Judith Graves-On Finding Balance in Your Writing Life and Giveaway of Second Skin

Today I am happy to welcome Judith Graves,author of the Skinned series, to my blog. She's here to share her thoughts on finding balance as we blog, write, promote our books, ourselves. It is a tricky thing to do and often I find myself tipping the scales too far one way or the other.

Before I hand over the blog to Judith, though, I want to share a little bit about SECOND SKIN which is the second in her series, Under My Skin, being the first.

The book trailer:

My thoughts:

Just released. Just received a copy from the author...and well. It does not disappoint. In fact I think she upped her game with this one. Smart (a**) heroine with a huge secret (can you say wolven?) that keeps trying to bust out of her skin. She hangs with her friends doing the "usual" stuff- hunting paranorms (demons, vampires, hell spawn, werewolves)  while balancing school, relationships and all the fun of living in a small town that seems to be a magnet for all the baddies. The action is fast paced, heart stopping and heart breaking. Judith found a balance in her writing that I found compelling-kind of like the humour and feel of Supernatural (t.v. series). Speaking of T.V. I think this would translate well to the screen. 

From Goodreads:

With FIENDS like Eryn…

Monsters. Bloodsuckers. The evil. The damned. Eryn McCain knows they exist— she’s been hunting them since she was a child. At sixteen, she’s ready to take on all comers. Being a shapeshifter gives her an advantage when it comes to her unusual part-time job. The hours suck and the pay is, well, non-existent, but bonuses like inhuman strength and night vision make tracking scary beasties a dream come true. Especially in a town like Redgrave.

When an ancient demon targets Redgrave High, Eryn and her crew of hunters must face their innermost fears to prevent the Harvest Moon Dance from becoming one serious Monster Mash. Loyalties are tested and temptations abound. With questions ever brewing, can Eryn share a future with the brooding, noble, human Alec—the hunter after her heart? Or will she succumb to her enemy’s son, Wade, a seductive predator as bloodthirsty as she is?

What happens when you’re both the beauty and the beast?

Alright. Nuff from me. On with Judith's thoughts about finding balance in your writing life! More about her books and the giveaway at end of post.

On Finding Balance:

There are several things I struggle with in life. Constructing killer sentences, avoiding chocolate, and finding that elusive beastie known as BALANCE.

Each day of our lives is filled with things we hope to accomplish and while we’re tackling Today, we add a few dozen goals for Tomorrow. To keep us on track we’ve got daytimers, to-do lists, email alerts, and stickie note jungles growing around our laptops/workstations.

If we’re lucky, we might even build in some family / real life / fun time, although that will be penciled in and likely shifted around – or scratched out. Or forgotten.

The life of a young adult author is a frenzied, multi-tasking, social networking event – every single day. However, several years into this gig, I can finally say I think I have a handle on the whole work life versus social life issue.

At least, I do in theory. There are always hitches in my plans for a balanced day, let alone my hopes for a balanced life. But here’s how I attempt the impossible.

I have a schedule. And most days, I live by it. Rigid, you say? OCD? Perhaps, and yet in the few months since I’ve created this schedule I’ve managed to get more pages written, have more down time, and have been able to focus my attention when with my husband / my hyper labs (rather than obsessing over scenes I could be cranking out), and enjoying my other interests (playing guitar, singing/songwriting) than ever before.

If a few days here or there are wonky, so be it. I ALLOW myself to trip occasionally, as long as I get back up, and back on track.

I offer you my writing schedule in hopes that it helps fellow writers, or any other soul floundering in a sea of TO-DOs:

NOTE: 5am wake up time is usual for me, but might seem extreme to others. J

WRITING DAY SCHEDULE

5-8am: breakfast, reading, exercise

8-NOON: update blogs, answer interview questions, write guest posts/articles, update social media (FB/Twitter, etc.)

NOON-1pm: lunch – play with the pups / take them to mailbox

1-4pm: write (daily goal 3 pages can be on one or spread over multiple projects)

Evening: research, watch film/TV, outline, brainstorm…and live a little.

***

Thanks so much for doing this for us, Judith. Love your writing day schedule and how you do allow yourself the trip ups, but always get back in the saddle...or should say back in the boat! Now, if you'd liked to learn a little more about her, here are the places to go:

Author Website: www.judithgraves.com 

Steampunk series: www.strangewaysnovels.com

Twitter: @judithgraves and @AStrangeways
Blog Tour: Second Skin

To win a copy of Judith's book all I ask is that you comment. If you'd leave some thoughts, tips, techniques on how you find your balance, it will get you another entry. Contest is open until midnight on Monday. Open to U.S. and Canada.

Enjoy your day everyone!

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!

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday (and a read-a-thon)

Planning for a 2012 Marvelous Middle Grade Read-a-Thon is ON. and if you have any thoughts, suggestions, "Deb, what ever you do, don't do this's", do comment there of here. Was thinking doing the last week in December, but that could be too busy for some (although a great way to step into the New Year.

NOW on to the task at hand, Marvelous Middle Grade Monday which is the brain child of marvelous Shannon Whitney Messenger who has her very own MM coming out.

My NANO novel is a ghost story. So, they on the brain right now. Needless to say I have had many jumpy moments in this old church my husband and I are renovating (whilst we live in in) and old white house next door? No one lives there! Or. Maybe some one does? The book I'm recommending today provides some jumps no matter where you be. It is a seriously creepy ghost story with a great brother and sister team that kids will relate too and a crazy good plot that will keep them page turning to the end.  The books are also language, dialogue and description rich. AND-there is a family curse! Carol Matas and Perry Nodelman make a mighty fine team. The best part is, there are more books in the series!

FROM INDIE BOUND-Molly and Adam aren't thrilled about their dad's upcoming birthday. Whether it's a family curse or just bad luck, the Barnett males have a distressing tendency to drop dead the day before they turn 35. Their mom has a plan, though: a trip to the family's lakeside cottage. It's a great idea...until weird things start happening. A problem at work means Mom can't go. Grandfather's creepy old desk and papers appear in Molly's bedroom. A freak fall leaves Dad with a badly sprained ankle. Everyone blames Molly for the accident, saying she screamed for help while swimming in the lake, but Molly knows it never happened. Things go from bad to worse when a strange nurse named Reggie Crankshaft shows up out of the blue to offer his help. As Molly and Adam struggle to make sense of the odd events and figure out what really happened at the lake, their efforts to protect their father grow ever more desperate. 


Happy Middle Grade Monday, all! And here is some more marvelous to keep you growing your to read piles:

Joanne Fritz-My Brain on Books
Shannon Whitney Messenger-Ramblings of a Wannabe Scribe 
Shannon O'Donnell-Book Dreaming
Myrna Foster-The Night Writer
Natalie Aguirre-Literary Rambles
Brooke Favero-Somewhere in the Middle
Ally Beecher- Kid Lit Frenzy

Danika Dinsmore-Accidental Novelist
Barbara Watson-Novel and Nouveau
Michael G-G-Middle Grade Mafioso
Jennifer Rumberger-Jennifer Rumberger, Children's Author
Jessica Lei-her blog  
Pam Torres-So I'm Fifty
Akoss-Nye Louwon – My Spirit | a search for the writer in me
Gabrielle Prendergast-Angelhorn

p.s. if you are participating in MMGM's and I don't have you listed above, please do let me know so I can add you. Thanks!

Planning for a 2012 Marvelous Middle Grade Read-a-Thon is ON.

So, each Monday I travel the net reading Marvelous Middle Grade Monday posts. And--the reading list, pile, requests from the library, bookstore buys, ebook purchases etc etc grows. Lately I have been thinking I need a weekend read-a-thon "thingy" or a read-a-thon week, where, when you are not working on the job you are reading middle grade

OR--maybe just Design your own read-a-thon, ARCs, NetGalleys, recent purchases, whatevers.

EDITED...I am DOING this! Walden Pond Press (speaking of, they have some crazy good middle grades) loved the idea, offered the possibility of giveaways and my mind started tick tick tick. For sure thinking of making it a week long "thing", but beyond that now looking for some CO-HOSTS. 


So!


Stay tuned....just deciding on a week to do it. Thinking something either Feb or March 2012.

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday--Happy Reading Everyone!

'Tween Nano and a few other projects I am behind with my MMGM reading and sharing. But, in case you stopped I wanted to post the list of other MMGM-er's so you could easily carry on with your travels!

• Joanne Fritz-My Brain on Books
• Shannon Whitney Messenger-Ramblings of a Wannabe Scribe 
• Shannon O'Donnell-Book Dreaming
• Myrna Foster-The Night Writer
• Sherrie Petersen- Write About Now 
• Natalie Aguirre-Literary Rambles
• Brooke Favero-Somewhere in the Middle
• Ally Beecher- Kid Lit Frenzy
• Barbara Watson-Novel and Nouveau
• Anita Laydon Miller-her middle grade blog
• Michael G-G-Middle Grade Mafioso
• Jessica Lei-her blog  
• Pam Torres-So I'm Fifty
• Akoss-Nye Louwon – My Spirit | a search for the writer in me
• Gabrielle Prendergast-Angelhorn

Enjoy the day all!

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday

Three Writing Reads and a Giveaway and DRAGONS!

Thoughts on keeping a journal while in the midst of a writing project from Andrea Mack had me thinking about getting back into the habit. I know it’s not for everyone, but it’s something I am thinking of making the time for.

That's Another Story: Are You Too Busy for a Journal?

Speaking of finding time…here are some writers sharing tips. I will be looking at this closely as I head back to the bookstore over the Christmas. Will be going from full days to write back to mornings and evenings! Hmmm, may have to rethink the thinking of keeping a journal during it all, lol!

MiG Writers: Making (More) Time for Writing

How does a perfectionist write? How do you get by the clutter and mess of the first draft, convince yourself that you can do it and it’s okay if you don’t do it right, right out of the gate? Check out this post for some insight and tips.

I Thought I Was Wrong But I Was Mistaken | From the Mixed-Up Files...

The giveaway is my own. It’s for Adam Selzer’s Extraordinary-As a reader I loved it for it’s wit and fun and plot twists and of course, voice. It’s one I look forward to recommending to teens. As a writer? I admired the ability to write bit and wild and free (cue music, lol). There is a quality there that I can learn from.

Just Deb: New Release Day GIVEAWAY-Extraordinary: The True Story of My Fairygodparent, Who Almost Killed Me, and Certainly Never Made Me a Princess

Now. On to DRAGONS. Over on FROM THE MIXED UP FILES OF MIDDLE GRADE AUTHORS I put up a list of some of my favourite books that have dragons in them. All middle grade if you’d care to check it out and add some of yours that would be great! Now I am thinking my next book has to have a dragon in it….or maybe the ghost of a dragon?

Here There Be Dragons | From the Mixed-Up Files...

Three Writing Reads and three GIVEAWAYS!

Each writer is different, as we know. Some use writing exercises, some don’t. I used to use them all the time, they kept the flow going for me and helped me develop ideas. Trying to get back into the habit. Find them very handy for taking advantage of bits of writing time here and there.

Weekend Workout: Handy Dandy Fallback Exercise « The Accidental Novelist (Writes Again)

Love this post that rounds up some writing devices you can and maybe already do use! Most excellent.

QueryTracker.net: Spice It Up!

And I am rounding this out with an interview with AJ Hartley. He wrote DARWEN ARKWRIGHT AND THE PEREGRINE PACT. Not only is he a TOTALLY cool person, reading him talking about the process of writing this book was great. He talks about finding his inner child, capturing and relaxing into a middle grade voice, going from being pantser to an outliner (and why). In other…most excellent. Go. read it!

Interview with A.J. Hartley | From the Mixed-Up Files...

And finally…I have a crazy number of giveaways going on right now, love for you to check out the books, the authors, the post…and enter to win, too!

Just Deb: Judith Graves Interview & GIVEAWAY of UNDER MY SKIN!

Just Deb: Spooktacular Giveaway Hop- Take your pick-Mary Downing Hahn

Just Deb: Marvelous Middle Grade Monday-Tuesdays at the Castle ARC Giveaway

Three Writing Reads and a BOO!

One of my writing jobs is my blog. I love doing it, but still have a long way to go much to learn. I so, so appreciate those of you who are following along with me as I try to make this the best it can be. So--how cool is it that the first article I read this morning is about writing the break out blog AND the face on the article is so wonderfully familiar! Angela Ackerman is in the Guide to Literary Agents house with this must read article. Go Angela!!

Creating the Breakout Blog: A Platform Guide for the Pre-Published Writer | WritersDigest.com

As a picture writer I’m pretty cooled out by this:

Picture Book Month

And rounding my morning reads out with:

Barbara Ann Watson: The ABC's of Middle Grade Writing

Now…on to the BOO!

There are some boo-licious blogging events taking place in cyber space. Great, I find, for inspiring my latest MG, HAPPY MEDIUM (which may end up closer to a chapter book. huh. even as I typed that there was a little voice in my head saying yes YES I am a chapter book, man!)

Any who!

Here the Boo.

Judith Graves |  Crossroads 2011

Confessions of a Bookaholic: Haunted Halloween 2011: Updated Posts and Giveaways

MonsterFest 2011 » Tell Great Stories

All the icons are in the left side bar but wanted to highlight them here, too. If you know of any others, do let me know!

Three Writing Reads and Winner of ASHES ASHES

As always, some great insight from the fab Jan Markley:

Three dead moths in my mailbox ...: Sushi, Sour Ju Jubes & the Sasquatch: Why Writers Need Deadlines!

Good reminder to mess up your character and a writing workout!

Weekend Workout: Make Your Characters Messy « The Accidental Novelist (Writes Again)

And finally, combating the fear-the doubt-the I don’t know what the hecks I am doing and how you battle.


Novel and Nouveau: The Doubt Monster of Writing


Happy to announce that Linsey Carmichael is the winner of ASHES, ASHES! It’s on the way to her even as I type.

Happy Thursday all, off to spend the morning writing with a writing buddy (always a good way to battle the writing doubts and just do the job) and then prep for kids book club this afternoon.

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 Giveaway

This is a whole series well worth watching. Found the Guest Lesson from Elle Strauss especially helpful as I continue to work on my middle grade, HAPPY MEDIUM, adding bones, skin and eyeballs!

Writing Secrets with Jenni James: Lesson 12: A Song and Bonus Lesson w/Canadian Author Elle Strauss

This next post, I read last week. So, so important to keep believe in yourself. It’s hard to do sometimes, I know. But in the end it really does come down to that and your passion for what you do.

Shannon Whitney Messenger: Do you Believe?

And, depending on where you are in your writing you might be looking for a crit partner or beta reader. I know when the times comes I am doing a full manuscript exchange, It works better, for me, than doing it a few chapters at a time.

Rach Writes...: Beta Match - Are you looking for a critique partner or a beta reader?

And now the giveaway-it’s mine and your have until midnight tonight.

Just Deb...: Marvelous Middle Grade Monday & Giveaway of Wildwood by Colin Meloy & Carson Ellis

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 and…Write On Con!

Write On Con has been fabulous. This is my second year participating and am loving it even more. It really is like attending a live conference. And there are bonuses in the notes--they are all there, blog posts waiting for you to delve into them and learn ways to improve your craft. You can even print them off and mark them up, something I often do with the notes I make being directly related to the book I am working on. You can go to the forums and have your material critiqued, provide critiques for others, read threads that have critiques in them (you can always learn from reading the critiques on other books). You walk away with a list of books to add to your to buy list, chats with agents and editors you don’t have to miss because you are in another session. So many many good things about it I could probably fill a blog post or two. This is for sure one of my annual must attends. Next year I hope to have the time booked off worked, possibly even head to a hotel, maybe with a couple of other writing buddies. Like I said, so many possibles with something like this.

Some posts I particularly loved, cause they hit close to home and gave me courage to keep at it, keep revising and be grateful I am working in the wonderful world of writing for children and teens:

WriteOnCon.com – Revising Your Way To Success

This was a live chat with agents and boy some great information here, great book recommendations, too! You click on replay and away you go as if you were there the first time around. Like I said, you miss nothing at this conference!

WriteOnCon.com – 12:00 PM: Live chat with literary agents Marietta Zacker, Joan Paquette, and Michael Bourret

And finally--a must watch. Hmm, so I guess I should have called this post, two writing reads and a vid?

WriteOnCon.com – Don’t Give Up by Author Beth Revis


Happy revising, writing, reading-whatever it is you are doing to improve your craft and grow!

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

This weekend I am heading off on a mini-retreat with a good friend. We will be writing, writing and writing. Two goals will drive my writing. Polishing up a new picture book to send out to agents and continuing to work on a middle grade novel. It will be nice to have a focused few days of nothing but writing and reading about writing! Speaking of, my morning blogging travels were focused on that as well. Next are three that caught my eye.

Okay...this first one isn’t just one post, it’s a whole buncha them. Lindsey Carmichael of Ten Stories Up is hosting all Canadian Interviews for the month of July. Her first question to each author is about sharing their typical writing day. I haven’t read them all yet, but the ones I have show just how different we all are in how we process and work. Very important to remember when you are starting out-butt in chair, yes (otherwise the book won’t get written), but once the butt is in that chair? It differs. Some power through without looking back, some edit as they go, some power along one day, edit the next. This week she is featuring non-fiction writers.

Ten Stories Up

And some of you probably already familiar with these sites, but just in case.

http://blog.writersdigest.com/norules/2011/07/13/3GreatBlogsForChildrensWriters.aspx

And here, Elana Johnson talks about her drafting process. She is right about revising the mess after doing a fast draft. I am trying to outline more this go around, but am not sure it’s working. I might just be a fast (ish) drafter who has a whole pile of revision to do after the fact. But, what she talks about here has me intrigued!

YA Author Elana Johnson: Drafting, Drafting

Three Writing Reads

There is a new story idea a brewing. Well, not entirely new. It’s a ghost story that over the years morphed into a young adult novel. Now, this novel’s opening had everything but the kitchen sink thrown in (dead parent, absent dad, ghost, teenage angst, journaling, love interest handsome (really crazy handsome) boy in it. The agent who pointed this out to me a couple of years ago was very, very right. Very. It took some time and distance from the manuscript to really see that. Basically it was a whole bunch of ideas jammed into one book. No wonder the middle got so darn mucky and tangly. AnyHOW I am digressing (shocker, I know). I have pulled one idea from the pile that was in that book and am working it back into a middle grade novel. Oddly enough it is the original idea--the one that came from a dream that I_still_ remember. A dream that scared me silly (or sillier depending on you pov).

Came across this timely post at Somewhere In the Middle (she’s also one of the Marvelous Middle Grade Monday gang who does a fabulous round up of middle grade posts every week!)

somewhere in the middle: She's Crafty: Creating Tension


The next writing read is a recommendation to check out The Plot Whisperer Blog (and she has a book coming out!).

Plot Whisperer for Writers and Readers

And do check out her YouTube series too (link is on her blogspot).

And rounding this out with a blog that is new to me, found it thanks to the fabu Jan Markley of Three dead moths in my mailbox ... (btw, check out her latest post on characters)

Who Ate My Brain? <<could the name be any better? and his content is kinda GREAT, too!

Happy reading...Happy writing.

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