Sue Bradford Edwards's Blog, page 122

Why Rewriting Is a Writer’s Most Valuable Skill

This GIF tells you all you need to know about my WIP. Lilo on the left is my initial enthusiasm.  “This project is amazing!  Woo hoo!  This is the best idea ever.” Stitch?  That’s the current reality – seriously?  Really?  Did I write this?  It is so lame. And that, my writing friends, is why 90% … Continue reading Why Rewriting Is a Writer’s Most Valuable Skill →

Why You Must Evaluate Advice

Whether you are reading blogs like mine, articles in Writer’s Digest, or tweets about writing, there are people everywhere who are willing to tell you what to do – never this, always that, and the most important thing for you to know. In part because there is so much advice out there, it is vital … Continue reading Why You Must Evaluate Advice →

3 Reasons You Need to Talk the Talk

If you are new to children’s publishing, you may be feeling a tad overwhelmed by the jargon. There are picture books, chapter books, and young adult novels. You have fiction, nonfiction, and informational texts. It may be tempting to shrug and ignore these terms. After all, you just want to write for kids. You can … Continue reading 3 Reasons You Need to Talk the Talk →

3 Reasons You Need Recent Sources

Writing is often all about research.  Yeah, I’m a little biased because I write so  much nonfiction but even in fiction you should find yourself doing research. One of the things that I emphasize with my students is finding recent source materials.  No matter what you are writing about, you need to find sources that … Continue reading 3 Reasons You Need Recent Sources →

STEM: Nonfiction and Fiction

One of my students is working on a STEM fiction title. Frequently it is easier to see what makes nonfction STEM. It is about biology or chemistry. It explains mathematics. Fiction? That can be a lot trickier. If a character is a mathematician, is that enough? (cricket cricket cricket) Fortunately I spotted an announcement for … Continue reading STEM: Nonfiction and Fiction →

4 Must Haves for Science Fiction

I just finished reading Jennifer L. Holm’s middle grade novel The Lion of Mars. If you haven’t read this yet, request if from your library or order it from your local book seller. It is fast paced and definitely a book I will want to read again. In part, this is because I am currently … Continue reading 4 Must Haves for Science Fiction →

Layers Give a Picture Book Depth

“There isn’t enough to this for it to be a strong picture book. It needs more.” If you’ve been writing picture books for any length of time, you’ve probably had this response. It doesn’t matter if it comes from a critique partner or an editor. It rocks you back. How on earth, you may wonder, … Continue reading Layers Give a Picture Book Depth →

Reader (over)Reaction

I wasn’t going to write a post for today. I’m facing a deadline. I almost said a ferocious deadline. It isn’t the word count. It isn’t the topic. It is the fact that it is hi-lo which is always wicked hard for me. But then I posted this graphic about how relaxing reading is on … Continue reading Reader (over)Reaction →

2 Markets and 2 Agents

If you are looking for representation or a possible market for your work, here are two agents and two markets seeking work by/for young readers. First, the agents. Michaela Whatnall  With Dystel, Goderich & Bourret. Michaela is interested in children’s literature, from picture books up through middle grade and young adult novels and graphic novels.  … Continue reading 2 Markets and 2 Agents →

10 Story Types ala Save the Cat

Among the many things on my writing plate right now is Cracking the Beat Sheet. If you’ve ever worked with Save the Cat by Blake Snyder, you know he has created his own story types. One of the exercises is to decide where your story fits. Why is this so important? Because each type has … Continue reading 10 Story Types ala Save the Cat →