Sue Bradford Edwards's Blog, page 92

Follow Directions: How to Make a Good First Impression

I’m currently working on the next edition of the KS-MO SCBWI newsletter, Scribbles. I’m not editing articles yet, I’m just compiling member news. Just. As much as I love seeing everyone’s news, I hate this part of the job. Although I ask for print or copy ready announcments, that is seldom what I get. I … Continue reading Follow Directions: How to Make a Good First Impression →

How Many Sources? How Much Research Is Enough?

“How many sources do I need? How much research is enough?” When my students ask these questions, I know they won’t be 100% satisfied with my responses. There is no easy answer. Many people assume that it depends on the length of the project. Sometimes it does, but a 500-word magazine piece can have as … Continue reading How Many Sources? How Much Research Is Enough? →

Types of Poems for National Poetry Month

It has been quite a while since I played around with writing poetry. I don’t lie to myself. Poetry is not my strength. I am far too literal, and yet I like checking out the many type of poetry out there. One of my favorite nontraditional forms is the Book Spine Poem. Every line in … Continue reading Types of Poems for National Poetry Month →

Your Favorite Childhood Books

If you normally read my blog or you’ve checked out my author’s page on Facebook or Twitter, you’ve probably figured out that I ‘m a total library fan girl. I’ve been a book lover since before I was a reader so I have many fond memories of libraries and childhood book. Here are a few … Continue reading Your Favorite Childhood Books →

The W Method? Another Way to Look at Plot Pacing

Recently I heard about a new-to-me method to plot a story. It is called the W Method and involves a 4 acts that are equal in length. I point this out because in your well-known 3 act structure, Act 1 and Act 3 are equal and half the length of Act 2. The W Method … Continue reading The W Method? Another Way to Look at Plot Pacing →

“Yes” or “No.” Processing Your Editors Requests

Yesterday, I got revision notes from my editor. Arnold is super easy to work with because when he makes a request I know exactly what he’s suggesting. And, yes, that means I’ve worked with editors who left me guessing. “Okay, my writing was unclear but is she asking me for this or that? Is this … Continue reading “Yes” or “No.” Processing Your Editors Requests →

National Library Week

Doesn’t everyone have a shelf just for their library books? It is actually one of the neatest locations in my office. As a writer, I probably use the library more than many people do. I use my library’s on-line catalogue most days of the week. Check out the books currently occupying my shelf and you’ll … Continue reading National Library Week →

Scams All Around

New writer, experienced writer, it doesn’t matter. Some day you are going to run into a scam and some of them are much more obvious than others. Fortunately, there are resources to help you keep track of what is what. One of the best is the Writer’s Beware blog which you can find here. This … Continue reading Scams All Around →

“What Do You Write?”

I hate it when someone asks, “Have you written anything I would have read?” I don’t know! I write for kids. What do you read? When I tell them what I write, I get responses like: ‘Maybe one day you’ll write for adults.’ I do write for adults but most of my writing for adults … Continue reading “What Do You Write?” →

Get to Know Your Character

Read, read, read, read, read. In addition to listening to audiobooks while I do things around the house, I’ve been reading for a flash fiction contest. As a result, I’ve been noodling over how to create a strong opening and a plot that works throughout the length of the book. Before we discuss this, we … Continue reading Get to Know Your Character →