Sue Bradford Edwards's Blog, page 146

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 […]

I Voted!

I voted!  Have you?  Ballots are currently being cast for the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators Crystal Kites Awards.  And there isn’t even any controversy about casting your ballot electronically! If you are an SCBWI member, it is time to cast your vote in the Crystal Kite Awards.  For those of you who […]

Three Things to Do When Working on a Rewrite

Monday, I got the comments from two of my editors and a content consultant on an ongoing project.  My biggest realization so far?  I touch my face constantly while I’m thinking.  Con-stant-ly.  And it isn’t like the comment are horrible.  A month ago I wouldn’t have noticed this but now I do.  Ah, well. It […]

What Was the Best Seller the Year You Were Born?

Last week, I got so excited when I saw the BookBub Feature, the Best Selling Book the Year You were Born.  What book would it be?  Something by Michum?  Wouk?  Uris? The list started with 1920. As I scrolled down to my year, I noticed an interesting combination of books and author I know, even […]

How to Use Your Three Act Structure to Write Your Synopsis

As I work on my mystery, I’ve realized that at some point I will have to write a synopsis.  In all reality, while I don’t love writing a synopsis, it isn’t the worst thing every and it just got easier.  Last week, I read this post on using your story beats to create a 1 […]