Sue Bradford Edwards's Blog, page 100

Do You Need Food in Your Story?

Years ago, I was at a conference with Wendy McClure who was then an editor at Albert Whitman. At some point during her presentation she commented that she thought the Boxcar Children books were so popular because food features in every single book. More recently, I’ve been working on a cozy which means that I’m … Continue reading Do You Need Food in Your Story? →

Why You Need to Call Yourself a Writer

I’m not even going to ask if you are busy – this being the holiday season and all. It doesn’t help that this year, in addition to the regular holiday stuff, there are supply chain issues, shortages, and COVID. If you aren’t finding time to write, most people would understand. After all . . . … Continue reading Why You Need to Call Yourself a Writer →

Seeing the World through Your Character’s Eyes

While I was writing yesterday’s post on setting, something crossed my mind. I have no clue whatsoever what color my character’s room is in Airstream. I know that is in her room. I know how she’s personalized it. But color? I have no idea. In a way, this is good news. Color is really important … Continue reading Seeing the World through Your Character’s Eyes →

Setting Sets the Mood

I’ve been noodling over how to use setting in my story, so it was only natural that the real estate ad that a friend posted had me wondering – who would live here? Not only is the main body of the house octagonal, but the whole house is black. The siding. The roof. The floors. … Continue reading Setting Sets the Mood →

Memoir, Autobiography, or Biography?

Recently, the book club I attend was discussing what types of books we like to read.  One member panned memoir.  She prefers autobiography.  Another member didn’t want to read either autobiography or memoir.  She only like biographies.  To understand why certain readers prefer each, you have to know what they are. Biography If I write … Continue reading Memoir, Autobiography, or Biography? →

American Indian Stories Differ from Euro-American Narratives

Whether we are reading stories or working with writers or students from other traditions, cultural sensitivity demands that we remember that how we think is cultural. It isn’t right where someone else is wrong. It is learned. But how do other traditions differ? Trying to find information on this isn’t always easy so I love … Continue reading American Indian Stories Differ from Euro-American Narratives →

Rewriting after Critique

Early in 2022, I will be running a middle grade novel past my critique group. I am going to ask people to read it as a whole, cover to cover so-to-speak. Why? Because I want to know how the story works as a whole and the larger structure is easier to evaluate if you read … Continue reading Rewriting after Critique →

Lessons in Designing a Web Page

Yesterday I set to work updating the “Books” page on my site. I’d long wanted to fix it so that every cover was approximately the same size. I say approximately because the books are different sizes. But if every photo was the same height, the page would look more consistent. WordPress also offers a “Masonry” … Continue reading Lessons in Designing a Web Page →

Skip Past the Default Explanations

I had to laugh when I read this Arthur C. Clarke quote. It sounds so much like something a young reader would say. It seems like often the difference between a child and an adult is that adults take for granted the “logic” behind how we do things and what we call things. A child? … Continue reading Skip Past the Default Explanations →

Writer Beware: Not All Advice Is Good Advice

Recently, I met a woman who works on industrial sewing machines. She is expanding her trade to household machines and has been amazed at how inconsistent the advice is that the finds online. Sadly, looking for advide on how to do something as a writer is just as problematic for several reasons. Anyone and Everyone … Continue reading Writer Beware: Not All Advice Is Good Advice →