What do you think makes a great book? Do you think you need to improve your story some? Science fiction author Jessi L. Roberts lists traits of well-written books on her blog. I re-blogged it here. Enjoy! Note: This is one person’s opinion, of course. I personally would forgive a long prologue if the worldContinue reading “Ideas on Improving Your Story, With Jessi L. Roberts”
Category Archives: writer tips
Calling for Book Reviewers!
Do you love reading fantasy and sci-fi chapter books geared toward ages 8 to 12? Jennifer Hallmark, my partner-in-crime in reviewing books, is looking for more book reviewers for her blog “Off the Beaten Track.” She’s interested in fantasy and sci-fi readers who’ll review, from a Christian point-of-view, middle grade novels. These readers are onlyContinue reading “Calling for Book Reviewers!”
Why Make a Map?
Hi, writers out there! Do you think you should make a map that features lands from your stories? Expect your readers to thank you for it, as they may appreciate a visual illustration of your world’s layout. It might ease the readability as they try to picture your story’s scenery. Even if you don’t writeContinue reading “Why Make a Map?”
Creative Writing for Kids
Still trying to find ways to have fun during the summer? How about activities that expand the imagination, like creating make-believe worlds worthy to be found in stories? Author Carmen White has ideas that would spark your child’s cleverness. You can find them on her website. One fun activity she lists is designing a houseContinue reading “Creative Writing for Kids”
A Disagreement with the Editor by S.E.M. Ishida
Originally posted on S. E. M. Ishida:
Before publishing my first book, Nick Newton Is Not a Genius, my editor and I disagreed about how the last paragraph of the last chapter should end. She commented that the ending would “gild the lily,” but I thought those last few sentences added a sense of closure…
Why I Read More Kids’ Books Than YA Books: A Casual Conversation Post — Words
Note: I shared this post from Kaley Kriesel’s blog Words. Read on to find encouragement if you’ve ever felt silly for reading kids’ books as an adult or teen. Or even for writing more children’s stories than YA stories. I myself dabble in YA writing here and there, but I’ll probably be writing more children’sContinue reading “Why I Read More Kids’ Books Than YA Books: A Casual Conversation Post — Words”
The Importance of Fiction in a Christian’s Life by Teen Writers’ Nook — M Liz Boyle
Is your teen a reader? If so, awesome! This post, re-blogged from M Liz Boyle’s blog, shows the benefits a teen can gain from reading. This post is also a reminder for us writers to incorporate these benefits into our stories. Today I have the privilege of introducing Teen Writers’ Nook to the blog. Let’sContinue reading “The Importance of Fiction in a Christian’s Life by Teen Writers’ Nook — M Liz Boyle”
Writing Chapter Books by CAYUGA ISLAND KIDS Author Judy Bradbury
Originally posted on Writing for Kids (While Raising Them):
by Judy Bradbury Thanks, Tara, for inviting me to your blog space to offer a few tips on writing chapter books! I’m honored to be here. A bit of background: THE CAYUGA ISLAND KIDS is chapter books series is contemporary fiction featuring five diverse friends who…
The Importance of Writing for Yourself
Originally posted on S. E. M. Ishida:
I don’t think I realized until recently how important it is to write for yourself. Let’s face it—writing and publishing can feel like work. You close your day job laptop and open your personal laptop to reply to an editor’s email and post to your author social media…
Japanese Poetry
Originally posted on Starship Chi-Rho Studio:
Japanese poetry is very unique. It does not depend on rhyming as much as Western poetry forms. I enjoy this because I am not very good at rhyming to begin with. The two styles that I like experimenting with are the haiku and the tanka. The haiku is composed…
K.A. Ramstad 