Susan X Bradley: A YA Writer Mom

How to Critique with Finese

2011-06-18T23:08:00.000-04:00

One of my favorite things about my Writing Workshop class is reading the amazing work of my classmates. One of our directives is to note three things that we love and then we post three questions we have about the pages. I like this approach alot better than picking out something positive then picking out something negative, then ending with something positive.

I don't think it's our place as a critiquer to point out the negative. Is there really a negative? Isn't it really about helping the author produce the best manuscript possible? That's why I like the question approach. Maybe something isn't clear or it didn't come across as the author intended.

For my own critiques, I plan to focus on the similar comments that several people mentioned. Those are the areas that obvious aren't working.

It's interesting that I feel like I'm becoming a better writer by critiquing 70 pages a week. I also love reading the critiques that I'm getting from my classmates and an instructor. I'm always amazed that I have looked at my pages hundreds of times and have not seen something so obvious.

There's such a level of trust in handing over your literary babies and saying "Okay, tear them apart, so I can make them better." It's scary but it's so worth it.

So go out there and find a great critique group.

I'm in Grad School

2011-06-12T23:10:00.000-04:00

I'm taking an 8 week Writer's Workshop through McDaniel College. I'm learning so much about receiving and giving critiques. It's amazing how I can read something a hundred times and still not see something that my classmates have point out.

Our instructor is the fabulous Jill Santopolo who is an author and and editor for Philomel.

On the SCBWI front, the Central and Southern Ohio is planning a fundraising Bookfair at Barnes & Noble on Saturday, June 25th from 11:00-4:00. Hope to see you there.

2010 Agatha Nominees

2011-02-18T12:48:00.001-05:00

The 2010 Agatha nominees were announced today and I'm so glad to see two familar names on the list:
Amanda Flower, Maid of Murder , (Best First Novel Nominee)
Heather Webber, Truly, Madly ,(Best Novel Nominee)

I've had the pleasure of meeting both of these talented writers at my Sisters in Crime meetings. At our Fall event, I won a critique from Heather for my novel, Unraveled. I can't say enough good things about her.

Here is the complete list of nominees and it's always so exciting to see the Best Children's/Young Adult category. We need more mysteries for children which means I better get back to writing.

Congrats to the nominees, especially Amanda and Heather. I'll be cheering for you both.

Agatha Award Nominees

2010

Best Novel:
Stork Raving Mad by Donna Andrews (Minotaur)
Bury Your Dead by Louise Penny (Minotaur)
The Scent of Rain and Lightning by Nancy Pickard (Ballantine)
Drive Time by Hank Phillippi Ryan (Mira)
Truly, Madly by Heather Webber (St. Martin's Paperbacks)

Best First Novel:
The Long Quiche Goodbye by Avery Aames (Berkley)
Murder at the PTA by Laura Alden (Signet)
Maid of Murder by Amanda Flower (Five Star/Gale)
Full Mortality by Sasscer Hill (Wildside Press)
Diamonds for the Dead by Alan Orloff (Midnight Ink)

Best Non-fiction:
The Poisoner's Handbook: Murder and the Birth of Forensic Medicine in Jazz Age New York by Deborah Blum (Penguin)
Agatha Christie's Secret Notebooks: 50 Years of Mysteries in the Making by John Curran (Harper)
Sherlock Holmes for Dummies by Stephen Doyle & David A. Crowder (For Dummies)
Have Faith in Your Kitchen by Katherine Hall Page (Orchises Press)
Charlie Chan: The Untold Story of the Honorable Detective and His Rendezvous with American History by Yunte Huang (W.W. Norton & Co.)

Best Short Story:
"Swing Shift" by Dana Cameron, Crimes by Moonlight (Berkley)
"Size Matters" by Sheila Connolly, Thin Ice (Level Best Books)
"Volunteer of the Year" by Barb Goffman, Chesapeake Crimes: They Had it Comin' (Wildside Press)
"So Much in Common" by Mary Jane Maffini, Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine - Sept./Oct. 2010
"The Green Cross" by Liz Zelvin, Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine - August 2010

Best Children's/Young Adult:
Theodore Boone, Kid Lawyer by John Grisham (Dutton Children's)
Theodosia and the Eyes of Horus by R. L. LaFevers (Houghton Mifflin)
The Agency: A Spy in the House by Y. S. Lee (Candlewick)
Virals by Kathy Reichs (Razorbill)
The Other Side of Dark by Sarah Smith (Atheneum)

Do you have a Writing Career Strategy?

2011-01-28T13:09:00.000-05:00

I attended a work meeting today where the topic was strategy. Our speaker noted that 9 out of 10 times, we write down and design a perfectly great strategy. But here's the kicker, 80% of those strategies will fail.

Why? Why? Why?

You spent all that time writing down your strategy on pretty paper then hanging it on the refrigerator or you've created some nifty spreadsheet in Excel to manage what you want to accomplish. How could it possibly not work?

So why do most of our strategies fail? Because we fail to execute what we planned.

This got me thinking. As writers, should we have a strategy for managing our writing career? These strategies could even be broken down into mini strategies such as Strategy for Writing Book 1, Strategy for Revising, Strategy for Querying, Strategy for Marketing your book,etc.

From personal experience, I know I had a 'plan' of sorts in my head. Did I execute that plan? Hell, no. Not even close. Why? Because I let my emotions and the heat of the moment get in my way. This is why it would have helped to have a well developed, thought out, and written plan in place before I took the next step in my writing.
I would have created the strategy when I wasn't so emotionally invested in the outcome so logic and reason would have a stronger voice.

Most of us plan our careers, have an idea on how we want to parent, have a strategy to buy our first home, get our of debt, etc.
It seems reasonable that since we should be treating our writing career as a business, we should have a written business plan or strategy.

Here's an example of one that I just made up off the top of my head to get the juices flowing.

Querying:

*Research literary agents and create a list of agents that respresent what I write and that would be a good fit for me
*Create a spreadsheet so I can track my submissions (Yes, I love Excel)
*Decide on the 6 agents I want to query first.
*Find out more about those 6 agents, read their blog, interviews, tweets, etc.
*Submit to 6 of those agents and wait for feedback/response.
*Promise not to check e-mail every 5 minutes looking for a response
*If I get no requests for a partial or full, revise query. Get some query critiques.
*When I get the first rejection, I will treat myself to something pretty then use the rejection letter as kindling.
*When I get my first request for a full, I will jump, sing, and tell all my writer buddies
*If fulls and/or partials are requested and I get the same consistent feedback such as Plot doesn't work, characters don't keep me interested, take another look at the novel and possibly revise
*Lather, rinse, repeat

So back to the example, if you had create a strategy before you start querying, you'll have an idea on how you want to handle the query process and how to best leverage the responses or non responses. It provides a back-up plan to help you handle the feedback/rejections and move on to the next step. It can help keep you focused and on track toward your end goal.

We all know rejections are hard and painful. They can send your day into a tail spin and plants the seeds of doubt. By having a written strategy, you've given yourself a way to move forward and tackle the next challenge without acting like a crazed serial querier.

So what are you waiting for? Get our pen, your Excel spreadsheet, your iPad and start creating strategies that will lead you toward your writing goal.

Protecting Your Privacy Before You Get "The Call"

2011-01-21T13:58:00.000-05:00

I read a discussion forum today about an author's struggle with privacy. We're not talking, "Hey I want to hide from my fans" but more of "Why are you showing up on my doorstep and how do you know where I live?".

For years we write. We query.We get rejected, defeated, and heartbroken because we haven't found an agent or publisher. We keep our eyes on the prize though. A gorgeous, solid, hardback book with a stunning, artistic cover and our name written in bold letters. Finally an author's Holy Grail has been achieved.

But now what? Hopefully, you'll sell the book, gather a few fans here and there. During this euphoric time in your life, the googling will start. People that love your work want to know more about YOU. So they search and with an overload of cyber information at their disposal, it should be easy to find out everything from your favorite meal to where your children go to school.

It's a scary, scary thought. Hell, it's scary even if your not famous. Stalking occurs for a variety of reasons and not just to famous people.

It's important to be savy now, before you get 'The Call' and before you're on the NYTimes bestseller list.

Some of the suggestions were:

*Have your personal information removed from spokeo.com
*Use a PO Box or have all fan mail come through your publisher
*Have an unlisted phone number
*Have multiple phone numbers. One for personal use and one you can give out and change easily if you need to.
*Have multiple e-mail addresss. One for personal relationships, another for fans, journalists, etc
*Don't post information or pictures of your children on the web
*Use a Facebook Fan Page rather than a personal page
*Have all your Facebook setting set to friends and family only
*Don't link to your family on Facebook and review your privacy settings or turn some information off like the city you live in
*Have home security
*When asked where you live for book jackets, press release, etc. give a vague geographic location or state like MidWest, Texas, New England

With all the info out there, it's important to protect our privacy and loved ones now and not wait until our name appears on a book cover.

Manuscript Edit Giveaway at DearEditor.com

2011-01-20T11:54:00.000-05:00

This is from her website

To celebrate the completion of her manuscript for Writing Young Adult Fiction for Dummies, the Editor is giving away a FREE Substantive Edit of one YA or MG fiction manuscript. Deadline: January 31, 2011. Read on for rules….

You can enter and view details at Dear-Editor.com

New Year's Resolution to Be a Better Blogger

2011-01-20T11:51:00.000-05:00

It seems like I have so much to say and I think of a ton of things I want to blog about but then something happens and I don't write.

So it's a promise to myself to be a better blogger because I really do enjoy it.

It's way too easy to let life get in the way and use it as an excuse to procrastinate. There's never enough time to write, to get fit, to do household chores, on and on. So one of my goals for 2011 is to be able to find time for the things that I'm passionate about and just stick to those.

My 3, which don't include spending time with my child because that's a given, are 1) Finish current WIP which is another YA mystery, 2) Continue on my Weight Watcher path because I love it and the results I'm seeing, and 3) be a terrific regional advisor to my SCBWI chapter.

They all make me happy and as fellow moms know, we never put ourselves on the list but I think a happy mom is a better mom.

Holy Crap! I pitched to an Editor

2010-10-03T14:15:00.001-04:00

Okay, so I had no idea on what to expect since I've never formally pitched a story to anyone. The one thing I can say is that Thankg God I was prepared and had some key bullet points listed on a notecard.

My elevator pitch went okay even though it wasn't exactly what I'd written down. I also discussed the bullet points I'd prepared and answered some questions. One of my bullet points was to emphasize my YA mystery had series potential and I shared the ideas for Book 2 & 3. My other bullet points included my hook, the key elements that I felt made my book unique, and why it would speak to a teen audience.

We only had 7 minutes and it was amazing how quickly they passed. There was a person with a stopwatch outside the meeting room and at the 6 minute mark, she knocked on the door.

The editor was so nice and she put me at ease, so I'm grateful for that.

I'm also proud of myself for going through with it. After the COFW conference, I realized that we writers should really applaud ourselves for following through on our dreams of becoming a full-time writer and on being persistent when it comes to trying to get published. It takes alot of courage and alot of picking ourselves up off the floor when we face the rejections that come with wanting to be a professional writer.

At one point, Suzanne Brockman, asked everyone who had completed a book to stand up and we received a round of applause. It's easy to dream about getting an agent or being published or being on the best seller list, but it all starts with finishing and polishing the writing.

So if you're writing, stand up and give yourself a hand.

What's with all the Censorship?

2010-09-20T12:10:00.000-04:00

I got all high and mightly about censorship back in high school when the PMRC was trying to censor my heavy metal rock music. Well, now individuals are attacking my reading list and favorite authors.

The latest is Laurie Halse Anderson's incredibly moving novel, Speak. Speak deals with the issues of teen rape and the effect it had on the main character. An associate professor from Missouri State University considered it pornographic. Seriously? I don't even know what to say about that, other than shame on him. You can read Anderson's account on her blog Mad Woman in the Forest

If you remember it wasn't too long ago that YA author, Ellen Hopkins, was 'disinvited' from the Teen Lit Fest due to the content of her novels.

Sherman Alexie's brillant novel, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Tme Indian was recently banned in Missouri.

What bothers me the most about this is that all these novels deal with real issues that teens face everyday. It reminds me of High School Health class. No one thought teachers should teach sex education because it would lead to promiscuity. News flash, kids were still going to do what they wanted, but at least this way they'd be educated about being safe.

Teens have access to more information than they'll ever need but it's different reading in the privacy of your own bedroom about a character who has gone through the same things you have. Connecting to the words on the page and knowing that you are not alone is key.

Please consider doing something to combat censorship today. You can visit the National Coalition Against Censorhip for ideas on how you can help.

Finding time to Revise

2010-09-13T16:47:00.000-04:00

Lately, I've been feeling as if I can find no time to revise my current WIP, a YA Mystery. I love, love, love the story and am committed to trying to get it polished up so I can re-submit it.

Summer was full of activities, classes, and To Do Lists, but my original deadline of Sept. 1, 2010 has come and gone. I'm in desperate need of finding 30 minutes a day, just 30 minutes. I could then do a few pages at a time.

The main culprit, if I can call it that, is that I'm now seriously focusing on getting healthy. I've joined Weight Watchers and now use my lunch hour to work out. That used to be my writing time.

I now need to find that 30 minutes elsewhere. It's like balancing a budget. If you overspend by $30, then you need to make up the $30 from somewhere else.

Finding that 30 minute make up time is my writing goal for the week.

Smories.com

2010-09-10T16:54:00.000-04:00

If you haven't discovered smories.com, you should head out to their website and check them out. Smories are basically online videos of children reading children's stories. Children can listen to the story and read along. All kinds of stories are published from retold fairytales to original works.

This month, I have a smories published. It's about what happens when a stuck up kitty meets the aquarium's newest family member, a dolphin.

You can watch it at:

http://www.smories.com/watch/when-sasha-met-polani/

Registration for Write On Con is Now Open

2010-07-04T18:37:00.000-04:00

Registration for this amazing free online writers conference is now open. Yep, you read correctly, it's free. Several writers have teamed up with agents and publishers to bring you this opportunity.

Register now:

WriteonCon

Dear Lucky Agent" Contest on the GLA blog

2010-05-13T16:29:00.001-04:00

There's another contest on the Guide to Literary Agent Blog. This one is for fantasy or science fiction (adult fiction and/or YA fiction; no MG please).

Here are all the details: http://www.guidetoliteraryagents.com/blog/
Dear+Lucky+Agent+Contest+Fantasy+And+SciFi.aspx

Maggie Stiefvater's Novel "Linger" is coming out in July

2010-05-12T21:00:00.000-04:00

LINGER is the sequel to SHIVER which was one of my favorite novels of the year. It's a beautifully written love story and I can't wait for the sequel.

Here's the book trailer so you can check it out for yourself.

Should Unknown Writers Blog?

2010-05-06T21:31:00.001-04:00

I've always wonder about this. In fact, I resurrected my blog so I could use it as an online journal but with the hope that others will find the content useful.

So if you've wondered whether you should have a blog or not, here are some thoughts.

Jane Friedman wrote a great article on her blog about this.
http://blog.writersdigest.com/norules
/2010/04/26/WhyStartAWebsiteOrBlogIfYouHaveNothingToPromote.aspx

Entering Writing Contests Does Pay Off

2010-04-16T11:57:00.001-04:00

Entering writing contests are a great opportunity to get your work in front of agents, editors, and other writers.

This is from Miss Snark's First Victim Blog.
http://misssnarksfirstvictim.blogspot.com/

Friday, April 16, 2010
Friday Fricassee

And we have another agent signing!

January Secret Agent Contest winner Vahini Naidoo has just signed with the lovely Ammi-Joan Paquette, who had chosen Vahini's excerpt as one of her winners! (Entry #14, if you want to take a peek in the archives.)

CONGRATULATIONS, Vahini and Joan! Best wishes on a long and successful pairing.

This is Ms. Paquette's second signing from our blog, so I probably ought to start charging her commission. Or something. (I'm totally kidding. She knows I adore that she adores this blog.)

Sharing Food Ideas with other Moms

2010-04-15T22:30:00.000-04:00

Tonight I met with a group of other moms and had a food discussion. Other moms are such a great resource of not only information, but of experience. You can share what's worked for either or you, where to shop for food, which store has the best produce, etc.

My child isn't in public school yet, but I also got valuable insight on what to expect and it's not pretty. Inspired by Jamie Oliver, we are set on making a change in our community.

Our veggie plants have also begun to sprout and I feel like a proud momma. I love growing and nurturing something that is going to help my body be nurished and help my child continue to grow in a healthy way. It helps me connect to the Earth and motivates me to continue to plant new flowers and shrubs.

Earth Day is around the corner. How will you be giving back to her?

This month's nutritional goal: Try New Veggie: Kale
This month's physical fitness goal: Go to the gym 3 times a week
This month's writing goal: Revise current WIP per workshop critique.

Agency Model Means No Discounts,Higher Prices, Possible Disruptions

2010-04-09T15:45:00.000-04:00

Agency Model Means No Discounts,Higher Prices, Possible Disruptions: "As the book industry prepares forthe twin debut of Apple's iPad and the swi..."

The Nice Diet by Alicia Silverstone

2010-04-08T23:44:00.003-04:00

As a mom, nutrition is always on my mind. I've been working with a dietitian and focusing on making meals that are nutrient rich. So when I saw Oprah's show with Alicia Silverstone, I was intriqued and wanted to read her book, The Kind Diet.

I got it from my favorite library and some of her points really struck home for me. Even if you don't want to be a vegan or vegetarian, you can do some of the steps such as incorporate more leafy greens in your diet and reduce the amound of meat you eat.

Every 2 weeks, I set a new dietary goal. It can be to try a new fruit or vegetable. Try a new recipe. Make a food substitution. So my goal for these next 2 weeks is to make 2 meatless dinners a week.

So far so good.

If you want more information, please visit Alicia's site: The Kind Diet

Columbus Metropolitan Main Library

2008-07-20T22:18:00.003-04:00

There are few things that make a mother prouder, then hearing her 2 year old child beg to go to storytime at the library. Nothing makes me happier then hearing her ask to go to the library when I pick her up from school.

Libraries have also been an important part of my life. Several of my childhood memories, include trips to the library. When you're an avid reader and not a millionaire, a library card is as essential as a social security number.

I know she has a love for stories and I hope she's also developing respect for libraries. Just today, I was searching everywhere for our copy of Harold and the Purple Crayon. Convinced that Swiper the Fox took it, she said "I have an idea, we'll get it from the library." ---A proud moment in my life.

SCBWI-NY & Thrillerfest 2009

2008-07-18T20:52:00.004-04:00

I'm planning to do two things I've never done. 1)Attend the one of the SCBWI annual event. I plan on going to New York. I'm really excited. I know it's a fair bit away, but I'm a planner so it works for me. I hope the weather cooperates in Feb. 2)I'm also making plans to attend Thrillerfest 2009 in NY in July 2009. I've decided to be true to my writer self and write thrillers. My YA WIP is a thriller and it makes me happy. I'm hoping some of my critique partners will be able to go to either one or both.

I haven't been to a writer's conference in over a year. Our choices have been limited here in Central Ohio, but that will change. I am planning on going to the Central Ohio Fiction Writer's conference in Columbus in Sept. I'm ready to learn, learn, learn.

Miss Snark's First Victim Secret Agent Contest

2008-07-14T21:58:00.003-04:00

There is an incredible opportunity for those of you that have a completed manuscript. Here is the website URL and make sure you follow the rules. Chances don't come along too often to get your work in front of an agent, so got for it!!

Hook an Agent Contest

Summer Break and Jury Duty

2008-07-09T20:40:00.003-04:00

Ok, pursuing a Master's is taking up all my time, but I'm done with classes for now and don't have my next one until Nov. I'm back to work on my YA novel and finally hit the 10,000 words mark. That was my first milestone. I'm also taking a slightly different direction after discovering the incredibly gifted writer, Jeffery Deaver during my Jury Duty stint.

I'm not sure why people have such a negative attitude towards jury duty. I loved it, learned tons about our judicial system, and was fortunate to actually serve on a jury. During the two weeks I had to report, only two cases actually went to trial, so I was lucky to have served.

I also entered the Cheerio Story contest today and ordered the 2009 Children's Writers Market Guide by Alice Pope.

It feels good to be back.

Central Ohio SCBWI logo contest

2008-05-03T20:27:00.000-04:00

Our regional chapter is sponsoring an illustrator's contest. We are hoping to use the winning illustration as our new logo

Please read at the details at: http://www.coscbwi.org/contests.htm

Central Ohio SCBWI Yahoo Group

2008-05-03T00:23:00.001-04:00

If you live in Central Ohio, please join our SCBWI Yahoo group. You will receive announcements, meeting reminders, and be able to communicate with other local members.

Central Ohio SCBWI Yahoo Group

I'm officially a Grad Student

2008-04-28T22:20:00.003-04:00

I started my 1st class today and it's all about critical writing, reasoning, and thinking. I didn't really think getting an MBA was going to help me with writing, but I was wrong. I will be reviewing grammar and sentence structure along with conveying thoughts effectively. I need the grammar review because I still struggle with commas.

I attended the Columbus State Writers Conference this past week-end. I learned alot, mainly from literary agent, Jennifer DeChiara. I didn't realize I was making some rookie query mistakes, but now I know better. It was also a blast to attend the event with my YA critique group gals. In addition to our next chapters, we're going to look at each other's existing query letters and incorporate the information we learned.

I still owe everyone a post about the autopsy class that I went to last Tuesday at COSI. I got some ideas about where to take my story and how to layer some of the storyline. The weird thing this is that the audience was made up of women with the exception of one guy. Hmmm.

Send No Manuscript before its time

2008-04-20T21:11:00.003-04:00

Okay, I was the queen of sending out a manuscript before I had let it breathe for a few days. I was so anxious to get it out into the world, that I wasn't being fair to myself, the story, or the reader. Patience has always been hard for me but as the rejections letters started coming in, I realized that there is a process that needs to be followed.

Here's the process I follow now and it has worked well for my 2 latest picture books. I'm very proud of those 2 manuscripts and it feels good to say that.

1)Once I get an idea for a story, I think about it for as long as it needs to brew. I jot down some ideas and research anything that I need to.
2) I write my story just to get it down. I don't worry about word count, picking the correct verb, or details
3) I don't look at it for at least 24 hours
4) I pick it back up and start sculpting the detail. I equate picture books to sculpting. You have a block of marble and you initially chisel away the raw form, then really hone in on the details
5) Once I get it to where I want it, I send it to one of my best friends that is also a fellow writer. I make more revisions.
6) I try to get a critique from a parent, teacher, etc. Make more revisions.
7) If available, I get a critique from my local SCBWI group. Make more revisions
8) I put it away again for at least 24 hours and then read the final version
9) Work on my query letter and send it out into the literary universe.

Now, I'm just waiting for the mailman to hopefully deliver some good news.

Autopsy class

2008-04-11T20:14:00.002-04:00

I signed up for my autopsy class today. For those of you that don't know, my YA novel has a crime in it and I'm going to this class for reseach and to hopefully learn the proper terminology and procedures.

I don't know what to expect, but I'm curious to learn why the other attendees chose this class. It's going to be 90 minutes long and I plan to take notes, so I can use them when I need them.

I didn't hear anything on any queries this week and that includes my e-queries. It's so hard waiting.

I Bought a Mini-Van

2008-04-06T15:48:00.002-04:00

My old car was starting to give me issues and the adage of "I don't have a car payment" wasn't exactly true when you count up the dollars I was spending on repairs. I had this gut feeling that I was getting close to having to do some major repairs, so I traded it in for a Toyota Sienna.

I did alot of research on Consumer Reports regarding safety and reliability and the Sienna kept rising to the top. I bought a slighly used one so I wouldn't have to pay the new minivan price.

I'll have to tighten my budget so I just listed a bunch of stuff on EBay and Amazon. There are 2 events I want to go to and I'm going to have to raise the money if I want to attend. I have so much stuff that I've been meaning to sell, so I'm getting off the pot and getting them listed.

Sell, Sell, Sell!

I'm taking an autopsy class

2008-04-03T20:27:00.003-04:00

I was thrilled when I saw that this class was offered. I was skimming through the UA Lifelong catalog looking for a local writing class and found this little gem, "In Depth: An Autopsy". It's hosted at COSI, one of my favorite local attractions. A forensic pathologist will be on hand to answer all my storyline questions.

Since my YA novel is a crime story, this is also a great opportunity for researching. I'll have to take time off work and have been trying to figure out what to tell my boss. I can't wait to see what kind of other folks show up.

The class is April 22nd in the afternoon (who was the genius that scheduled this after lunch?). I'll report back

Mustard Children's Book Contest

2008-03-31T13:51:00.002-04:00

I saw this contest on the blue boards and had to pass it on. The Mount Horeb Mustard Museum is hosting a children's book writing contest. Here are the details

Subject: Must be about mustard
Audience: 3 to 10 years old
Prize: $2500 and possible publication
Fee: $6
Deadline: June 10, 2008
National Mustard Day: August 2

Here's the URL: Mustard Writing Contest

Manuscript Request

2008-03-29T17:45:00.002-04:00

My morning started out rough. I dropped my coffee and sprained my ankle. I promise that I was actually going to get out and try to go on a walk for exercise today. I did do extensive pruning and mulching though, so I was still able to take advantageous of the gorgeous day.

Last night I finished my online picture book class taught by Anastasia Suen. It was bittersweet to finish. I learned so much and would highly recommend her course to anyone that is serious about writing picture books. I also signed up for her Yahoo group because she sends out alot of information on the writing industry.

For my last lesson, I had to include my top 5 publishing houses. Today, I got a request for my picture book manuscript from a publisher on my list. This is a manuscript that I got critiqued as part of my class, so I feel that I now have a better version of it to send out.

I love the sun and something other than No!

CSCC Writers Conference

2008-03-27T19:21:00.005-04:00

I'm so excited that there is going to be a writing conference to go to. I e-mailed them because there are 5 sessions but there's no place on the registration form to sign up for particular workshops. Agent Jennifer DiChiara will be hosting the Working with Agents and Publisher Worshop, so I definitely want to attend that.

Here's the link to the conference.

CSCC Writers Conference

Where is Spring?

2008-03-21T21:22:00.002-04:00

I'm so over the cold weather. Some of my plants have decided that they don't want to wait either and have started to sprout. We're suppose to have snow again this week-end which puts a damper on an Easter Egg Hunt.

Ok, I'm done whining. I went to my MBA orientation this week. I'm really excited, but really scared. I'm only going to take a class at a time and I will still need to make time to write. I think I've decided to go to a local conference that is for fiction writers. There is an agent that represents YA, so this gives me a deadline to finish the first draft of my manuscript. I'll need to do this while studying for the GMAT.

Am I crazy?

Snow is Heavy

2008-03-09T17:40:00.003-04:00

Ok, I thought since I was snowed in this week-end that I'd get some writing done. The truth is that I shoveled snow for an hour and a half yesterday, then could barely stay awake. I'm so sore this morning, but at least I worked out.

I did finish revising Chapter 1 on Friday and mailed off my packet to the SCBWI WIP grant. I also got everything done for my MBA application, so now it's just a waiting game.

I want to make revisions to my picture book that A. Suen critiqued because I loved her suggestions. I'm just waiting for my 1st round of submissions to make their way back to me. I did get 2 really nice personal rejection that were written on letterhead and had an actual signature.

My Very Own YA Critique Group

2008-03-06T21:06:00.002-05:00

A group of fellow SCBWI local members and I have created our own critique group. We all have novels in progress and they are all very different. I'm so excited about this possibility. We met last night and all the comments about my Chapter 1 were spot on. It's amazing what a fresh perspective can bring to your writing.

I made some revisions today and made my 7 copies to send to the SCBWI WIP grant committee. I'm going to put it in the mail tomorrow provided the weather lets me.

PB Workshop

2008-02-25T19:45:00.002-05:00

I've completed Lessons 1 & 2 and we are studying the mechanics of books. I love being in the student role. I've been doing so much self-studying and learning that I had forgotten how much fun and beneficial it is to have an experienced instructor. I'm going to complete Lesson 3 tonight and I am truly excited to get the next lesson. I'm nervous about my 1st upcoming critique. I do know which manuscript I'm going to submit and I'm really looking forward to her comments and to improving my writing.

Picture Book Workshop

2008-02-22T22:01:00.003-05:00

I'm using my saved conference money to take Anastasia Suen's Intensive Picture Book workshop I'm really disappointed that there's not a central Ohio conference to go to and I really want to learn more about my craft. I love reading and writing picture books, so I chose this workshop. Many blue boarders recommended it and her list of former students is impressive.

I can't wait to get started.

SCBWI WIP grant

2008-02-20T22:05:00.002-05:00

I got all my materials ready so I can submit them. I always get so nervous because I don't want to screw anything up. I really love and believe in the book I'm writing. I also came up with a working title.

I conducted my first interview for this YA book. I interviewed a detective and I got really useful information. There's still a lot of research to be done and I know I'm going to relish it.

I'm so sick of the flu

2008-02-10T20:24:00.000-05:00

It absolutely annoys me that something that I can't even see is able to make me this sick. I don't know exactly who gave it to me, but I started feeling bad last Sunday and went down for the count quickly. I've been able to go back to work and function, but I've got this cough that won't go away. Yesterday, I thought I was going to cough a lung out.

I never thought I'd miss the days were I could work out. I've got the lung power of a gnat and run out of breath just talking.

Prior to getting sick, I had finished the draft for another picture book. It's something we did as kids and I had actually forgotten all about it until something in a cartoon reminded me.

I'm also focusing on my 1st chapter of my YA that I'm going to submit to the SCBWI WIP grant program. I finished the draft of the synopsis, but still need to make it pop.

Online Resources

2008-02-02T14:14:00.000-05:00

I've been submitting some queries out for my picture books and have discover something really cool. Most agencies and agents now have their own blogs. There is a wealth of information on these blogs. There are insights into what should go into a query or bio, what catches their attention,and inside information into the industry.

So next time you want to query an agent, definitely check out their website and read their blog if they have one.

What I'm reading: The Luxe by Anna Godbersen

Taking Advantage

2008-01-31T20:41:00.000-05:00

So, this week agent Nathan Bradford of the Curtis Brown Literary Agency announced a 1st page contest on his blog. It's not everyday you get to put your writing in front of an agent. He received over 600 entries which is just crazy, but just proves that you should take advantage of ever opportunity out there.

The internet, blogs, discussion groups are goldmines for tidbits of information and contests such as these.

On a personal note, I got a request for a full manuscript from an agency this week for my new picture book. It's my favorite so far and I consider any request for a manuscript from a query letter, a triumph for my query letter.

On a sad note, I found out this week that there will be no Central Ohio Literature for Children Conference. I'm so bummed that I can't stand it. I loved going last year and it was local and affordable. Hopefully, they'll find another coordinator and have one in 2009

Central Ohio SCBWI website

2008-01-20T11:54:00.000-05:00

We have launched our regional chapter website. Please check us out at
Central Ohio SCBWI

Jan. 19th: Happy Birthday Edgar Allan Poe

2008-01-20T11:52:00.000-05:00

Today is the birthday of one of my favorite authors, Edgar Allan Poe. In my opinion, he was the first true mystery writer and I love how his stories have a rhythmic cadence to them.

I'll never forget my introduction to Poe. I was in the 7th grade and we read 'The Telltale Heart'. My English teacher was a gifted storyteller and read the story perfectly. She built up the tension and I was hooked.

It remains my favorite Poe story followed by "The Black Cat". Two years ago, I fortunate enough to visit his museum in Richmond, VA and it was really something to be in the same room with some of his actual manuscripts and letters. I got to see his desk and personal items.

One of my 'must do' trips is to go to Baltimore and do the Poe tour.

So Happy Birthday, Edgar!!!

6500 words

2008-01-11T22:37:00.000-05:00

I had a wonderful holiday season but I was ready to get back to normal. I'm really excited about the prospects for 2008. I have 2 picture book manuscripts that are queried out to publishers. That was one of my goals for 2007.

I also have been working on my YA book. I didn't write for about 3 weeks after I wrote this one scene. I cried the whole time. I had never been so into what I was writing that I felt I was inside my character writing everything she felt.

I considered it growing as a writer. I just wrote what what she was saying. It was pretty cool.

What I'm reading: I just started Spanking Shakespeare by Jake Wiener

2008 SCBWI WIP Grant

2008-01-06T20:19:00.000-05:00

I submitted my application for this Work In Progress grant last year and am going to do it again for their 2008 grant. I'm submitting my new YA novel and am really looking at my first Chapter since that's what I'll be submitting.

SCBWI offers several grants in different genres. Several grant winner have gone on to publish their novels. It would be a great item to include in a query letter.

If you're interested in writing or illustrating children's book, it really benefits you to join SCBWI. You can find them at SCBWI

12 days till Christmas

2007-12-13T21:36:00.000-05:00

I can't believe there are only 12 days until Christmas. I've run out of time to get everything done. I wanted to hand make some things but am really having trouble finding the time.

The good news is that my spare time is being used to work on my new YA novel. I'm up to about 6000 words now. That was my goal for this Sunday. I'm writing some really hard, dark chapters right now and am drawing upon my experience with grief and one of a close friend. It's rather cathartic to take that pain and channel it through a character. I'm letting her say everything I still can't.

1st 5000 words

2007-12-11T21:09:00.000-05:00

I've been working on my new YA novel and have just completed the first 5000 words. I haven't written 16 pages in a very long time. I did a middle grade novel about 5 years ago and have been focusing on picture books and short stories.

I'm loving my story and the research that has been going along with it. I've decided that when I finish, I'm going to get a professional critique.

I literally cried through an entire chapter. I've never experienced anything quite like that while writing. It was so bizarre. I could barely see my laptop because of the tears, but my fingers were flying as they told the story. It's something I'll definitely remember.

I've started my YA novel

2007-12-07T23:56:00.000-05:00

I can honestly say that I have been writing everyday for about 3 weeks now. I worked on a picture book, a contest entry (my story sucks and needs help), and I began my next book. I'm in the honeymoon phase where I'm completely in love with it.

It's loosely based on a true story. A story I learned about in high school. It's one of those things that always stayed with me and that I wanted to write about.

I'm using my new process of not revising and just writing the story. It's been writing itself. The muse has been active. I love when that happens. It's like someone else is writing the story.

New Writing Technique

2007-12-06T21:22:00.000-05:00

I am the type of writer that will revise Chapter 100 times and not finish the story. It's not working for me. I have so many stories started. I really do want to finish them, but I need to leave Chapter 1 alone and move on.

Here's my new thing. I'm just to keep writing and get the story out. I'm not going to worry about the right word or editing. I've practiced this technique on 2 picture books and it's working. I just write the whole story out, ignoring age of language, word count, etc. I then start revising, editing, trimming.

I've started a YA novel that I've been wanting to write for years. Wish me luck.

The Blue Boards

2007-11-20T21:45:00.000-05:00

Ok, if you haven't heard or been on the blue boards, aka Verla Kay's website, you must immediately go there. Don't pass Go. I'm addicted to them and wish I had discovered them sooner.

It's an online forum for writers, but agents and editors do pop in to chat. Yes, they are literally blue. The forums have categories by genre, response times for agents, publisher, and magazines, contest, and so much more.

There is a wealth of knowledge about the industry posted by writers in all stages of their careers.

Check out the site at Blue Boards

Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio

2007-11-10T21:06:00.000-05:00

Netflix delivered an amazingly well written and well acted movie to me today. Julianne Moore portrays Evelyn Ryan a woman from Defiance, Ohio that was quite the contest queen during the 1950's and 1960's. She was the mother of 10 children and used her writing wit to win contests that helped to support her family. I was struck by 2 things: 1) She was an incredible giving and nurturing mother 2) She believed in the dream and had the writing talent to realize those dreams.

It gave me a boost to believe that they only way to win anything (i.e. a book contract) is to put yourself out there and continually work at it. I've been entering little writing contest like the one that Parenting magazine had a couple months back. The topic was the best parenting advice you ever got. After seeing, this movie, I'm going to keep doing that.

It's a touching, fun movie. So add it to your list of must sees.

Cynthea Liu.com

2007-11-04T20:37:00.000-05:00

If you have not been out to her site, you must navigate there immediately. I found her site through the SCBWI discussion boards and am now a regular fan. She's got an incredible amount of rich content for a new writer. The best part is when she periodically offers free critiques in the forms of contests.

In late Oct., she offered the Academy Award of all contests, the opportunity to get your writing in front of a literary agent from Andrea Brown Literary Agency. Those of you in the children's writing genre know that this agency is one that you would love to have represent you.

She announces the finalists tomorrow and even did a random drawing for a free critique so everyone had a chance.

I submitted 25 pages of a middle grade novel that I'm re-working. If I remember correctly, she received over 200 entries.

Take a look around her site and see what you think.

Getting published in Columbus Dispatch.

2007-10-29T21:07:00.000-04:00

Ok, so the Parenting magazine didn't want my article, but the Columbus Dispatch did. Here's the story.

I got the best phone call today. You would have thought I was being nominated for a Pulitzer. The Columbus Dispatch called to tell me that they are publishing my story "The Disgusting Things I find in my Pockets" in this Sat's paper.

After tons of rejections, it feels so awesome to have someone say yes. She even told me that I definitely had a touch. Those were some sweet weirds.

What I learned is :

1) Never, ever give up

2) Keep perfecting and working on your craft

3) Keep putting yourself out there. Enter contests, send queries, keep sending your work out.

I also now have my first item for my writing resume. I now have something more than, member of SCBWI. I will actually have a published work.

There will be an electronic version at www.dispatch.com. Check it out on Saturday

Local Parenting Magazine Market

2007-09-01T08:32:00.000-04:00

I've written a humorous little story about some of the rather 'interesting' things parents find themselves doing. I submitted it to a parenting magazine, but they didn't think it was right for their magazine. I had decided to save it and wait for a creative non-fiction contest, until I got my newsletter from http://www.kidmagwriters.com/. They suggested sending these kinds of stories to some local parenting magazines. Since my story does reference some local sites, I e-mailed my local parenting magazine and asked for their submission guidelines. I'll have to wait and see what happens.

Memorial Day

2007-05-27T12:41:00.000-04:00

I don't think we probably take enough time to say thank you to our men and women in the armed forces that are fighting for us every day. I'm sure each one of knows someone in the armed forces: a spouse, a child, a brother, a sister, or friend. They put their lives in harm's way so that we don't have to. I was so moved by a recent episode of Gene Simmons' Family Jewels. They visited a Veteran's Hospital in Long Beach. They spoke with many veterans and I was struck by two of the veteran's comments. One of the was "Freedom isn't Free" and the other one was "I put on the uniform, so that my family doesn't have to". Their patriotism and belief in freedom is inspiring.

Memorial Day is a great time to reflect on those that have served and died for our country. Their burden was heavy and yet they took it on with pride and fortitude.

So, thank you, to all of you in the U.S. armed forces that fight for our freedom and protect us citizens.

Professional Critiques

2007-05-19T12:12:00.000-04:00

I got my critque back from the Writers League of Texas manuscript contest. I submitted the 1st 10 pages of my first chapter. It's a YA fiction novel in progress. They've changed the format of their critique and actually provide a score card. The disappointing part is that I didn't score as well as I would have liked. The exciting part is that my reviewer pointed out the exact same items that I needed to work on that my the reviewer from the Ohio conference noted. At least they are unanimous in what I needed to work on. Both of them said that I showed promise and that if I just fixed these few items that I would have a great story.

Things I still struggle with are:

1) Taking the adult out of my younger characters
2) Not really setting the scene
3) Rushing through my story/scenes

Critiques don't hurt my feelings. I am here to learn and am grateful to have my work placed in front of a professional that takes the time to pinpoint those areas in my writing that need work. I'm a student/writer in learning mode.

I have to say that I don't think I really knew where my story was going until I mapped it out and that has helped me tremendously. I will do that from now on.

I thought of going back to fix the first 4 chapters but decided against it. I just finished chapter 5 and have tried to incorporate their feedback. I'm afraid that if I continually go back that I will never finish the book. I have to remind myself that this is my draft and that books are meant to be revised and tweaked before they are submitted.

I remember during one of the WLT meetings that someone asked the question-how do I get off chapter 1? Apparently, that's common for new writers. The answer was to remember books are created as drafts and there will be revisions. Get through your story and finish the book. It's more important to finish the book, then do revisions, then to keep revising Chapter 1 until you're happy with it.

Happy Writing!

Following the Rules

2007-05-05T13:20:00.000-04:00

At a recent conference, I took a class called 'The Business behind getting your book published'. It was taught by Tanya Dean, executive editor at Darby Creek Publishing. There were some items that I thought would be obvious to potential published authors, but here's the low down.

1. Always, always read the publishing house's submission guidelines.
2. Now, always, always follow those guidelines.
3. Know what types of books they are in the business of publishing. Finding the right house to submit your work to is paramount. You want to maximize the chances by sending your work to a house that actually publishes that genre of book.
4. Have a good idea of the recent books that house has put on the market.
5. Do a book search on Amazon.com or bn.com (Barnes & Noble) to learn how many other books similar to yours have already been published. One fellow writer indicated that she did the search and found a published book similar to hers, however; it had gotten terrible reviews. She felt she could do better. On the flip side, another woman I spoke with did a search on Amazon and found a book very similar to hers and it was very popular. She decided she needed to find a different spin to the story.
6. Always, always send a SASE (self addressed stamped envelope) especially when mailing queries to smaller publishing houses or agents. Many of them do not have the budget to pay for the additional postage, so they may not contact the writer for a story they may be interesting in reading , if there's not a SASE.

The main theme here is do your homework before you submit anything to an agent or publishing house.

Chapter scripts

2007-05-01T17:53:00.000-04:00

At the CO Writers conference, I took a class on 'Research: Making it authentic' taught by Carol Gorman . There were several items that really made an impact on me. Here they are:

1) Always keep your character in trouble or uncomfortable. Tension keeps the story interesting
2) When researching, try to experience things for yourself. Examples: walking through a haunted house, eating at a particular diner, roller skating.
3) Create chapter scripts-know what you want to accomplish in each chapter.

Ok, I was stuck on Chapter 4 of my first YA novel and hadn't worked on it for about 2 months. I decided to try this chapter scripting exercise and was blown away by its effectiveness. I'm sure we all write in different ways and if you're like me, this might work for you. I usually have a solid idea for my story and characters. I know the highlights, but let the details unfold as I write.

This exercise just helped me to document the movement of the story. As I wrote down the theme for each chapter, some new ideas popped in my head that help facilitate the pace of the story.

Here's an example.

Chapter 1: Lola crashes her dad's Mercedes
Chapter 2: While recovering in the hospital, Lola misses her prom
Chapter 3: Lola comes home, Dad tells her she needs to get a job to pay for the damages
Chapter 4: Lola searches for a summer job
Chapter 5: Lola finds a job at advertising firm
Chapter 6: Lola meets Todd the college intern.

Hope this helps, happy writing!!

Central Ohio Writers Conference

2007-04-28T17:00:00.000-04:00

I just returned from attending the Central Ohio Writers of Literature for Children (CO Writers) annual conference and I'm bursting with information and tips. Carol Gorman, author of Stumptown Kid, taught a How to conduct research class, Lisa Cheng, associate editor at Margaret K. McElderberry Books taught a picture book class, Tanya Dean, executive editor at Darby Creek Publishing taught Publishing 101 and Alice Pope, editor of the Writers Market books, taught Marketing yourself Online.

As an apiring writer, I am constantly trying to improve my writing and meet fellow writers. Attending conferences like this one provides the avenue for me to pursue those goals. Finding the time to write has been my big dilemma these days. I just started a new job and there has been alot of change, but I'm getting into my new routine and need to make sure I allocate some writing time.

I'm working on my first YA novel and am about 4 chapters into the story. I have it outlined but need to get it out on paper.

I could be working on it now but I do feel obligated to go out and enjoy the bit of sunshine we have today. My plan for tonight: Finish up the current chapter I'm working on as I watch Casino Royale courtesy of Netflix.