Dallas Woodburn's Blog, page 39
August 13, 2009
Tips for Busting Through Writer's Block
Is your story in a rut? Are you feeling stuck? Writer's block is definitely a problem that most every writer has to deal with. It can be so frustrating! Here are some ideas that might help you get through it:
* Set your story aside for a couple of weeks and work on something else. Sometimes, like a watched pot that never boils, a story idea never comes when we are fretting over it. In my experience, the best ideas for my stories often arrive when I am thinking about something else -- walking my d
* Set your story aside for a couple of weeks and work on something else. Sometimes, like a watched pot that never boils, a story idea never comes when we are fretting over it. In my experience, the best ideas for my stories often arrive when I am thinking about something else -- walking my d
August 11, 2009
The Power of Books to Change Lives
Check out this video for a very inspiring reminder of the power of books and literacy!
http://darynkagan.demo.nimbussoftware.com/love/stories/lv_090811_homelessbookclub.html
Watch CBS Videos Online
http://darynkagan.demo.nimbussoftware.com/love/stories/lv_090811_homelessbookclub.html
Watch CBS Videos Online
August 8, 2009
What makes a "good" story?
Dear Dallas,
For a long time, I've thought a story has to have a bunch of conflict to be interesting, but in the past couple days I've been reading in this old book of my mom's, and a lot of the stories in it are really interesting and fun even though they're hardly at all tense or full of conflict. So, now I've sort of been trying to figure out what it is that makes someone want to keep reading a story. Do you think, as long as you have good characters with interesting things happening to the
For a long time, I've thought a story has to have a bunch of conflict to be interesting, but in the past couple days I've been reading in this old book of my mom's, and a lot of the stories in it are really interesting and fun even though they're hardly at all tense or full of conflict. So, now I've sort of been trying to figure out what it is that makes someone want to keep reading a story. Do you think, as long as you have good characters with interesting things happening to the
August 7, 2009
Hamilton Writers Guild Announces 2009 Fiction Writing Contest
Category: General Fiction
2000 Word Limit
Entry Deadline: September 30, 2009
Contest Guidelines
. Entry fee: $10 per entry
. Prizes: $125 1st Prize; $75 2nd Prize; $50 3rd Prize
. Manuscript must be typed, double-spaced on one side of 8.5 x11 white
paper. Do not double space between paragraphs.
. Staple all entries in the upper left hand corner
. Include your name, address, phone number, e-mail address, word count and
where you heard about the contest on cover page only
. Do not put your name, or any other
August 3, 2009
Writing Camp a Great Success!
I had a fantastic weekend.
August 1 & 2 were the first two days of the Second Annual Write On! Summer Writing Camp, and I cannot imagine a better experience. Twenty-four creative, energetic, compassionate young writers showed up eager to write and share their writing with each other. They dove into each activity with enthusiasm and openness -- and I was blown away by the writing they bravely shared with me and the class! Also importantly, everyone was respectful and positive with each other, crea
August 1 & 2 were the first two days of the Second Annual Write On! Summer Writing Camp, and I cannot imagine a better experience. Twenty-four creative, energetic, compassionate young writers showed up eager to write and share their writing with each other. They dove into each activity with enthusiasm and openness -- and I was blown away by the writing they bravely shared with me and the class! Also importantly, everyone was respectful and positive with each other, crea
July 30, 2009
A Fortune for All of Us
I had delicious Chinese food for dinner last night, and one of my favorite things about ordering Chinese food is cracking open the fortune cookies at the end of the meal. Last night, my fortune read: "Daydreams may be pleasant, but accomplishments are more satisfying."
I think this fortune can be applicable to everyone. Dreaming about the future is important, as is setting aside some time every day to daydream and let your mind wander freely. But, on their own, dreams are not enough. True satisfa
I think this fortune can be applicable to everyone. Dreaming about the future is important, as is setting aside some time every day to daydream and let your mind wander freely. But, on their own, dreams are not enough. True satisfa
July 23, 2009
Networking, networking, networking!
Last night I went to a mixer event put on by the Young Leaders Society of Ventura County (and organized by my amazing friend Erica Roundy!) -- you can find out more information about this group at their website.
Networking is a great skill to practice. As a kid I was very shy, and growing up I have had to actively work at being outgoing and meeting people. Putting yourself in new situations is a great way to grow, learn new skills, and possibly conquer some fears! Writers, for example, can no lon
Networking is a great skill to practice. As a kid I was very shy, and growing up I have had to actively work at being outgoing and meeting people. Putting yourself in new situations is a great way to grow, learn new skills, and possibly conquer some fears! Writers, for example, can no lon
July 22, 2009
Author Websites with Advice for Young Writers
I came across this wonderful list of author advice for young writers in the latest newsletter from the California Learning Strategies Center, a terrific resource for gifted students and their parents. Visit their website at www.LearningStrategiesCenter.com, where you can sign up for their free newsletter too! Many thanks for Susan Goodkin for reprint permission.
T.A. Barron
http://www.tabarron.com/for-aspiring-writers
Judy Blume
www.judyblume.com/kids.php
Bruce Coville
http://www.brucecoville.com/
T.A. Barron
http://www.tabarron.com/for-aspiring-writers
Judy Blume
www.judyblume.com/kids.php
Bruce Coville
http://www.brucecoville.com/
July 17, 2009
Writing Contest for Young Writers!
Thanks to my writing buddy D.B. Pacini (http://www.astarrynightproductions.com) for sending notice of this contest along to me!
The rules for the Will Albrecht Young Adult Writing Contest are as follows: Writers between 15 and 20 years of age may submit a short story or up to three poems on any subject at a max. of 10 pages double spaced and typed.
First prize is $100; Second Prize is $50; Third Prize is $25.
Submissions are due by August 1st for the Fall-Winter issue, but later entries will be
The rules for the Will Albrecht Young Adult Writing Contest are as follows: Writers between 15 and 20 years of age may submit a short story or up to three poems on any subject at a max. of 10 pages double spaced and typed.
First prize is $100; Second Prize is $50; Third Prize is $25.
Submissions are due by August 1st for the Fall-Winter issue, but later entries will be
July 16, 2009
Be The Star You Are! Books & Bands Bash
Here's an exciting upcoming event from a longtime Write On! supporter, Cynthia Brian. Her literacy charity, Be the Star You Are!®, is celebrating its 10th anniversary of service on September 13 with a Books and Bands Bash Benefit. Cynthia's new book, Be the Star You Are! for TEENS will be launched at the event with thirteen contributors on hand to autograph copies.
There will be dancing under the stars, food, vendors, raffles, and even a bone marrow registry. For information and tickets go to www
There will be dancing under the stars, food, vendors, raffles, and even a bone marrow registry. For information and tickets go to www
