Sue Bradford Edwards's Blog, page 23

Proof Your Work. Good Impressions Matter

Yesterday I had a book deadline. I was absolutely exhausted but I took the time to proof. Why? Because mistakes make your work look amateurish. Maybe that isn’t what my 13 year-old reader will think, but it is definitely what the editor will think. So tired though I was, I took the time to proof … Continue reading Proof Your Work. Good Impressions Matter →

Gathering Writing Ideas

A friend of mine makes silly lunch treats for her tween daughter. They got into a groove where they made up names for the various treats. She posted about it online and everyone was so enthusiastic that she is turning it into a gift book. It isn’t something she had planned but she is currently … Continue reading Gathering Writing Ideas →

How This Former Reviewer Reads a Book

Once upon a time, I could tell you exactly how many books I had started and not finished. The answer would have been one and it was written by Sigmund Freud. The professor explained that he didn’t expect us to appreciate every assigned book so we could skip one assignment/semester. I chose to read Joyce’s Ulysses so … Continue reading How This Former Reviewer Reads a Book →

Trying Out Titles

This cracked me up when a friend shared it. I don’t use my first name. And I have two last names. So which letters do I use? The ones that create the best combination! So which should it be – City of Stars and Storm or City of Starts and Crows? Titles are tricky and … Continue reading Trying Out Titles →

How Much Can I Wedge Into One Book?

Hey, look! Another book cover! I worked in archaeology way back when. I actually illustrated artifacts and created maps and diagrams for reports. So when a book on archaeology was offered to me, I didn’t hesitate to say yes. Some days, I think my motto is leap before you look. I said yes and then … Continue reading How Much Can I Wedge Into One Book? →

Picking and Choosing or We Only Have 24 Hours in a Day

Later on I’ll be packaging up these two hats to send Keep W NC Warm. I so wanted to get four or five hats finished but several collection sites are already closing down. I need to hustle to finish these and get them out this week. I thought that because I chose crochet patterns I … Continue reading Picking and Choosing or We Only Have 24 Hours in a Day →

Barnes and Noble Announces 2024 Books of the Year

When I first saw the announcement, I giddily realized that I had already read JAMES by Percival Everett. If you haven’t read it, pick it up ASAP. I’m not going to tell you that it is an easy read because it isn’t. James is about Jim as in Huck and Jim. This is the story … Continue reading Barnes and Noble Announces 2024 Books of the Year →

What Will Tomorrow Bring?

One of the literary organizations I belong to called a series of emergency meetings after the most recent elections. I’ve also noted the number of authors, agents, and editor fleeing Twitter for Bluesky. Everyone wants to know what this series of elections means for publishing but they are sure it is bad. I have no … Continue reading What Will Tomorrow Bring? →

Board Books vs Picture Books

So sad to hear that Bruce Degen has died. He was the author and illustrator of Jamberry, a book I loved reading aloud to my son. He was also the illustrator of the Magic School Bus series. Sad sadder saddest. Board books and picture books have a lot in common. Both have to be excellent … Continue reading Board Books vs Picture Books →

Planning My Writing Week

I try to plan out my writing week. Really! But it seems like I can never predict how much I will be able to write in a day. I have a book due Thursday. My plan was to rough four or five chapters Monday and four or five chapters Tuesday. I managed to rough almost … Continue reading Planning My Writing Week →