Sue Bradford Edwards's Blog, page 168
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 […]
June 10, 2019
Photos and Photo Research
As a nonfiction author, I like to use photos in my research. I look up photos to discover what a Mayan calendar looks like, what Mark Twain looked like at various points in his life, and what’s with the iridescent akhal teke coat described by horse lovers? That said, when looking up any of these […]
June 9, 2019
What Kids Want
Yesterday we were at a high school graduation party for a family friend. Mike is outgoing in the extreme. His brother Ben is the opposite. I didn’t actually see him until almost everyone had left and most of us who remained were sitting in the backyard. He came out into the kitchen to forage. Then […]
June 6, 2019
False Apology Poem
I am not a poet. Every now and again I read poetry especially the poetry of Naomi Shihab Nye. Then there are the days I attempt poetry. One of my favorite forms is the false apology poem. Have you ever done something and felt compelled to apologize although you didn’t mean it? That’s basically the point […]
June 5, 2019
Story Board: Use This Tool to Write Your Next Picture Book
Yesterday my critique group ended up discussing story boards. A story board is an illustrators’ tool that allows you to plan out a picture book spread by spread. Because you see all of the spreads at once, it is a great big picture tool. How do you use it if you aren’t an illustrator? Some […]
