Three Writing Reads and Blog appearance

Been a while since I have done one of these posts, so thought it about time I got back into the habit.

Working on a synopsis for critique session I have at an upcoming conference. I wrote this synopsis as I wrote the actual book. It helps me get the whole story in my head for those times it is simmering away between revisions. I thought it would make polishing the synopsis easier. Nope. At least not for me. That’s okay. I’ve just come to the conclusion working out a synopsis does not come easy for me. Hence I am glad for articles (and his entire website actually) like this one:

Writing a Good Synopsis

My current middle grade is requiring some serious world building because of the level of paranormal in it. I’m creating a whole new movement out of early spiritualism (1850’s) that created Howling Heights (the place my MC, Happy, lives). Was pleased to come across this article today! It has me thinking I need to do more on paper. Out where I can see it, if that makes sense. A lot of what I’ve created is on the computer and in my head. Even thinking that I could create a Spiritualist Handbook (secret of course, because the town founders were baddies).

SO I'M FIFTY!: World Building Technique: An Interview with Jen Reese Author of Above World

Most of you are probably already familiar with this next blog. Harry Potter for Writers. I’m taking a course from Susan this month. Kind of love her site. Whether you are a fantasy writer or not you can learn much from what Susan has to say.

Harry Potter for Writers

Finally, a totally random “thing” from me.

A confession.

I play around with my blog appearance…a lot. Too much. Wondering if there is anyone else out there who does too. I’ve tried creating a separate blog to play around in but always come back to this one. I really need to stop it. I think? Or find another hobby. One that is away from the computer. Gasp. I am sure when they talk about filling our writer well they weren’t meaning stay on the computer until all hours finding the best look for your blog?

Happy writing all!

Three Writing Reads and December Sci Fiction and Fantasy Releases for Children and Teens

Well, I did not make the NANO word count, BUT, pretty happy with the book I am working on. Broke 43,000 and am now at 45,000. Ending blossomed and I can see and feel it and have been writing it. Each time my MC and her sidekicks wonder if it can get worse? It does. Now, a lot of that may be second drafted out, but it’s fun seeing just how much they can take, even some of their flaws are being put to good use (cause really, I don’t want them to be perfect at the end, heh heh).

Now, because I have slowed down with the fast drafting, I am taking the weekend to smooth out scenes and plot lines, and just do some general reading on writing. It’s part of the way I think on a book.

Many of you already are familiar with SEEING CREATIVE, but giving a shout out to Stina’s 12 Days of Christmas for writers. Came upon it on day three and it’s timely to say the least.

Seeing Creative: The Twelve Days of Christmas for Writers: Day Three

And I like this post. Keeping in mind that Danika is NOT saying to send out your queries now, just use the query as a means of focusing in on the tone and feel of your book as you prepare to work on draft two. I like doing that. I also rewrite the synopsis. It’s my way of getting the whole story in my head, helps me see the the arcs (or see that they are not there, lol!)

NaNo Hangover: What to do between your first draft and second (part 1) « The Accidental Novelist (Writes Again)

Now. I am still working away on the first draft of HAPPY MEDIUM, A HOWLING HEIGHTS NOVEL (yeah, the title is changing). But when that done I will be stepping into the second draft. So, will be having a close look at this:

“NaNoWriMoReMo” – Make December Your NaNoWriMo Revision Month

Finally, check out Charlotte’s Round-Up of new books hitting the shelves in December. I’d say there is some good shopping to be had for your kid and teen readers. Yourself, too!

Charlotte's Library: New releases of fantasy and science fiction for kids and teens--the first half of December, 2011 edition

Enjoy the weekend all!

Three Writing Reads and Following Your Passion

Today I read the words from a draft.  I write, therefore I revise. Some good advise from Rhonda Helms can be found here:

Wynter Daniels: Thursday with an Editor - Rhonda Helms

And a new (and already favorite) blog on the block has a Writing DNA post they will, er, post every Thursday. Well worth checking out and adding to your list of reads.

Sleuths, Spies, and Alibis: Writing DNA #2

Rounding out the writing reading this morning is a wow post.

Adventures in Children's Publishing


Recently came upon the following blog. What the author is doing inspires me, not to do the same, but to always remember the power of thinking outside the box, following your passion. He's struck a chord with the book itself, imo, but with me as an artist who can be a wee bit timid, second guessing....anyhoooo....


Noblemania: Stand by your man(uscript)

Three Writing Reads and A Video

I am plotting out my latest novel. It will be interesting (for me) to see if the energy for writing the story stays the same as when I “pants” a novel--one thing is for sure (er, I hope!) is there will not be as much to clean up as I work through the next drafts. When I take a break from the writing, writing I like to wonder about a look for articles, blogs, tips on writing. Things that resonated with me today, include this:

AdviceToWriters - Home - Use Everything (so true, you do have to include even your best character’s ugly bits. think 3D)

and this:

#Amwriting (dot org) - The Amwriting Community (I have no idea the #amwriting hashtag had a website. How cool! Just all around great to connect with other writers, I say)

and this because it is full of advice:

Do you have any advice for aspiring writers? | Kathy Stinson, Canadian Author of Books for Young People

That’s three writing reads, hope you enjoyed. Up next “A Video”.

One of my favourite youtube series on writing comes from Plot Whisperer for Writers and Readers. And, happily she has started posting her second series which will take you through studying novels and there plots. As you follow along on the series she will refer back to the first set of vids she posted, PLOT A NOVEL, MEMOIR, SCREENPLAY.

marthaalderson's Channel - YouTube

Three Writing Reads

This was the first post I read this morning and so very timely. Pushing through the fear that can often bind us. The trick for me is be aware that I am running from a project not dealing with the fear/self doubt. And by running from the project I mean writing around it, not sending it out once done because it needs a little more tweaking, needs to rest for another year or two (okay, maybe not quite that bad...but, you know). The interesting thing, especially when sitting down to start a new project and all the little whispering fearful voices start, is once you _do_ break through and start the fear fades and you think..what was I afraid of. It’s a crazy cycle of fear, overcome, fear, overcome...like I say, though, the trick for me is being aware enough to know I am overcoming it, not running from it. I fear this ramble may make no sense...see? But, I am going to leave it up anyway. Deleting it would be doing the running away thing.

Um. Here’s the link!Christine Fonseca, Author: Show Your Fears A Little Love Too!

And, some sage advice on finishing a novel. Make the focus on story and telling it. The novel is the medium.

DearEditor.com (this is a new website to me, just found this morning thanks to this feature on Cheryl Rainfield’s blog:

Cheryl Rainfield: » Guest Post: Banishing the Blahs From Your Fiction by author Deborah Halverson – and a giveaway.

And that be it from me and Three Writing Reads! Happy reading and writing everyone.

Three Writing Reads

 A great post on practice, practice, practice when it comes to our craft, plus I found out about a book I didn’t know about called IF YOU WANT TO WRITE By Brenda Ueland. Here’s Lori’s post: L. H. Walker: The Way Forward is Practice

***

 This next post gave me goosebumps. As I read I knew what she meant about not writing to the market. I also had running around in my head a book I’d like to maybe possibly write--deals with suicide--sort of shoved it aside, cause well, it scares me a little (okay alot!). So, I get to the last line in the post:

“This is what you have to offer the world: Yourself. Put it on the page, even if it's scary.”

Like I said...goosebumps.

Here’s the post:

Rachelle Gardner, Literary Agent: Write Your Truth

***

The Writer Coaster: Goodies! There is a link here to recommended to watch vid series on story structure! Going to be doing that later today, but wanted to share it now.


Happy Writing!

Three (Writing) Reads and Sarah Dessen

Today I meet a couple of good friends at the coffee shop. We write, we talk writing,we write, we talk general, we talk out ideas, stuck bits of story. Just like I have not blogged one of my Three (Writing) Reads features in a long while I have not met with them in a long while either. I am so looking forward to the meet up--and to writing this post. So let’s begin.

Revision is on my mind. I am finishing up a picture book revision (finishing a revision? can I really know I’m done???). It was a tough one. I took out parts of that story that have been there for, well, years. And years. They were my babies. My favorite-est parts. The parts I thought I’d never, ever (ever) let go. A meeting with an editor at a conference and a few suggestions later I had the “huh” moment-it was not that she did not like the story. It was that her questions and thoughts made be realize that my favorite-y bits were actually getting in the way of the story. Funny how this happens when you are in looooove with certain parts of your ms. So---kinda looking forward to being in the writer editor relationship (with an agent to help me along the way!

The Writer and Editor Relationship « Ingrid's Notes


Once I’m “done” with Carolina’s story (the picture book) I am going back to a YA paranormal I wrote years ago. Actually going
back to the original idea and starting over. It’s an exercise almost. I am curious to see if the parts that just are not working in KEEPER are because I never originally intended it to be a YA even--it morphed into that (pre-2000, yep, I’ve been working on that particular book that long. Now, it could be that I need to just let go and go down the dark, dark path I seem to be fighting or go back to the original (middle grade, all parents alive, happy family) ghost story (ghost, not so happy, she’s pretty bad and scary, always was). Andrea Mack’s today post is timely....

That's Another Story: So That's What I Planned to Write About!

Speaking of YA (well, a little bit any way) Query Tracker Agent-Judged YA is up and running.

QueryTracker.net: Agent-Judged YA Contest Is Now Open for Submissions!

And speaking of contests/giveaways, check out the Sarah Dessen Week happening right. now

YA bibliophile: Sarah Dessen Week Kick-Off!

All part of Sarah Dessen’s newest release.

YA bibliophile: What Happened to Goodbye Release Day!

If you’ve got time for one more link, here is my giveaway, you have until May 15th to enter-it’s a pick your own Dessen book and I will get a copy to you! (International entries too!)

Just Deb: Sarah Dessen Week Kick-Off-Giveaway

Now, gotta go grab a coffee, have a shower at some point too...my friends do not want to be sitting in Starbucks with a smelly bed head Deb.

Enjoy the day all!

Three (Writing Reads) and Children's Book Week!

Right now I’m putting the finishing touches on a picture book and working on a new (yes, while revising my middle grade--I find when I take a break during the day from one, I like to check in on the other. Really...I suppose I could do some housework during a break, but my muse won’t let me). Even if you are not taking part in NaPiBoWe, I’d recommend taking some time to read the posts from authors and illustrators. Inspiring and much to be learned. 

Paula Yoo and National Picture Book Writing Week (NaPiBoWriWee) - Inkygirl: An Illustrated Guide For Writers - For Writers, Librarians, Editors and Bibliophiles

Great post on writing the hook for your...book! This is something to think about with picture books, too. Especially in the title. Does the title hook, does it give a sense of what the reader will get when they open it up?  As the patron or book buyer is moving along the shelves, looking at titles what is it about yours that stands out, and if the book buyer in particular is on their own and looking for something specific, what is it about your title that tells them you might have what they are looking for? 

Adventures in Agentland: HOOK 'em in (in three seconds or less)

Some good food for thought on this one....and if you are struggling with that first novel and thinking it will never be done, maybe it has already taught you what it needed to and it’s time to move on to the second novel, taking what you learned with the first on with you. Of course, this isn’t the case for everyone--but, I’d dare say there are a few learning novels tucked away in all of our drawers.

Rachelle Gardner, Literary Agent: Will Your First Book Be Published?

And finally...It’s Children’s Book Week! Why not jump in and have some fun.

Book Week Online

Three (Writing) Reads and A Book

Some good food for thought here as I continue with the big POV switch. In this particular MS it is limited third, but I have another book I could see this working well with now that I am out of the “everything in first” mode I appeared to be in.

Five Advantages of Third Person Omniscient POV « Ingrid's Notes

I know I’ve mentioned Save the Cat and the beat sheet before, but pointing it out again, because I wanted to mention I find using a movie to show and tell totally works for me. Helps me visualize the beats in my own books--of course different than writing a screenplay but great for imagining the story on.

Save the Cat!® » Blog Archive » Beat Sheet for The Fighter



This is a book on writing, highly highly recommended by Wordplay, plus this link leads to another blog I want to check out. It’s called Storyfix. Going to read up a bit more about it, but see this as my next book to get and read--when I’m not actually writing, that is. Yep. It’s great to do all the writing reading, but you’ve got to get that butt in chair!

Wordplay: Helping Writers Become Authors: Why Story Engineering Is a Must-Have Book

Three (Writing) Reads and A Leave a Comment, help a library!

This is cool. And I like hands on “stuff” when I am developing an idea or thinking out a scene or some other aspect of my story. Also had me thinking that I could have my characters do their own collages...another way of stepping into their heads. And asking myself how would they do the collage? Magazines? Clip art? Fight tooth and nail on having to do it because they are not crafty and they insist they are allergic to scissors and glue? (huh, I think that sounds like Harvey snuck his way into this post!). Okay :) Here’s the link :

Literary Rambles: Tip Tuesday #82

This next writing read had me nodding my head and smiling and grimacing and just all around just getting where she was just coming from. Hah! And seriously, it is a good thing I do not have any brownies in the house, because I’d be eating one right about now.

Author Michelle McLean: How Being on a Diet is Like Writing a Book

Well now. How timely is this post from Heather? Pretty timely. I am going to be writing some puppet theatre scripts for my library. And-I was thinking-why not try out some original ideas, wonder what would happen storywise? Lo and behold...Heather posts about using puppets to get story ideas!

Frolicking through Cyberspace: Need a New Story Idea? Play with Puppets!


HELP A LIBRARY

What a cool idea this is. For every comment Jennifer will donate 50 cents to two different libraries. There’s more, you can take part too. Check it out and I will get going on this, too, just need to figure out some deets and my budget!

Jennifer R. Hubbard: Leave a comment, help a library

Three Writing Reads and Smack Dab in the Middle

This is a good one. In LIFE AS A TO-DO LIST my character, Cricket, is a mirror of opposites when you look at her at the beginning and then at the end. She’s wearing the same colors, looks the same...but is completely changed (or, in her case she is who she always was). Anyhow. The following is something I am going to use to check in on another WIP of mine. Look at “The End”. P.S. All of the tips in this video series are great, you should take a look see.


Laurie Lazzaro Knowlton - Writing Tip of the Day - Tales from the Rushmore Kid


I tell you, me, and punctuation...it’s not good, sometimes; Check out this fun sum up, but keep in mind the blogger does warn of instant death if you do read it. Yes. Yes. I am dead now. Just call me Deb of the Dead.

Frost Light: A Punctual Death


And just a good refresh on the whole process of this writing business!

QueryTracker.net: In Brief: The Path to Publication


As some of you know I recently joined the team ofFrom the Mixed Up Files of Middle Grade Authors. I’m happy to say there is a new blog that has a focus on Middle Grade! It’s called Smack Dab in the Middle (Smack Dab for short...I love, love, LOVE this--catchy, rememberable!) Here is the link and check out that list of authors. LOVE them too. Yes, I am full of the love today, lol!

Smack Dab in the Middle: Introducing Smack Dab in the Middle

Three Writing Reads and Two Winners!

POV is on my mind a lot lately. Again, because I’m switching a novel over to third and because I have another which I am going to do the same to. In both cases I was CONVINCED that first person was the way to tell the story. Jennifer’s article is timely. As I am making the switch, I am also revising scenes. And, I am learning things about my character I didn’t see before. With my other book, multiple POV is something I am considering because I realize that the ghost needs to be heard. She is more than an entity floating about the house reeking havoc. She has a story too.

Jennifer R. Hubbard: Alternatives to multiple POV


This next link is to a blog I love and don’t visit often enough. Anna asked questions about your character. Sometimes I know the answer right away. Other times I have to think about it a bit, but in doing so more is revealed-it’s like a mini character mind map. This particular one is for time management and I realized--I know how Cricket manages time (not well in her and her mother’s opinion) but what I need to know is how she plans to fix it (even though Cricket’s mom isn’t exactly right, but that’s a whole other story)

StoryBug: Time Management


Even before I am done a book, I will write out a synopsis it helps me work out bumps, smooth out scenes and generally keep a picture of the whole story in my head. This is a particularly good series on writing the synopsis and the back and forth between writing it and your book.

QueryTracker.net: In Short: Writing a Novel Synopsis That Rocks: by H.L.Dyer


And the first winner Just Deb: It's a BlogoVersary Carnival! is :

ShopGirl! A Blessing A Day


The book she requested is LIAR SOCIETY. I think she will LOVE it, everyone I’ve talked to has. Congrats!

And winner number two is :

Stacy of Squiggles Reviews.

She is getting a copy of UNEARTHLY!


I will be sending them an email to get their snail mails. Thanks so, so much to all those who entered!

There is still time to win Brigitta and the White Forest, btw :)

Just Deb: Book Giveaway and Interview-Danika Dinsmore

Three Writing Reads & A Giveaway/sss!

I am currently changing the pov of my middle grade novel from first to third. When I wrote the first draft it was in first person. I was sure that is where it needed to stay because Cricket’s voice (chirp?lol) needed to shine through. It was not shining, though. It was at a dull roar-actually not even that. It was dull in spots, forced in others--imo. And Cricket is anything but dull and forced. Not even when she’s trying to be the opposite of who she is.

So, when I read the following article (and I will be reading all Ingrid’s others about POV) I realized that I did have a case of first person limiting the story in ways that buried Cricket’s personality. Odd, but true---and I swear on a stack of Cricket’s Lists for Self Improvement. (hmmm, possibly a new title for the book, what do you think? That kind of popped out of nowhere, have to love the creative process!)

Six Limitations of the First Person POV « Ingrid's Notes

As I’ve been re-working Cricket’s story (she just underwent a name change so I am using it as much as possible so that my muse listens and uses it too, so...Cricket, Cricket, Cricket) I’ve been reading SAVE THE CAT and other articles on writing screenplays. LIFE AS A TO-DO LIST (or now I am thinking Cricket’s Lists for...?) is not a screenplay, but I really like that story structure. As I was reading what Blake Snyder said I kept having these “whoa, that is how my brain works” moments. And there is the beauty of having done this for a few years now. I finally get that you can take and choose from different processes to craft a story. It really is a mix and match for me. So, for those of you mixing and matching and looking for other methods to write story (or the particular story you are working on, because even that can change from book to book, imo)---screenplays, movie structure is something worth looking at. Check out this post from R.L. LeFevers :

Save the Cat!® » Blog Archive » The Blake Snyder Beat Sheet: A Bridge to Story

Syd Field has a blog you might also like to check out. So, rather one writing read for you look at---it’s a whole bunch of them!

Screenwriting Blog: Screenwriter's Corner by Syd Field

NOTE to my local peeps. I have Syd Field’s The Screenwriter's Workbook if you’d like to have a look, borrow it. I also have his book called Writing the Screen Play. Hmmmm, but that one is on my Kindle. Now, you know I love ’n’ adore you guys, but I am not lending you my Kindle :P On the other hand? if you wanted to borrow it-----you know I would.

Giveaways---they are mine and all are International.

Just Deb: Book Giveaway and Interview-Danika Dinsmore

Just Deb: It's a BlogoVersary Carnival!

Three Writing Reads and a Giveaway

This was in the email this morning-needless to say it caught my eye. A great read whether you are clogged (lol!) or not.

BICHOK: Draino for your Writing Clog « Let The Words Flow

Another post on keeping the pen moving-and these are things I’d do whether feeling stuck or not. I’m thinking they are great ways to sit and think, mull, work out bits of story.

YA Highway: Writing Exercises to Get Your Pen Moving

Good tips on voice in your writing project, and writing that great opening. (Plus, you might want to enter her show me the voice blogfest or follow along!)

Brenda Drake Writes . . . under the influence of coffee.: SHOW ME THE VOICE . . . Interview with judge, agent Natalie Fischer


I am hearing such good good things about this book. Here is a chance to win a copy.

YA Highway: Like Mandarin Debut Day Giveaway!

Three (Writing) Reads and a Tip

VOYA is a library magazine I read on a regular basis, great for collection development, ideas for programming and just plain old connecting with others in the business of bringing books and libraries to kids. The Feb issue has an article called Unlock the Mystery of Writing for Young People, A Conversation with Blue Balliet. Ms. Balliet is the author of Chasing Vermeer (great middle grade mystery). Click on the following link, look to the left and you will see the digital edition. Click on that and happy writing read!

VOYA

Okay, have not made my way through the next post, but I will. I am telling you, the internet is a learning treasure trove!

First Five Pages Workshop - March, Revision Round is Open


Writing related in that the writing community ROCKS!

Maureen Johnson Books » Blog Archive » SHELTERBOX IN JAPAN



Tip

I use Scrivener, but think this would work with any set up have.

One of the things I do when gearing up for that first draft is think of things I know will be in it description or character or theme wise (this really gets my imagination going).

I go to The Bookshelf Muse and gather up the appropriate posts (symbolism, setting for example) and put them in individual folders.

If I get stuck while writing (and currently while revising) I look at the lists, see what they spark, if needed I will write a really bad description using all the words Angela and Bethany have gathered-it keeps me moving along either getting that scene finished or getting to the end of the chapter or through the middle, whatever the case may be.

When revision time comes, I smooth things out-make room for the readers imagination to work in there, too.

Doing this helps me think, add layers to the story when I’m initially “dreaming it up”.

And that’s what this latest post of theirs is going to do for me!

The Bookshelf Muse: Symbolism Thesaurus Entry: Transformation & Change


Enjoy the weekend, everyone!

Three (Writing) Reads and 'The Funnies"

Do want to write a fairy-tale retelling? Are you working on one? Some great advice from Let The Words Flow. And, some book recommendations too!

QOTW: Fairy-tale Retellings « Let The Words Flow


Always (as you know:) love the writing round ups and the list is massive, lots for you to pick from. But, these week over there is extra, extra special. Check out the opening to the post, I’m still laughing and smiling! Don’t you kinda dream of that happening to you one day? In the meantime, though, it’s a blast watching someone else begin their journey to the bookshelves with a publishing deal! A HUGE congrats to Taherah Mafi and Jodi Reamer (her agent). Now that’s how to appear on the scene, lol!

Best Articles This Week for Writers 3/11/11


And ya know? This next one? Some wonderful tips.

YA Author Elana Johnson: Tips For Becoming A Better Writer

And now for...the funnies. Thanks, Michelle! My favourite is the sleeping catties, lol.


Author Michelle McLean: Friday Funnies


Happy Weekend everyone. Don’t you love it when you are up early early and the SUN is up too?

Three (Writing) Reads and a Writer's Platform-Building Crusade

Read this one when it originally came out. Well worth reading again.

Kidlit.com · A Million Bad Words

On getting the voice in your novel to match the character in your head. I am switching a mg from first to third person and oddly enough, for me, the voice is coming through a whole lot better. In other words, voice isn’t just about telling a story in first person. AnyWHO, enough from me. Here is the link and there is a chance to win a first chapter crit from Natalie.

Literary Agent Natalie Fischer On Nailing Voice -- And a 1st Chapter Crit

Well, on the next link? LOVED it. And yep, I love the whole writing “game”. In other words, I’m owning my insanity. What about you? Check this out:

Operation Awesome: Owning My Insanity

What a great idea this. As time allows I am going to go through these have a look. I know my blogging platform, writing will be built around Oh MG YA Canada (which I will expand, of course, to become all things Canadian children’s and teen’s literature as I really get going) and being a librarian running a book club for children and teens. Clearly still working on that! Went off on a little think aloud. The trick, for me, is separating my writing self from the librarian self-blogging wise, I mean. I think it’s important for those coming to your blog to know exactly what they will get. Oops, did the think aloud again....! Here is the link!

Rach Writes...: Writers' Platform-Building Crusade

Three (Writing) Reads and a WHOLE BUNCHA Contests

This is one I read last night. It’s a good one for me because part of my writing life includes building an audience for my Oh (MG & YA) Canada (which I eventually want to spread into picture books and non-fiction, but have to start small-ish). Anywho! I did start a page-but-did exactly what Greg talks about. I didn’t have anything there for people to look at, see what it was all about, lol! Fortunately that dawned on me on the same day. Yeah. Build it and they will come!

The Facebook Page is the Rage


I practically nodded my head off while reading this next one. You _need_ to feed the muse.

Want to write? Don’t starve your brain. | The Parking Lot Confessional

And finally, this one is for authors. On making your own press kit, if you need to. I agree, it’s important!

Indie-Debut: Author Tip: Make a press kit.


And here’s the link that will lead you to a WHOLE BUNCHA Contests. Eight opportunities to have a query critiqued! Yeah. Eight. And all query crit opportunities are from well known agents.

Lisa and Laura Write: Announcing WriteOnCon 2011: August 16th - 18th

Three (Writing) Reads and a ?

I have to begin by saying, March 5 already? Really? Huh.

I just picked up some index cards because I want to try this out. I find that when I’m working on a book I think it out best when “handling” it. Either doodling, writing-something away from the computer. So am thinking using something like this could really work well for me.

Kimberley’s Wanderings: 3x5 Card Plotting Method


Like the idea of stretching outside of your genre to, er, stretch your writing muscles for your work in progress<lol, I swear I am a writer, well, a re-writer who didn’t re-write the line she just wrote. On to the link! Yeesh.


Laurel's Leaves: Short stories: notes from the trenches


I have been reading SAVE THE CAT by Blake Snyder and what he says sync’s with my brain on a level that I kind of find exciting. Anyhow! This next link is not a read and learn writing link---it’s a drooly I wish I could go to this writing link. Having said that, there is a forum on this website that is well worth having a toodle around. Yeah, yeah, I said toodle....


Save the Cat!® » Blog Archive » Announcing Our First Novel-Writing Beat Sheet Workshop

?

I’ve decided to change the giveaway link to....something. The book I’m reading? A writing prompt? Fun, random vid? Pictures of the books I’ve bought from work even when I swear I am going to work a shift and NOT BUY ANYTHING? My version of in your mailbox. The new stationary supplies (the other addiction) I get? Hi, My Name is Deb and I love office supply stores almost as much as bookstores and libraries.

Three (Writing) Reads and a Giveaway

Many of you already stop by, I think. But if you don’t, you should! Great round up of links to help pump up your writing, learning more about your craft.

Seeing Creative: Cool Links Friday

Well, it’s a short reading morning for me, so I am going to come back and read my own post and follow the links. That’s kind of weird, I guess. But then. I’m kind of weird. So, here is one of my read laters :

Best Articles This Week for Writers 3/4/11

Great post from Elana Johnson on social networking, which could become part of your writing life (and maybe already is!)

YA Author Elana Johnson: My Social Networking Rules

And, right at the top of Elana’s blog? There is a give away of the LIAR’S SOCIETY by Lisa and Laura Roecker. Go, go now!