Sue Bradford Edwards's Blog, page 26

3 Reasons You Need Recent Sources

Writing is often all about research.  Yeah, I’m a little biased because I write so  much nonfiction but even in fiction you should find yourself doing research. One of the things that I emphasize with my students is finding recent source materials. No matter what you are writing about, you need to find sources that … Continue reading 3 Reasons You Need Recent Sources →

Give Yourself Time Away

Sunday I was pushing myself to finish the first chapter and outline of my next project. They were due Monday. But I just could not get it right. There were so many problems! Me: This is terrible! I’ll never make my deadline! Him: This again? Me: What are you talking about? Him: Go to bed … Continue reading Give Yourself Time Away →

Guiding Your Reader, Step by Step

This post originally appeared on February 5. I am facing two deadlines this week, thus the reprint. I have to admit that before I agreed to take on this particular project, I took a good hard look at the guidelines. What did the editors want me to include? There is so much guilt and self-hatred when it … Continue reading Guiding Your Reader, Step by Step →

The Best Writing Exercise? Getting Up and Moving

When people talk writing, they talk about writing routines and morning pages. They talk about prompts and writing exercises. Yes, those are important. But the most important writing exercise of all? The one that gets you up and moving! I have to thank the St. Louis County Library for Fall into Fitness. Last fall I … Continue reading The Best Writing Exercise? Getting Up and Moving →

What’s the Point of Writing a Page a Day?

Depending on what you are writing, you may have to write one page a day or 10 for Write Till Christmas. I’ll admit it. With the contracts on my calendar, I chose the shortest possible project. My choices included my mystery (adult), my science fiction novel (longer middle grade), and my early middle grade contemporary. … Continue reading What’s the Point of Writing a Page a Day? →

The Last Day Julian Was My Best Friend by Jody Jensen Shaffer: A Review and How to Title a Book

This is a must read picture book by Jody Jensen Shaffer. Anthony and Julian are best friends and they are having a summer time blast. Then Julian brings over the most amazing marble ever. They play with it all day long until Julian can’t find it. He looks and he looks while Anthony visibly worries. … Continue reading The Last Day Julian Was My Best Friend by Jody Jensen Shaffer: A Review and How to Title a Book →

What Kind of Character Would Be Hard for You to Write?

Earlier today I found where one of my X (Twitter) posts about book banning had been reposted. I had shared a photo of myself with two books from a Banned Book Week display. Both books were by Ellen Hopkins. Among the things this person added to my post was the “fact” that Ellen’s books have … Continue reading What Kind of Character Would Be Hard for You to Write? →

Plotting or Pantsing? Pantsing with the Beat Sheet Mapper

About two weeks ago, I blogged about Write Till Christmas. You can find my post HERE. The idea was, and still is, that I will use this challenge to draft an early chapter book by the end of the year. It is one that I’ve noodled over considerably and even roughed a first chapter. But … Continue reading Plotting or Pantsing? Pantsing with the Beat Sheet Mapper →

My Favorite Indie Store and a Blow for Book Banners

Last weekend I was in Alpine TX for a family event. The four of us in my immediate family popped out to visit Front Street Books. They had an amazing display for Banned Books Week. What is that right at the top? THAT LIBRARIAN by Amanda Jones. What you can’t see around the back of … Continue reading My Favorite Indie Store and a Blow for Book Banners →

Finding Inspiration on the Road

Earlier in the week we were driving cross country on a family trip. My husband pulled off the highway at the George Washington Carver National Monument in Diamond, Missouri. Why? This was a stop just for me. Every time we drive past, I mention that my dad wanted to be George Washington Carver. Growing up … Continue reading Finding Inspiration on the Road →