Sue Bradford Edwards's Blog, page 51

Picture Book Characterization

One of the trickiest things about writing a picture book is that you have to squeeze in everything that would go into a novel. That includes plot, attempts, failures, setting, and characterization. But you have much less space. That means that you can’t spend paragraphs getting something across to your reader. You have to do … Continue reading Picture Book Characterization →

Fight Book Bans Act

Have you heard about the Book Ban Act that is currently before Congress? The Act isn’t designed to eliminate book challenges. Instead, it will support libraries and librarians in helping meet the expenses they incur when a challenge takes place. It was introduced on December 5 by Florida’s Maxwell Alejandro Frost and Frederica Wilson, and … Continue reading Fight Book Bans Act →

The Nonfiction Proposal: What to Include

If you are new to proposal writing, the thought of creating one can be intimidating. But really, they are kind of wonderful. A proposal makes it possible to get a contract without having to write the entire book. Think about that for a moment. You can get a contract without writing the whole book. You’re … Continue reading The Nonfiction Proposal: What to Include →

Layers: How to Create Books for Young Readers and Adults

I’ll admit it. I haven’t read Max Storm’s Minecraft books. I met him as the author of World War Z but I just watched his Library Con keynote and then requested The Island, the first Minecraft book. You’re probably wondering how someone can write adult horror, zombie books, and Minecraft. But Storm had an answer … Continue reading Layers: How to Create Books for Young Readers and Adults →

Questions of Genre

Last week I read a piece in Today in Books about abolishing literary genre. “Should We Abolish Literary Genres” linked to an article in The Guardian. Apparently the idea is that if Literary Fiction contains elements of mystery, romance, the supernatural or magic, it proves that the genre terms we use are not sufficiently accurate. … Continue reading Questions of Genre →

National Cookie Day and Writing in December

What does National Cookie Day have to do with writing in December? Well-planned our not, December is a hectic month. Personally, I have a book due, a class beginning, a proposal to get out (to numerous agents), a college graduation, a move, a trip, and . . . hmm. What am I forgetting? Oh, right. … Continue reading National Cookie Day and Writing in December →

Review of The Sound of Kindness by Amy Ludwig VanDerwater

How do you tell a story about finding kindness in the world? It would be very easy for this kind of story to become a massive sermon. “Look for it and you will find it. Just do it!” But Amy Ludwig VanDerwater does it a much better way. She gives readers a story about a … Continue reading Review of The Sound of Kindness by Amy Ludwig VanDerwater →

4 Reasons You Need a Critique Group

For the next month, I’ll periodically blog about the gifts that you can give yourself as a writer. One of the most valuable is a critique group or accountability group. One – A Critique Group is There for You Even if your family is supportive, there are going to be things they don’t understand. The … Continue reading 4 Reasons You Need a Critique Group →

Audience: Get Specific

About three weeks ago, I sent my nonfiction proposal to Kane Press. I have to admit that I was bummed when it bounced back to me in less than 48 hours. But the reason is pretty good, if I do say so myself. They’ve contracted a similar book. That means that I need to get … Continue reading Audience: Get Specific →

A Writer’s Search History

A friend of mine is working on a police procedural. She asked a question on a forum and was answered only after someone vetted her. “She’s a writer, not a maniac.” Between my friends who write mysteries, horror, speculative fiction, and true crime, their search histories are like a museum of the macabre. In spite … Continue reading A Writer’s Search History →