Interstitial Moment:

Debbie wrote to ask: "I think one of the things slowing me down in the process is the fear of allowing ANY passive voice or 'ly" adverbs to escape my brain and trickle onto the page.  I know there are times when these are permissible (in adult writing), but I've been "programmed" to always avoid them when it comes to writing for children.  Your thoughts?  Do you avoid using them altogether, or do you use them sparingly?"

Debbie: I let everything flow out on the first draft. I have trained...