Sue Bradford Edwards's Blog, page 221

Memorial Day

I’m not sure what it is about Memorial Day and rewrite requests.  Last year, I had to tell an editor that I couldn’t have a rewrite done as early as they wanted it because I was taking the weekend off. Right now, I’ve got three book contracts: The Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL); Advertising Overload; and […]

Your Writing Space: Does It Reflect the Real You?

Recently I read a column written by author Christina Katz about whether or not your home reflects the real you.  She encourages writers to express themselves in how they decorate their homes because, as she says it so well, “expressiveness begins at home.” That made me look around here in my office.  Does it reflect […]

Concept picture books: I had to broaden my idea of “concept”

Concept picture books.  It isn’t a new phrase but I have to admit that only recently have I developed a full understanding of what this category of books contains. For those of you not familiar with the term, a concept picture book explores an abstract idea or process.  Alphabet books are concept books.  Counting books […]

Picture Book Writing: It Started with a Title

Yesterday I was piddling around doing something else, talking to my teen when a phrase popped into my head.  “Yeti yoga.” “Sasquatch swimming, what’s your point?” “I’m not sure.  What would yeti hope to get out of yoga?” Fortunately he’s grown up with Writer Mom so this didn’t particularly phase him.  I wasn’t sure what […]

Winners Announced: SCBWI Announces Winners of the 2017 Crystal Kite Awards

I was so excited when I saw the notice for the annual Crystal Kite Awards.  The Crystal Kite awards are peer-voted in that members of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators bestow this award for excellence in children’s books on their fellow writers and illustrators.  Winners are voted on and awards made with […]

Writer’s Web Site: Let People Find You

Recently, I read a Writer’s Digest post on writer’s websites.  One quote from editor Robert Lee Brewer really stood out.  “My two most important rules for building a platform: 1. Be easy to find,” said Brewer,” and 2. Be easy to contact.” When I was writing for Children’s Writer newsletter, I wrote articles based on interviews with […]

Creating Kid Content: Are You Ready?

Thursday I watched an interesting Ted Talk, What Adults Can Learn from Kids with Adora Svitak. Svitak makes some interesting points, especially for those of us who create for a younger audience.   (My plan was to link to it but that funciton seems to be “limited” today, so I’ll imbed the video below.) When adults […]

The Dot Test: Rising Tension

I’ve been contempleting one of my new manuscripts, working on a rewrite.  This particular picture book has a fun concept and interesting characters.  I say “interesting” because one of them is more interesting than she is sympathetic although she does change and grow. But in addition to this you also have to have a story […]

New Poet Laureate: Margarita Engle

The Poetry Foundation has named the next Young People’s Poet Laureate – Margarita Engle. The award is given every two years to someone who has devoted their career to creating “exceptional poetry” for young readers.  The laureate advises the Foundation on matters relating to young people’s lit and may take part in projects to help […]

Picture Book Mentorship

Do you feel like you’ve hit a brick wall with your picture books?  You’ve read all there is to read about writing picture books.  Your critique group likes your work but you still can’t find a publisher or an agent.  What are you doing wrong? One of the best ways to get past this point […]