Books

Look what I got for Christmas.

I did it!

Think and Act Like a Kid

As a writer for children, I have to make sure that I remember to think and act like a kid. This means that I skip, jump in puddles, dance in the rain, swing, go down slides, explore, find new things, put things in my pockets, be silly, dance without refrain, laugh, play, and the list goes on and on. Luckily, for me, I like thinking and acting like a kid. It's fun. It makes me see the world with new eyes. And it makes me a better writer. So excuse me while I stop blogging, and I go climb a tree.

Love Your Manuscript

I read a blog post a few days ago, that made me laugh out loud. It basically said that if you are sick of reading your manuscript for revisions, then what makes you think parents and kids will want to read your manuscript night after night. This really stood out to me. When I am writing a new manuscript, I have to make sure that I love it enough to read it over and over and over again. I have to love every sentence, every word. I have to love the dialog and everything else. It is not enough to like it. I have to LOVE it. I have to be willing to read it so many times that I have it memerised. I have to love it enough to still laugh and smile in all the right places. I have to love it enough that I can't wait to get it out and start on another round of revisions. Basically, I have to have a lot of love for my manuscripts.

So make sure you're not sick and tired of your manuscript. Make sure you love it enough; because chances are, if you do, so will your readers.

Voice

I listened to a webinar yesterday about voice. It talked about how each of us have our own unique way of writing that no one can duplicate. Everything that we have experienced and done in our lives contributes to our writing voice. No two people can write the same story the exact same way.

I really enjoyed this webinar. I liked learning more about how each of us has our own voice. As writers, we each have to work on finding and developing that voice. I know I am constantly trying to develop mine. I am ever learning, growing, and developing my craft. I am happy that no one can write just like me. I want to write my own unique stories, in my own unique voice.

Just About Anywhere

One of the great things about writing, is that I can do it just about anywhere. Some of my recent favorite places to write are: the shower, while rocking my daughter, the car, on walks, during bike rides, outside with my son and a Popsicle, while cleaning the bathroom, while doing dishes, and late at night when everyone is asleep (my favorite).

Mother's Day

Forget flowers, a new picture book is the perfect present from my children.