Sue Bradford Edwards's Blog, page 79

Creating the Introverted Character

Yesterday I saw an article on creating introverted characters. I was super excited to see something that might as well have said “Creating Sue as a Character.” The reality is that I am a gold medal introvert. I can interact. I do interact. And then I am DONE. So I clicked through and saw . … Continue reading Creating the Introverted Character →

Saying Yes: How I Built a Career in Children’s Nonfiction

I didn’t graduate from college planning to become a writer.  I loved working in archaeology but took a new job at the university when it became clear that the department in which I worked wasn’t going to be around much longer. I didn’t much care for my new job.  One day I was paging through … Continue reading Saying Yes: How I Built a Career in Children’s Nonfiction →

5 Places to Look for a Critique Group

As writers, we spend much of our time working in isolation.  Focusing on a piece of writing, its easy to loose perspective.  What works?  What doesn’t?  After a while, it is really hard to tell. That’s where a strong critique group comes in handy.   Paid critiques are great but a critique group gives you … Continue reading 5 Places to Look for a Critique Group →

3 Reasons You Need a Critique Group

I don’t understand writers who don’t have a critique group. Because, in truth, my critique group is essential. I adore these ladies. If you don’t have a critique group, I hope you’ll consider scour the bushes and finding one. Okay, that’s a joke. Tomorrow I’ll take about how to find a group. This post is … Continue reading 3 Reasons You Need a Critique Group →

If at First You Don’t Succeed, Try Something Different

I use a lot of stock photos here on my blog. Creative Commons 0 is a form of copyright that means you can use the photos any way you would like, free of charge. If you are in the need of photos like this, you can check out Pixabay which is my go-to source. But … Continue reading If at First You Don’t Succeed, Try Something Different →

Self Care for Writers and Illustrators

Yesterday I had a book manuscript due. I turned it in about 3:30 for the win! In spite of this deadline, I attended a virtual yoga class. This was my first yoga class since I had occupational therapy for my wrist. Definitely a good idea and I will be doing more. Writers and illustrators need … Continue reading Self Care for Writers and Illustrators →

3 Tips for Creating the “Perfect” Author Bio

I’ve got a book manuscript due today. I made myself finish the last chapter before I went to vote yesterday. That’s a fact that is going to make its way into my bio for this particular book. When I’m doing, its going to sound like a had to finish my homework before I could do … Continue reading 3 Tips for Creating the “Perfect” Author Bio →

Characterization: Ramp It Up with Secrets

You know the basics of creating a solid character. Your good guy can’t be 100% good. Your bad guy can’t be irredeemably awful. Your character needs to grow and change. You know these things. But something just isn’t working. Your character feels flat. What more can you do? Find your characters secretes. And don’t quit … Continue reading Characterization: Ramp It Up with Secrets →

One Step . . . No Steps. When You Don’t Manage to Write.

I had great plans to get some work done this weekend, but Mother Nature had other plans. Just as I was waking up, I heard a loud hum and then a BANG. One of the transformers in the neighborhood had gone out. Then the local wifi went down. We decided to spend the day outside … Continue reading One Step . . . No Steps. When You Don’t Manage to Write. →

Guard Your Writing Time

It is good to be busy. People tell me it is better than being bored. I have no idea. And I’m not just being cheeky, I haven’t been bored for a long time. One of my editors got back to me on a project. I just signed a contract for another book. And I have … Continue reading Guard Your Writing Time →