to contest or Pitch Wars.” I also allow certain months for nothing but “Write write write.” In trusting myself with a certain amount of structure yet also free reign, I’ve been able to reach not only my annual goals but many of my lifelong goals as a writer. To see myself in publication, to see my short story in a literary magazine, to earn writing accolades, and perhaps best of all – simply to keep writing throughout my life.
Happy New Year and happy reading!
AM Bostwick
January 18, 2018
My Goal for 2018: Creative Joy by Claudia Mills
How I love formulating goals for myself for each new year! I think most writers do. As self-employed persons, we need to be self-starting persons, and resolutions can be an effective way of getting ourselves started on achieving whatever it is we want to achieve.
As I formulate my plans for each year, I have evolved these guidelines:
1) Although I may have lots of small, incidental goals (e.g., in the wake of last year's kidney stone surgery: drink more water!), I want to have one big goal that is my chief focus for the year.
2) The goal should be measurable and quantifiable, so that I can know whether or not I actually achieved it.
3) The goal should be achievable: I want to set the bar high enough that I have something to strive for, but low enough that a reasonable amount of striving is going to lead to success. I myself am demoralized by failure.
4) With this last thought in mind, my preferred time frame to focus on for my annual goals is the MONTH. The DAY is too demanding, where if I miss my target on even one day out of 365, I've already failed. The YEAR is too forgiving; it makes possible a dangerous amount of procrastination and postponement. But the MONTH - ahh, the month is just right.
Last year (2017), my goal was to submit something different every single month: it could be something big and ambitious like a book proposal, book manuscript, or well-researched scholarly article; it could be something smaller, like a revision of one of these in response to editorial or reviewer comments; it could be something very small, like a 700-word article for the SCBWI Bulletin, or a short poem. I didn't need to have a single submission accepted - that part was up to the universe. But sending stuff out into the world was up to me. I just barely managed to meet this goal, as I describe in detail here.
For this year (2018), I wanted something very different, something that would focus not on product, but on process. As my personal life is very difficult right now, I also wanted something that would focus on FUN. The best fun is the fun I get from creating something, from making something - from writing. So my focus this year is creative joy. But how to make this goal measurable and quantifiable? I decided it would be: to have ten hours each month of creative joy.
But what would count as creative joy? How could I make the goal more clear and precise? I decided that "creative joy" needed to involve some extra effort in the direction of generating happiness for myself. An hour of creative joy could be an hour writing with a friend, or in a cozy cafe, or at an art museum, or on a bench in a park. It could be an hour writing at home IF I added something special: lighting a candle, playing inspiring music, eating an extra-tasty treat.
Ooh! I liked this goal, I did!
So far this month my hours of creative joy have included:
1) an afternoon writing at the BookBar indie bookstore/cafe on Tennyson Street in Denver with a dear friend;
2) an afternoon touring the exhibit "Her Paris: Women Artists in the Age of Impressionism" at the Denver Art Museum and writing poems about the artworks;
3) a morning writing with a friend in her sunroom;
4) writing at home with while eating two Pepperidge Farm apple turnovers;
5) writing at home with Cool Whip added to my usual Swiss Miss hot chocolate;
6) writing at home with a vanilla-scented candle lit on my desk.
And think of all the creative joy I'll be able to find in February - and March- and April - and May!
As I formulate my plans for each year, I have evolved these guidelines:
1) Although I may have lots of small, incidental goals (e.g., in the wake of last year's kidney stone surgery: drink more water!), I want to have one big goal that is my chief focus for the year.
2) The goal should be measurable and quantifiable, so that I can know whether or not I actually achieved it.
3) The goal should be achievable: I want to set the bar high enough that I have something to strive for, but low enough that a reasonable amount of striving is going to lead to success. I myself am demoralized by failure.
4) With this last thought in mind, my preferred time frame to focus on for my annual goals is the MONTH. The DAY is too demanding, where if I miss my target on even one day out of 365, I've already failed. The YEAR is too forgiving; it makes possible a dangerous amount of procrastination and postponement. But the MONTH - ahh, the month is just right.
Last year (2017), my goal was to submit something different every single month: it could be something big and ambitious like a book proposal, book manuscript, or well-researched scholarly article; it could be something smaller, like a revision of one of these in response to editorial or reviewer comments; it could be something very small, like a 700-word article for the SCBWI Bulletin, or a short poem. I didn't need to have a single submission accepted - that part was up to the universe. But sending stuff out into the world was up to me. I just barely managed to meet this goal, as I describe in detail here.
For this year (2018), I wanted something very different, something that would focus not on product, but on process. As my personal life is very difficult right now, I also wanted something that would focus on FUN. The best fun is the fun I get from creating something, from making something - from writing. So my focus this year is creative joy. But how to make this goal measurable and quantifiable? I decided it would be: to have ten hours each month of creative joy.
But what would count as creative joy? How could I make the goal more clear and precise? I decided that "creative joy" needed to involve some extra effort in the direction of generating happiness for myself. An hour of creative joy could be an hour writing with a friend, or in a cozy cafe, or at an art museum, or on a bench in a park. It could be an hour writing at home IF I added something special: lighting a candle, playing inspiring music, eating an extra-tasty treat.
Ooh! I liked this goal, I did!
So far this month my hours of creative joy have included:
1) an afternoon writing at the BookBar indie bookstore/cafe on Tennyson Street in Denver with a dear friend;
2) an afternoon touring the exhibit "Her Paris: Women Artists in the Age of Impressionism" at the Denver Art Museum and writing poems about the artworks;
3) a morning writing with a friend in her sunroom;
4) writing at home with while eating two Pepperidge Farm apple turnovers;
5) writing at home with Cool Whip added to my usual Swiss Miss hot chocolate;
6) writing at home with a vanilla-scented candle lit on my desk.
And think of all the creative joy I'll be able to find in February - and March- and April - and May!
