Sue Bradford Edwards's Blog, page 165
June 24, 2019
Pairing Fiction and Nonfiction
Pairing a fiction book and a nonfiction book is a technique that librarians and teachers are using to engage young readers. When interested adults do this, they acknowledge that readers have individual tastes. Just how you choose to pair books can vary. Book pairings are often based on a topic or theme such as: The […]
June 23, 2019
Memoir or Autobiography?
The past two months, I’ve been on-again, off-again drafting a memoir. It started as an essay. Then I realized that I needed to add onto this part and that part. Really, quite a bit of backstory was necessary to understand the full impact of the “12 hours in the emergency room with Dad” essay. So […]
June 20, 2019
Poet Laureate Named: Joy Harjo
On Wednesday, the US Library of Congress named the next poet laureate of the United States – Joy Harjo. Joy Harjo is a member of the Muscogee Creek Nation. Read her poetry and you will find elements of her culture but Harjo says she doesn’t do this intentionally. “I don’t think about it … And […]
June 19, 2019
Rising Tension: Test Your Story to Be Sure You Have It
Your character has to have a goal and it has to be something that is of great importance. As she works her way toward this goal, obstacles get in the way. She tries and fails, tries and fails and then, when all seems lost, succeeds! That’s a super simply take on story structure. The point […]
June 18, 2019
Research: How Much Is Enough
Recently, one of my students asked how much research I do for a book before I start writing it. When I write a book for Abdo through Red Line, I have to turn in an outline and Chapter 1 for approval. At this point in the project, I do what I call “broad stroke” reading. […]
June 17, 2019
Why Writing Is Like Beading
Those of you who have read my blog for any time know that not only do a write, but I also craft. Knitting, crochet, and beading help me recharge my creative energy. Lately, I’ve been beading lariat-style necklaces. These necklaces are a single four foot strand of beads. There is no clasp, so you knot […]
June 16, 2019
2019 Children’s and Teen Choice Book Award
Unlike other book awards, the Children’s and Teen Choice Book Awards are selected and voted on exclusively by young readers. Isn’t that amazing? The winners in all four categories were announced last week. So without further ado: In Kindergarten–2nd Grade, the winner is I Say Ooh You Say Aah by John Kane (Kane Miller). The honor […]
June 13, 2019
Proofing: Four Tips to Help You Catch Those Errors
A friend of mine just got a rejection letter. Yes, it bothered her but what was more upsetting was opening her essay to find a wide variety of errors she hadn’t seen before. How can you avoid this in your own work? Here are three tips. Cultivate Absence. It is easier to spot errors when […]
June 12, 2019
Short and Sweet: Finding Time to Write in the Summer
At this point in my writing life, I am the mom of a 20 year-old lifeguard. He’s at home but he’s also working at two pools and taking a Calc 2. Class just started this week so it remains to be seen just how often I will see him. That said, I do remember trying to […]
June 11, 2019
How to Critique A Manuscript
In addition to critiquing manuscripts for my students, I am a member of a critique group and an accountability group. Technically, the accountability group is supposed to hold members accountable for their goals. But, let’s be honest, we also critique. How can we not? Once you’ve heard about the manuscript your writing friend is working […]
