Sue Bradford Edwards's Blog, page 90
May 10, 2022
What Are You Reading?
Some how, some way, I always consider what I am reading research. If it doesn’t feed into a current project it will almost certainly feed into a future project. Right? At the moment, I am working on a nonfiction title for 3rd graders. Then I’ll work on my middle grade science fiction title. Then it … Continue reading What Are You Reading? →
May 9, 2022
What Can Only You Do?
“Do something to make your work unique.” That’s the advice that we writers hear time and time again. Maybe you’ve heard it worded a little differently. “Why are you the only writer who could write this particular manuscript?” Not to worry. I’m a nonfiction writer. I dive into the research and will pull up a … Continue reading What Can Only You Do? →
May 8, 2022
Keep the Self Talk Positive
Just the other day, I saw a Tweet from a fellow writer who wanted to know if anyone else “talk to themselves,” by leaving themselves little notes in their manuscripts. Sure! Doesn’t everyone? I leave myself all kinds of notes. INCLUDE A BRILLIANT TRANSITION. BREATHTAKING SUMMARY GOES HERE. LOOK UP DATES. INCLUDE METRIC. My notes … Continue reading Keep the Self Talk Positive →
May 5, 2022
Giving Each Character a Distinct Voice
I’ve been watching Brendon Sanderson on Youtube again. He suggested a really interesting exercise to create unique dialogue for each of your characters. In the past, the exerise that I had heard was to copy and paste your dialogue into unique documents. Each document would be the dialogue for one character. Then you review the … Continue reading Giving Each Character a Distinct Voice →
May 4, 2022
3 Reasons Writers Need Resilience
Yesterday I had a critique group meeting and I noticed that one of our members seemed really down. She’s a lady that always has a word of encouragement for the rest of us. During our general discussions she’s got a list of helpful resources including books and webinars that she’s eager to share. But this … Continue reading 3 Reasons Writers Need Resilience →
May 3, 2022
Finding Your Reading Level
The manuscript I am currently drafting is for 3rd graders. I have to admit that it has been a while since I attempted this reading level. The last time was a hi-lo project which means I was written for middle graders at a 3rd grade level. I just turned in two books that were written … Continue reading Finding Your Reading Level →
May 2, 2022
You and Your Mews
Are you someone who sits and waits for your Muse to show up and inspire you? At one point, I was that kind of writer. But no more. It really isn’t compatible with doing work-for-hire or having contracts. Sign a contract for a series and you have to get those books turned in on time. … Continue reading You and Your Mews →
May 1, 2022
Cover Reveal!
Cover reveal! I just found two of my new book covers up on Amazon. Although I had some ideas about what a book cover for Become a Construction Equipment Operator, I really had no clue for What Are Learning Disorders? I’m glad they didn’t show a younger student. These books are for readers in fifth … Continue reading Cover Reveal! →
April 28, 2022
How Book Club Gave Me a New Perspective on Rejection
Earlier this week, book club met to discuss a mystery. I hate it when I don’t love the book club book because I make 50% of the recommendations. What can I say? When you get as many industry newsletters as I do, it is easy to drop interesting book titles into a folder. This time … Continue reading How Book Club Gave Me a New Perspective on Rejection →
April 27, 2022
Creating Problems for Your Characters in the Tech Age
More than once lately, I’ve heard someone say that in books written pre-2000, so many story problems would have been solved if only the character had a cell phone. And that’s true to a point. Apparently if you write romantic comedy, your characters can simply fail to talk to each other. But even good romantic … Continue reading Creating Problems for Your Characters in the Tech Age →
