Sue Bradford Edwards's Blog, page 143

How to Add Layers to Your Picture Book Story

When you write a magazine story for young readers, it can be fairly straightforward. But when you tell a story with the same theme as a picture book, there needs to be more. The reality is that if your story is going to be printed as a picture book, it needs to have enough to […]

10 Ways to Write Funny for Young Readers

Recently one of my editors commented that she had just heard from an agent that in adult writing editors want romantic comedy and humor.  I have to admit that I’ve expected to hear something like this about writing for children and teens as well.  Maybe that’s why I’ve been thinking about humorous writing for young […]

6 Opportunities for Writers Looking for Agents

If you are one of the many writers, myself included, seeking representation here are 6 opportunities.  One of them may be the right one for you. Raven Quill Literary Agency is a new agency founded in 2020.  The agents are: Jacqui Lipton (middle grade and young adult fiction and nonfiction) Kelly Dyksterhouse Kortney Price (picture […]

3 Things to Remember When Writing Inner Dialogue

I may be hip deep in a nonfiction title but my brain keeps drifting towards fiction.  I think part of the “problem” may be that I’ve been hanging out in Gutsy Great Novelist Studio, an online writing community hosted by author/writing instructor Joan Dempsey.  Earlier this week, Joan posted an article on inner dialogue, one […]

The Most Vital Thing to Include In Your Opening Scene

Today I finished watching Randomhouse Editor Sara Sargent’s digital SCBWI workshop on opening scenes.  I watched it in the hopes understanding why the opening scene in my mystery doesn’t quite work.  I’m still not sure but I also know why.  As Sargent said, finish your novel and then revisit the opening.  I haven’t made it […]

3 Things to Remember When Researching a Topic Online

At the moment, a lot of us find ourself working from home and having to meet all new challenges.  This means lots of time at our desks or dining room tables, challenging our bandwidth.  Given the fact that I’m currently writing about the coronavirus, I’m happy to be doing  my research from a distance even if […]

The Biggest Mistake You Can Make Using Questions In Your Writing

Yesterday I read an interesting blog post by Mary Kole on how not to use questions in your writing.  Specifically, she was warning against using rhetorical questions. A rhetorical question is any question where you don’t expect an answer.  Parents are famous for rhetorical questions.  Do you want me to give you a reason to complain? Umm […]

Two of my Upcoming Books

Last week I was grabbing a quick breakfast before heading into work.  Translation: I was at the kitchen table eating fruit before sitting down a my computer.  My phone pinged to let me know I had a message. “Congrats on the Covid-19 book!” ::insert cricket noises here:: As you may know if you read my […]

The Most Important Thing to Remember When Writing a Series

Recently I read a series title that I will not name.  Yes, normally I tell you what book I’m talking about but not this time.  Why?  Because I’m giong to complain and I really like this author’s books.  Their other books. Recently I read a series title.  This was not the first book and it […]

Writing Nonfiction for Children and Teens: The Interview

Does anyone like the way that they sound?  I’m always vaguely horrified when I hear a recording of myself.  In spite of this, I was really happy with how this interview turned out. Writing friend Marella Sands interviewed me for her Youtube series, Writers Wroom.  We didn’t have a script but we did discuss what […]