Sue Bradford Edwards's Blog, page 121
March 2, 2021
2 Reasons to Enter Writing Contests
If you are focused on getting published, or simply on meeting your daily word count, you may never have entered a writing contest. But there are two reasons you should. The Win Writing contests come in all shapes and sizes. Some are only for pre-published authors. Some award the winner with publication. Still others are … Continue reading 2 Reasons to Enter Writing Contests →
March 1, 2021
The MacMillan Children’s Books Diversify Your Bookshelf Pledge
MacMillan Kids has challenged each of you, as readers, to Diversify Your Bookshelf. As part of the pldge, each month they issue a simple challenge that will result in more diverse reading. In March, the challenge is to read a book by a woman of color. Easy peasy, I thought. I’ll just pull out one … Continue reading The MacMillan Children’s Books Diversify Your Bookshelf Pledge →
February 28, 2021
2 Reasons to Be Specific
As writers we spend a lot of time trying to find just the right word. We need something that says what we want. But we also need to select words that are specific, and here is why. Word Count Whether you write picture books or novels, there is a limit to your word count. When … Continue reading 2 Reasons to Be Specific →
February 25, 2021
3 Things to Consider When Using Song Lyrics in Your Book
When I rewrite my cozy, each chapter will open with a verse, or part of a verse, from a hymn. Like a lot of writers I know, and a lot of the people I know, music is a huge part of my life. So it isn’t surprising that so many of us attempt to use … Continue reading 3 Things to Consider When Using Song Lyrics in Your Book →
February 24, 2021
Picture Books: Written with Layers
Two weeks ago, I wrote a post about creating layers in your picture book. Layers give your work depth and help make it marketable. This was one of the topics that Liz Garton Scanlon talked about in her webinar. I just read one of her books and it really drove the point home. At the … Continue reading Picture Books: Written with Layers →
February 23, 2021
3 Reasons to Apply for an SCBWI Grant
Although I’ve never won a grant, I’m putting together my application for The Ann Whitford Paul—Writer’s Digest Manuscript Award. Why bother? For several reasons. Recognition Without a doubt, the number one reason is an opportunity to be recognized for what I do. If you’ve written for any length of time, you know that writing is … Continue reading 3 Reasons to Apply for an SCBWI Grant →
February 22, 2021
3 New Offerings from Save the Cat!®
I’m excited to be taking part in the blog tour for Save the Cat!®. My post doesn’t go up until 3/19 but I wanted to give all of you the chance to take advangate of the various blog posts and enter to win access to the new course, Cracking the Beat Sheet. I’m really enjoying … Continue reading 3 New Offerings from Save the Cat!® →
February 21, 2021
The State of Publishing
I hope some of you signed up for the SCBWI Winter conference. It was this past weekend. I attended three sessions on Saturday and am looking forward to the viewing the Zoom links of those remaining. One of the sessions I’ve already seen was Jean Feiwel’s State-of-the-industry interview., she is Senior Vice President and Publisher, … Continue reading The State of Publishing →
February 18, 2021
Deadline!
It never fails. When I have a deadline, one of my students has a pressing problem. The phone/doorbell won’t stop ringing. The toilet mimics Old Faithful. The garbage disposal falls off and the sink empties into a basement closet. What is that dripping? Okay. I’ll admit it. I’m exaggerating just a tiny bit for comedic … Continue reading Deadline! →
February 17, 2021
3 Reasons to Read Your Work Aloud
One of my writing friends, Kris Nitz, taught me to read my work aloud. She explained to me that she does this even when she is writing a novel. That seemed like a lot of effort but then I gave it a try. I quickly came to see things her way. Why? Because reading my work … Continue reading 3 Reasons to Read Your Work Aloud →
