Sue Bradford Edwards's Blog, page 52
October 19, 2023
Teaching vs Preaching in a Picture Book
Instead of delivering a lecture on why we need to learn to say other people’s names correctly, Joanna Ho has written a picture book about a group of children. Each of them has a name that is steeped in history and culture. Misnaming a child is, as Ho makes clear, the same as refusing to … Continue reading Teaching vs Preaching in a Picture Book →
October 18, 2023
Write Till Christmas
Just over a week ago, my writing friend Kelly Sgroi sent out her newsletter. This issue was about her plan to finish a draft by the end of the year. Like many of us, she finds NaNoWriMo untenable. For me, it is a matter of Thanksgiving and family with days off and powering up to … Continue reading Write Till Christmas →
Laurent Linn Shows How to Create 3-D Characters
If you write YA, you need to pick up Draw the Line by Laurent Linn. Of course, pick it up when you don’t have a lot going on. It is over 500 pages and I read it in two hours straight. Draw the Line is the story of Adrian Piper, high schooler and secret superhero … Continue reading Laurent Linn Shows How to Create 3-D Characters →
October 16, 2023
Review of Get Your Book Seen and Sold by Claudine Wolk and Julie Murkette
I’m taking part in the WOW! Women on Writing Blog Tour for Get Your Book Seen and Sold by Claudine Wolk and Julie Murkette. You can find out more about it here on the WOW! Women on Writing site or visit some of the other stops (see the graphic at the end of the post). … Continue reading Review of Get Your Book Seen and Sold by Claudine Wolk and Julie Murkette →
October 15, 2023
How to Narrow Your Focus
Whether you are writing a picture book or a book for teens, your word count is limited. Even if your book will be in an electronic format vs print there are limits. It doesn’t come down to the printed page, but no publisher wants a 4000 word picture book for preschoolers. Because there are limits … Continue reading How to Narrow Your Focus →
October 12, 2023
Writing via Dictation
Back when I was having problems with my wrist, I attempted dictation as a way to write. To say it didn’t work well is an understatement. But I have friends who use dictation software to write. So I keep wondering how viable this option might be if I had the right tools. Then Emma Dhesi … Continue reading Writing via Dictation →
October 11, 2023
Why Writers Need to Be Like Pooh (Bear)
Recently, I was chatting with a group of my fellow writers. One woman related that her daughter won’t let anyone post pictures of the kids on social media. She believes that since she grew up in control of her own image, her children should be able to do the same. And I get that. I … Continue reading Why Writers Need to Be Like Pooh (Bear) →
Make Use of the Picture Book Format
There’s no doubt about it. Picture book authors need to know and make use of the picture book format. These means so many things including: But it can mean so much more. You’ll see what I mean if you get your hands on a copy of Mel Fell by Corey R. Tabor. The photo above? … Continue reading Make Use of the Picture Book Format →
October 9, 2023
When You Read a Stack of Picture Books
This is my latest library haul. I can’t say it enough. I love the St. Louis County Library System. Only the top two books are from out-system. We have an incredible collection! I started out by requesting the books on the ballot for this school year’s Missouri Building Block Award. You can find the 2023 … Continue reading When You Read a Stack of Picture Books →
October 8, 2023
Review of When Mama Grows with Me by Rebecca Wenrich Wheeler
Last week I posted a guest post by Rebecca Wenrich Wheeler on fostering empathy through books. Now I’m back to share my review of her picture book, When Mama Grows with Me. What’s this book about? It is near the end of the first paragraph. “Waiting is growing.” In this book, a mother and son … Continue reading Review of When Mama Grows with Me by Rebecca Wenrich Wheeler →
