Sue Bradford Edwards's Blog, page 33

Writing Someone Else’s Story

As I was drafting my cozy, I included a scene that took place on the bottoms. That’s an area here where I live. Actually we have two bottoms. One is named for the river, the Missouri Bottoms. The other is the Columbia Bottoms. In my region these are areas of farmland. Spring floods and the … Continue reading Writing Someone Else’s Story →

Why You Need a Critique Group

Yesterday I had a critique group meeting. I was kind of bummed because I meant to have a new manuscript. I had drafted it, but it was flat, blah, and boring. It wasn’t the awesome idea I had had in my head. Several of us stuck around after the meeting. One of them asked me … Continue reading Why You Need a Critique Group →

Manifestation: What It Is and Isn’t

I’m going to be upfront. When I hear people talk about manifestation, I battle not to roll my eyes. Don’t get me wrong. Setting goals is vital. Visualization can help. And I really do believe that like attracts like. But the way many people practice manifestation gives me the willies. It’s like they think they … Continue reading Manifestation: What It Is and Isn’t →

Best Vacation Reads

I had to laugh when a friend suggested this as a blog topic. I don’t read different books in the summer than I do the rest of the year. But I do remember one very memorable book selection process. I was probably about 12 when I was out of school for the entire week before … Continue reading Best Vacation Reads →

When You Aren’t Sure Where Your Manuscript Is Going

Look at my published books and something becomes clear. Nonfiction is my thing. It is where I feel comfortable and, even if a wrench gets thrown into something, I can pivot. Re-outline a nonfiction project? No problem. I’ve had to do it before and I’ll have to do it again. Replace a chapter? I can … Continue reading When You Aren’t Sure Where Your Manuscript Is Going →

What’s Your Favorite Historical Setting?

On Wednesday I posted a simple question on X and Facebook. “Let’s talk historical fiction. What’s your favorite time and place? What won’t you read?” One friend said that she’ll read anything involving the British monarchy. My mother-in-law said that as much as she loves historic fiction, her most recent reads would indicate that World … Continue reading What’s Your Favorite Historical Setting? →

Happy 4th of July

Happy 4th of July! I’m taking time off today to . . . let’s be honest. We’re cleaning the house because 7 of our son’s friends are coming over! Yes, I told him he could ask people over but I never expected 7 of them to say yes. Two are college students whose families live … Continue reading Happy 4th of July →

Historical Fiction: Where and When to Set Your Story

Yesterday I was doing part of the reading for the class I’m taking and Simon Rose said something that really rocked me back. His advice is to only set a story in a time and place that your reader already knows. My gut reaction was to disagree. After all, The Magic Tree House books are … Continue reading Historical Fiction: Where and When to Set Your Story →

Story Boarding a New Picture Book

I spent some time this afternoon outlining a new picture book. I did it using a story board. Cartoonists use them as do illustrators. How do you use it if you aren’t an illustrator?  Some writers make quick sketches.  I jot down a few words or a sentence on a Post-it note. Because you see … Continue reading Story Boarding a New Picture Book →

A Life Inspired Picture Book

Just over a week ago, a neighbor called my husband over. A huge dog was lingering between her house and the next and she was terrified. There’s a reason we jokingly call my husband Dr. Doolittle. Within moment, the “good boy” was in our back yard. Then he was in our kitchen. Returning him to … Continue reading A Life Inspired Picture Book →