Sue Bradford Edwards's Blog, page 15

Preparing for Trouble

Friday, storms swept through Missouri. At least twelve people died across the state. We didn’t have any damage although we did find a piece of insulator board that someone else is surely missing. Four of us and one irritable cat squeezed into the messy basement room that has no windows. Between us we had three … Continue reading Preparing for Trouble →

5 Things Your Story Needs to be a Good Bedtime Story

Recently a critique partners ran a story through the group. It is one she is planning to enter into a contest for bedtime stories. As I tried to comment on her piece, I realized that I really needed to familiarize myself with what a bedtime story is. And what makes a bedtime story good? Let’s … Continue reading 5 Things Your Story Needs to be a Good Bedtime Story →

Be the Rainbow: Give Hope

Before I get started on this post, I have to admit that I typed the first half of that title and then paused. Why does that sound so familiar? Oh! Taste the rainbow! I hope that some of you have taken the opportunity to sign up for the SCBWI virtual conference. The sessions are available … Continue reading Be the Rainbow: Give Hope →

Strong Settings Mean Avoiding Clichés

Yesterday my husband and I were in Charleston, Missouri to attend a funeral. Although I was on my very best behavior, I snorted audibly when someone referred to the town of just over 5000 as “the middle of nowhere.” “What?!” “Seriously? Have you ever been to West Texas? Right this minute, at most you’re 25 … Continue reading Strong Settings Mean Avoiding Clichés →

March: National Reading Month

Is it not amazing that we have an entire month dedicated to reading?! I know I’m jazzed. What are you reading right now? I hope it is something amazing. I just finished The Secret of Moonrise Manor: A Raven Gallows Mystery. I’ll admit up front that the author is a friend but I have to … Continue reading March: National Reading Month →

Snipping Away Excess Words

I don’t think I’ve ever written a perfect first draft. But with each rewrite it gets better and better.  Often it also gets longer and longer. I have to admit it — I tend to write short.  Too short. When my critique buddies go over a manuscript they mark numerous places that require transitions, details … Continue reading Snipping Away Excess Words →

Shatter Writers Block with the Ten Most Important Things

“I don’t know what should happen next!” It doesn’t matter what you are writing. It might be an outline, a picture book, a novel chapter, or a piece of flash fiction. Not knowing what should happen next can bring you to a full stop. It can keep you from writing for hours, days or even … Continue reading Shatter Writers Block with the Ten Most Important Things →

Return Borrowed Books Week

Did you know this is Return Borrowed Books Week? Am I the only one with a dedicated library bag? This is actually my second library bag. I started using one particular denim bag when I was pregnant with my son. We would make the trek to the library and fill the bag with picture books. … Continue reading Return Borrowed Books Week →

Learning from Our Predecessors

My first thought when I saw this in my in-box was “Oh, no!” I was so sad to see this. But then I almost immediately thought of his book Writing with Pictures. If you haven’t read it, this was the introductory book that was recommended to everyone way back when I started writing for children. … Continue reading Learning from Our Predecessors →

Naming Your Characters

I’ve been noodling over the names that I gave the characters in my early middle grade novel. It isn’t hard to find a list of rules for picking out your character’s names. Here are some of the rules that I’ve found. Use Meanings One of the most fun ways to name characters is to name … Continue reading Naming Your Characters →