Writer Sites

Writing Posts I Found Interesting

2011-12-21T16:42:00.000-08:00

Here are some recent posts about writing and books that enjoyed:

AnneOsterlund - The Battle Scene: Hazards of Listening to Your Source

Bibliodyssey - Liber Floridus: Extracts from late Classical & early Medieval Works. Beautiful!

Blogpreneur - What do you want your blog readers to do next?

Matador Network - Make the most of your writers group

Huffington Post/Christopher Meeks - Writers have to write & market

Goins Writer - The secret “real writers” know

P.C. Wrede - When your characters don’t want to do what you want them to.

Magellan Media Partners - A Holiday Poem

Victoria Mixon - How to find community through writing

Editorrent - Scene Length

Maggie Stiefvater, Author

2011-11-08T05:23:00.000-08:00

Maggie Stiefvater's Website

Maggie Stiefvater's Blog

Maggie Stiefvater writes young adult novels, which include Shiver, Linger, Forever, Lament, and Ballad.Unusual and riveting would be two words that only begin to describe herbooks. I’m looking forward to reading her recently released The Scorpio Races.

Writing process always fascinates me. I love to read abouthow other writers write. There are many great posts on her blog about Maggie’sprocess. Follow her label “How I Write” to locate some of them. She useshelpful examples that illustrate her points and she fills her blog withglimpses of her personal style.

GalleyCat

2011-11-06T14:52:00.000-08:00

GalleyCat

GalleyCat, a feature of the Media Bistro organization,offers the latest information on publishing deals, books, writing resources,and jobs in publishing. It lives up to the promise in its subtitle: The First Word on the Book Publishing Industry. Whether it’s a video tour of a Scholastic headquarters,the scoop on who is acquiring whom, or info on a big deal just made by Amazon,you’ll find the latest and possibly greatest at GalleyCat. I love the WriterResources page where you can get motivated, explore a new writers’ service, orfind a link to a new writing technique.

Jill Corcoran Books

2011-10-22T17:01:00.000-07:00

Jill Corcoran Books Blog

Agent Jill Corcoran represents children’s book authors,including picture books, chapter books, middle grade and young adult. I alwaysfind great information on her site. Recently, she posted a list of interesting past postingsoffering useful information to help authors get an agent. You’ll find information about her authors,their books, and publishing advice.

Bookshelves of Doom

2011-10-21T21:20:00.000-07:00

Bookshelves of Doom

Anything and everything about books, that’s what you’ll findat this highly recommended book blog. Recent posts have included information aboutNPR’s “The Back-Seat Book Club” geared to ages 9-14, a link to an article aboutEmily Dickinson’s baking expertise, and penguin sweaters (you’ll have to checkit out!)

Advanced Fiction Writing

2011-07-30T12:00:00.000-07:00

Advanced Fiction Writing Website

I heard Randy Ingermanson, the Snowflake Guy or America’s Mad Professor of Fiction Writing, speak at a Willamette Writers meeting in Portland, Oregon this spring and was intrigued by his Snowflake Method for writing a novel. At his website I found a terrific article explaining the method in more detail and a whole lot more, including informational articles and software.

While you’re visiting his site, it’s well worth your time to sign up for his Advanced Fiction Writing E-zine. It’s packed full of useful information and you can find an archive of past issues located under the E-zine heading on his website. You’ll also find a link to his blog.

Lots of good information here.

WriteonCon - Free Online Conference

2011-03-12T10:19:00.000-08:00

http://www.writeoncon.com/

Free Online Conference

Mark your calendar for August 16-18, 2011 to attend the WriteonCon Children's Writers free online conference. I recommend that you sign up for their free e-newsletter to receive updated information.

I attended this conference last year and found it wonderfully motivating and inspiring.

A Mouse in the House Blog

2010-12-15T05:38:00.000-08:00

A Mouse in the House Blog

I love Roberta Baird's whimsical illustrations and perusing her blog is always an adventure. You won't want to miss the Santa stuck upside down in the chimney! Roberta also offers free pages with activities for kids -- Millie the Mouse Paper Doll with lots of different outfits, Cutout and Fold Paper Toys, Giraffe Sewing Pattern, and Coloring Pages. While you're there, be sure to check out her portfolio and sketchbook.

Diamonds & Toads

2010-12-13T18:11:00.000-08:00

Diamonds & Toads Blog

Diamonds and Toads blog shares information about all things fairy tale. You can find links to a number of interesting fantasy blogs and sites, including the fairy tale journal, Enchanted Conversation. For anyone who loves fairy tales and wants to know more, this is a great place to start.

Between Fact & Fiction

2010-12-10T06:16:00.000-08:00

Natalie Whipple: Between Fact & Fiction Blog

I always find something interesting at Author Natalie Whipple’s Between Fact and Fiction Blog. Whether she’s sharing her feelings about being on submission for 15 months, or bragging about her friends’ books, or bemoaning the trials of medical insurance policies, or her approval of occasionally writing crap, she’s always honest. That honesty shines through with over 1000 people following her!

Cliche Finder

2010-12-08T18:06:00.000-08:00

Cliche Finder

Here's an unusual concept -- find a cliche to add to your writing! Easy to use -- just type a word into the search box and see what cliches pop up.

I tried "rabbit" and got:

a rabbit out of the hat
faster than a jack rabbit
hop like a rabbit
-----

I tried "fast" and got:

thick and fast
play fast and loose
hard and fast rule
hard and fast
fast and furious
Knock you from hell to breakfast
Faster than a speeding crawfish.
faster than a speeding bullet
all over the place like a dogs breakfast
faster than a comet
faster than a jack rabbit
faster than a speeding bullet
pull a fast one

Science Fiction & Fantasy Ezines

2010-07-03T10:05:00.000-07:00

I spent the morning adding a number of science fiction and fantasy ezines to the list of Ezines, Magazines, & Stories. I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of some of these ezines -- of course others were a bit inconsistant. In the future I will showcase individual titles, but if you just can't wait, check out the following titles:

(I'm not taking the time to turn these into links -- links are available by selecting the title under the topic Ezines, Magazines, & Stories in the column on the left of the blog.)

Abyss & Apex
After Burns SF
Another Realm
Apex Magazine
Aurora Wolf
Beneath Ceaseless Skies
Bewildering Stories
Big Pulp
Black Gate Magazine
Copper Wire
Darwin's Evolutions
Digital Dragon Magazine
Dunesteef, Audio Fiction Magazine
Electric Spec
Every Day Fiction
Fantasy Magazine
Flash Fiction Chronicles
FlashFiction.Com
Heroic Fantasy Quarterly
Daikaijuzine
Kaleidotrope
Lorelei Signal
Mindflights
Morpheus Tales
Murky Depths
Night Train Magazine
Orson Scott Card's Intergalactic Medicine Show
Residential Aliens
Silver Blade
Sorcerous Signals
Strange Horizons
The Annals of Hypnosia
The New Bedlam Project
Theaker's Quarterly Fiction
Weird Tales

Kid Magazine Writers

2010-06-08T06:03:00.001-07:00

Kid Magazine Writers Website

Subtitled "the information center for children's magazine writers," Kid Magazine Writers website offers information about markets listed alphabetically. There is a section called "Dead Zone" where magazines that don't accept submissions or who have ceased publication are listed. The paying markets for fiction in children's magazines have dwindled over the years, but there are still a few out there. If you write nonfiction or want to find markets that are still accepting fiction stories, this is the website for you.

Come in Character

2010-06-05T10:48:00.000-07:00

Come in Character Blog

This is an unusual blog, because writers are encouraged to comment in character. You choose one of your own characters or create a new one, and post your comment under that character's name, answering as your character would. A fun way to stretch your imagination and learn more about your character.

Plot Whisperer

2010-05-06T05:19:00.000-07:00

Plot Whisperer for Writers and Readers

Martha Alderson follows up the great information ins her Plot Whisperer books with day-to-day inspiration and examples that will keep your plots filled with conflict (that’s a good thing!)

JacketFlap

2010-03-16T05:29:00.000-07:00

JacketFlap

JacketFlap is an excellent resource for children's writers, illustrators, librarians, publishers, editors, agents, teachers, parents, booksellers, and anyone interested in children's books. Here you will find:

Links to book-related blogs

A database of 900,000+ children's books

Bookshelves of members' books

A listing of more than 20,000 publishers

A database of more than 200,000 children's book creators

An opportunity to network with people in the book industry

Here's my JacketFlap page:

Deb's JacketFlap Page

Carolrhoda Books Blog

2010-03-15T05:13:00.000-07:00

Carolrhoda Books Blog

Information about their books, announcement of a new imprint, inside looks at publishing, book trailers, writing tidbits – it’s all here. Why more publishers don’t have blogs is a mystery. Such a great promotional tool. Carolrhoda uses its blog as an interesting and informative way to reach readers and potential authors.

Writer Unboxed

2010-03-14T17:59:00.000-07:00

Writer Unboxed

Writer Unboxed, filled with information “about the craft and business of genre fiction,” boasts a wealth of author interviews, essays, and guest posts about writing. Twelve authors contribute pieces, so a fresh perspective is a constant. Always something interesting to find here. Time flies as you jump from post to post, so allow yourself plenty of it when you visit.

The Blog of Innocence

2010-02-05T05:01:00.000-08:00

The Blog of Innocence

This is a unique blog written by Lethe, the editor of Escape into Life, an online arts journal. In addition to writing full of life and thought, the Blog of Innocence offers visual images that send your imagination soaring.

Six Sentences

2010-02-04T05:40:00.000-08:00

Six Sentences Blog

Write your story in six sentences. Then submit it to this blog. What could be simpler? Right. Just try it! Writer Guidelines (written in just six sentences, of course) are available on the blog. Good luck!

Lois Lowry

2010-02-03T05:16:00.000-08:00

Lowry Updates: Lois Lowry’s blog

Lois Lowry is one of my favorite authors. I’ve devoured her books since I first read The Giver and Number the Stars. You can keep track of her daily adventures on her blog, where she shares with her readers in a wonderfully conversational style.

Glossopedia

2010-02-02T05:42:00.000-08:00

Glossopedia

Maybe I think like a kid too much, but one of my favorite research sites is Glossopedia. You will find articles with information explained in kid-friendly language with lots of pictures to assist your understanding. If you want basic information about a subject, this is a fun place to start.

Topics include :

Geography & Places
Technology
Earth & Space
Human Body
Natural Forces
Nature & Environment
Animals
People & Cultures
Chemistry

Janet Reid, Literary Agent

2010-02-01T05:30:00.000-08:00

Janet Reid's Blog

You never know what you’ll find when you visit literary agent Janet Reid’s blog. It might be a picture of a baby moose or a creative pitch for a book by one of her clients or a peek into her query pile. Whatever you find, it won’t be boring.

Funny Typos

2010-01-31T09:01:00.000-08:00

Funny Typos

Unfortunately, not all the examples on this site are typos. Most are probably brought about by ignorance of English grammar. This is a great site for making you feel superior!

A note from the site: “Thanks for visiting Funny Typos. Get your weekly fill of hilarious uses of English, Bad Grammar and Engrish that would make your grammar school English teacher cringe.”

100 Essential Tips & Tools

2010-01-30T11:56:00.001-08:00

100 Essential Tips & Tools for Writers of the Future

I love lists and this website gives you 100 links to articles about writing and publishing.

The list is broken down into categories of:

Marketing & Branding
Organization & Project Management
Business & Career
Collaboration
Brainstorming
Finding Work
Web Tips & Tutorials
Niche Writing
Staying Cutting Edge

BookEnds, LLC

2010-01-18T05:51:00.000-08:00

BookEnds, LLC Blog

BookEnds, LLC, is a literary agency. It's primary agents include Jessica Faust, Jacky Sach, and Kim Lionetti. Jessica is the main poster of this blog which offers lots of publishing information from an agent’s point of view. Recent posts include advice on avoiding scams, writing query letters, book sale numbers (do you know what “sell-through” means? I didn’t either!), writing mysteries, and staying true to your voice.

Not Your Mother's Book Club

2010-01-17T06:13:00.000-08:00

Not Your Mother's Book Club Website

Books Inc. located San Francisco claims the title "the West’s oldest independent bookstore." They started Not Your Mother’s Book Club in order to bring writers together with their young adult readers. Even if you don't live close enough to attend one of the Club's events, you can enjoy the information and pictures offered at the site.

For even more fun visit their blog. The Not Your Mother’s Bookclub blog comes with a warning “content may not be suitable for parents.” In fact it is a great place for parents to find out what is happening in their teen's world, as well as gaining some great book recommendations along the way.

Not Your Mother's Book Club Blog

Institute of Children's Literature

2010-01-16T09:50:00.000-08:00

Institute of Children's Literature (ICL)

You don't have to take a children's writing course from the Institute of Children's Literature in order to benefit from the massive amount of information on the Institute's website (although I did take the course many years ago and can highly recommend it.) You will find articles on every writing topic imaginable from getting ideas to marketing your polished picture book or young adult novel.

You can also sign up for their free weekly eNewsletter to receive information about live interviews scheduled with writers and editors, new articles and interview transcripts on writing, upcoming writing contests, and other news for writers.

ICL's Topical Index

Sarah Ackerley, Illustrator

2010-01-15T05:58:00.001-08:00

Sarah Ackerley's Blog

I don’t personally know Sarah Ackerly, but I love to look at her illustrations. Who could not love that little dog on her website?

Sarah Ackerley's Website

MFA Confidential Blog

2010-01-14T06:00:00.000-08:00

Writer's Digest: MFA Confidential

Written by Kate Monahan, a 2nd year MFA student at The New School University in downtown NYC, this blog is a great source for inspiring writing information. It’s fun to follow Kate through her writing journey. A recent post on what to do with your half written stories hit a strong note with me. Do you recycle bits of unfinished stories into other stories? When do you give up on a story? Questions most writers face at some time. It’s hard to let go of our babies.

Since an MFA program is out of the question for me right now, I'm looking forward to learning along with Kate.

Lisa Schroeder, Author

2010-01-13T19:27:00.000-08:00

Lisa Schroeder's Website

I chose author Lisa Schroeder to start off this year's posts, because she's releasing TWO books in the first months of 2010! Her teen novel Chasing Brooklyn was released January 5th from Simon Pulse and her middle grade novel It's Raining Cupcakes will be released in March from Aladdin.

I've had the pleasure of meeting Lisa on a several occasions and she was nice enough to pose for a picture with my blogger bunny buddy Freckles.

There's some great information at both her website and her blog for writers.

Lisa Schroeder's Blog

Shaw Guide to Writers Conferences & Workshops

2009-12-15T05:28:00.000-08:00

Shaw Guide to Writers Conferences & Workshops

At this website you can search for conferences, schools, workshops, camps, and retreats held all over the world. Do you want to get away from home and concentrate on your writing? You’re bound to find a place during your search here.

Buried in the Slush Pile

2009-12-14T05:18:00.000-08:00

Buried in the Slush Pile

Buried in the Slush Pile is an editor's blog with lots of great information about how a small press works. Now the editor of CBAY Books and the writer of this blog is in the beginning stages of a banned book discussion that is bound to get bigger. David Michael Slater's The Book of Knowledge has been raising the hackles of those people who love to ban books that don’t offer their own religious viewpoint. Go to this blog to find out more.

The Day the Saucers Came

2009-12-13T06:02:00.000-08:00

The Day the Saucers Came

Neil Gaiman’s The Day the Saucers Came is a picture e-book offered through Microsoft Live Labs. Illustrated by Jouni Koponen, this is an experimental picture book that flows from one page directly into the next. Impossible to explain, you have to experience this book. Check it out!

The CBI Clubhouse

2009-12-12T05:51:00.000-08:00

The CBI Clubhouse

I confess – I’m a Fightin’ Bookworm. We Bookworms hang out at The CBI Clubhouse. Yes, it costs money to join. I’ve actually subscribed to the CBI Newsletter for a number of years, so when Jon and Laura started the CBI Clubhouse, I became an automatic member. The newsletter and the Clubhouse website both offer lots of information and motivation for writing for children. In addition to articles on writing, the Clubhouse also offers videos and a message board. Highly recommended!

Mark Fearing: Illustration the Blog

2009-12-11T17:41:00.000-08:00

Mark Fearing: Illustration the Blog

Mark Fearing’s fun illustrations always make me smile.

Writing Exercises & Prompts

2009-12-08T13:53:00.000-08:00

The Internet is an excellent source of writing exercises and prompts. Just find a picture on any site and write about it. Or google "writing exercises" or "writing prompts" to see what great sites pop up. Here are three sites to get your started:

Creative Writing Prompts

Run your cursor over the numbers to see the beginning of the prompt.

Meredith Sue Willis Writing Exercises

My Writing Exercises

Publisher Catalogs

2009-12-07T04:54:00.000-08:00

One of the writing tasks that modern technology has greatly improved is the delivery of publisher catalogs. In the old days authors had to send a request with a large self-addressed, stamped envelope to each publisher. The publisher would have to stuff the printed catalog into the envelope provided by the author and mail it. All of this effort took time and money.
Today you can visit most publisher websites and download a PDF version of their most recent catalog. It only takes a few minutes to have a copy of the catalog in your hands. Great improvement, I’d say.

Here are some examples from Raven Tree Press.

Raven Tree Press

Catalogs Page

CBIG – The Children’s Book Illustrators Group

2009-12-04T05:29:00.000-08:00

CBIG – Website

I love visiting the Children’s Book Illustrators Group’s website and blog to gaze upon the wonderful pictures. The blog states that it is a “BLOGZINE: A showcase for member illustrations and their industry related good news.” The group members post illustrations of children’s book art related to a monthly theme. As well as a fascinating variety of illustrations you’ll also find a list of member websites and blogs.

CBIG – Blog

Clear Writing with Mr. Clarity

2009-12-03T16:41:00.000-08:00

Clear Writing with Mr. Clarity

Wondering whether your writing is clear to readers? Mr. Clarity uses examples to demonstrate how to make your writing better understood. Whether he's explaining the usages of hedging words or misplaced modifiers, Mr. Clarity will help clarify your writing.

Gail Carson Levine

2009-12-02T05:08:00.000-08:00

Gail Carson Levine’s Blog

Gail Carson Levine writes wonderful fantasy stories. Her first published children's book, Ella Enchanted, was a 1998 Newbery Honor Book. Her blog is filled with advice for writers written in a friendly, conversational style. You can find more information about Gail Carson Levine and her books at her website.

Gail Carson Levine's Website

Mythic Imagination Institute

2009-12-01T04:51:00.000-08:00

Mythic Imagination Institute

On the “Who We Are” page the owners of this site state, “Mythic Imagination Institute offers conferences, performance festivals, and lectures as part of its larger purpose: the encouragment of creative response to life, our own individual lives, and our lives as families, tribes, communities, nations and as a world.”

Here you will find archived issues of Mythic Passages: The Magazine of Imagination, “a free monthly e-magazine with articles, essays, poetry, fiction, podcasts, news, updates, events, and reviews written by some of the greatest minds in the international mythic community!”

There are podcasts of radio programs and amazing links to information related to myth. The exploring never ends.

Chip MacGregor, Agent

2009-11-30T05:35:00.000-08:00

Chip MacGregor's Blog

Sharing information about writing and the publishing industry from an agent’s point of view is the specialty here. Recent posts have included rants and raves on assorted topics and a post from Mr. MacGregor’s assistant, Amanda, sharing three things that are currently annoying her about queries received at the agency.

Readergirlz

2009-11-29T05:17:00.000-08:00

Readergirlz Blog

What will you find at Readergirlz? Information about books: reviews, author interviews, book discussions, live chats, playlists, service projects, and book prizes. This website and blog is a community for young adult writers and readers organized by authors Justina Chen, Dia Calhoun, Lorie Ann Grover, holly Cupala, and Melissa Walker.

Readergirlz Website

Flogging the Quill

2009-11-28T05:56:00.000-08:00

Flogging the Quill

At Flogging the Quill you can take the Flogometer challenge by writing and submitting a first page (that is, the first 16 lines of text) that compels the author/editor, Ray Rhamey, to turn the page. There are lots of submissions for you to read, vote on whether you’d turn the page, see how others voted, and then examine Ray’s comments on the piece.

Drawing a Fine Line

2009-11-27T09:28:00.000-08:00

Drawing a Fine Line

Whether sharing her own art, looking at the art of other illustrators, or discussing the art of knitting, artist Paula Pertile’s blog always offers something interesting.

The Paper Wait

2009-11-25T05:48:00.000-08:00

The Paper Wait

What they say about their blog: “We are an SCBWI critique group based in Madison, New Jersey. Established in 1997, our group includes both published and pre-published authors. We write magazine pieces and children's books in many genres including picture books, easy readers, chapter books, middle grade, young adult, nonfiction and poetry.”

Contributors to The Paper Wait are: Meg Wiviott, J. L. Finnell, Eileen Cameron, J. A. Palermo, Valerie Thomas, Melinda Meister, Gale Sypher Jacob, Brianna Caplan Sayres, and Robin Constantine.

I can always count on a good author interview or an interesting article or essay to fuel my motivation and knowledge. With the variety of authors writing for this blog, you’ll always find something that sparks a connection for you.

Children's Picture Book Database

2009-11-24T05:01:00.000-08:00

Children's Picture Book Database

The Children’s Picture Book Database at Miami University offers:

abstracts of over 5000 children's picture books;
search capabilities for over 950 keywords, including topics, concepts, and skills which describe each book;
weblinks for keywords so you can integrate your up-to-date content knowledge with our picture book resources.

Editorial Anonymous

2009-11-23T05:15:00.000-08:00

Editorial Anonymous

This is the blog of an editor who remains anonymous but shares lots of opinions on all aspects of publishing. Got a question? You’re going to get an honest answer here.

Story is Promise

2009-11-22T09:14:00.000-08:00

Story is Promise

Here’s what Bill Johnson says on his Story is Promise website:

"This site offers writers of all levels and genres new ideas on the essential elements of storytelling:
creating dynamic characters...
identifying what's at stake in a story...
and ensuring that both the plot and story lines converge into an emotionally fulfilling resolution.

Reviews of popular novels, plays, and screenplays highlight those aspects of storytelling essential for fulfilling a writer's promise to the reader.

The essays on this web site are part of my exploration of what it is to both tell and enjoy a story. I welcome everyone who shares that journey.--Bill Johnson"

Story is a Promise also offers a page called Oregon Writers Speak with videos of writers sharing valuable information on their topics of expertise.

Watercolor Wednesdays

2009-11-20T04:51:00.000-08:00

Watercolor Wednesdays

At Watercolor Wednesdays you’ll find a new challenge to illustrate each week. It’s fun to see what members of the blog have done with the challenge. For November illustrators had to:

Nov 1-7 Create your own "wild thing"

Nov 8-14 Create a child or animal character

Nov 15-21 Show your character in an adventure

Nov 22-30 Thanksgiving thoughts

Fuel Your Writing

2009-11-19T05:05:00.000-08:00

Fuel Your Writing

At Fuel Your Writing you’ll find a number of viewpoints, inspirations, motivations, and informative posts. Tips, publishing news, and tools for your writing are all offered here. It will take a bit of time to explore it all, so prepare to stay awhile.

P. J. Hoover - Roots in Myth

2009-11-18T04:50:00.000-08:00

Roots in Myth - P. J. Hoover's Blog

Roots in Myth, the blog of fantasy writer P. J. Hoover, offers information about writing and the author's life. Recent posts: Feeling the Fear, Loving and Hating your work in progress, the Red Dirt Festival in Shawnee, OK, and homemade Halloween gravestones. You just never know what you’ll find. An interesting author with an interesting blog.

For more information about P. J. Hoover and her books, visit her website:

P. J. Hoover's Website

Graphic Organizers

2009-11-17T05:21:00.000-08:00

Sometimes a simple chart or cluster map is exactly what you need to organize your mind and your story. There are numerous websites on the web offering story maps, charts, diagrams, and time lines for use of the educational market. If you just need something to jumpstart your writing, you are sure to find a tool that fits the bill. You can do a search of "graphic organizers" to find lots of sites or click on the sites listed below and under the Writing Resources List on the left.

Freeology

David R. Godine's Website & Blog

2009-11-16T05:03:00.000-08:00

David R. Godine's Website

I love to visit publisher’s blogs but wish more publishers had them. Sure they are promotional tools for promoting their books, but you learn about the books and authors published by that house in an informal setting (versus the sometimes stiff and formal website content.)

David R. Godine Publisher offers a unique blog. It’s worth checking out.

David R. Godine's Blog

Long Long Time Ago

2009-11-15T09:14:00.000-08:00

Long Long Time Ago

Started in 2002 by Rohini Chowdhury, the Long Long Time Ago website offers her stories for children in the categories of fables, folktales, fairytales, myths, festival stories, tales from history, classics retold, stories behind great discoveries, and tales of today. You will also find Pomegranate Pips: stories for younger children, puzzles, book reviews, biographies of writers, and a link to her blog where she describes her travels (with lots of pictures!)

The Story Board

2009-11-13T05:03:00.000-08:00

The Story Board

The Story Board is an artist’s blog by Adrienne who is also a wife, mother, children’s writer and illustrator. The blog is as much about her family as her art. She shares their lives and their art in a unique way. I love visiting her gallery of fun children’s illustrations. I always find something to smile about.

The Children's Lit Project

2009-11-12T05:21:00.000-08:00

The Children's Lit Project

Here's a quote from their About page: "This is the production blog of The Library of the Early Mind, a feature-length documentary film about children’s literature directed by Edward J. Delaney and produced by Edward J. Delaney and Steven Withrow. We’ll be working through this year interviewing authors, illustrators and critics on the topic. The film is intended for festival release in 2010. "

Neil Gaiman’s Journal

2009-11-11T19:19:00.001-08:00

Neil Gaiman’s Journal

Neil Gaiman, author of American Gods, Coraline, The Graveyard Book, Neverwhere, and Stardust writes an interesting journal as well as original and exciting books.

Character Building Workshop

2009-11-10T04:53:00.000-08:00

Character Building Workshop

At Writer's University's Character Building Workshop, you will find online character questionnaires. Submit your answers to the multiple choice questions about your character and it will tell you what “type” your character fits into. You can read more about your character’s type. A fun way to better understand your protagonist.

Agent Savant

2009-11-09T05:19:00.000-08:00

Agent Savant

Laurie McLean, an agent with the Larsen Pomada Agency, offers advice and information about the publishing industry on her weblog, Agent Savant. Recent posts have included a search for the next trend in YA literature, thoughts on Barnes & Noble’s Nook, and the FTC ruling regarding bloggers and free review books.

Nancy Pearl - Book Lust Forever

2009-11-08T06:24:00.000-08:00

Book Lust Forever

The blog of Nancy Pearl, author of the books Book Lust, More Book Lust, and Book Crush and the model for the Librarian Action figure, provides Nancy’s reviews of hundreds of books. Looking for something great to read? This is the place to find it. You can find out more about Nancy at her website.

Book Lust, Nancy Pearl’s Website

AutoCrit Editing Wizard

2009-11-07T18:15:00.000-08:00

AutoCrit Editing Wizard

At AutoCrit Editing Wizard you can receive a free analysis of up to 800 words of your manuscript. All you do is paste a scene or chapter of your manuscript into the Wizard and submit. Your free analysis includes a report of your choice of overused words, repeated phrases, or sentence length variation. Submit it 3 times for all three reports. For a yearly membership fee you can have more of your manuscript analyzed for multiple problems.

AuthorCulture

2009-11-05T04:55:00.000-08:00

AuthorCulture

I always find something interesting about authors or books at AuthorCulture. Whether it’s a fascinating look at how three authors strategized a plan for writing their book to a list of author resources, this blog never fails to offer enlightenment.

American Library Association

2009-11-03T05:58:00.001-08:00

American Library Association (ALA)

You don’t have to be a librarian to find great information at the American Library Association website. ALA is the organization that presents some of the most respected awards in children’s literature (Descriptions taken from the ALA site):
· Carnegie Medal Information about the Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Children's Video, administered by the Association for Library Service to Children.
· Geisel Award Information about the Theodor Seuss Geisel Award, to select from the books published the preceding year within the terms, definitions and criteria governing the awards, the most distinguished American book for beginning readers.
· Wilder Medal Current Winner The current winner of the Laura Ingalls Wilder Medal, administered by the Association for Library Service to Children, and honoring an author or illustrator whose books, published inthe United States, have made, over a period of years, a substantial and lasting contribution to literature for children.
· Children's Notable Lists Links to current and past ALSC Children's Notable Lists, including books, recordings, videos and computer software.
· Newbery Medal Information about the current ALSC Newbery Medal winners and links to past winners and award criteria. Administered by the Association for Library Service to Children.
· YALSA's Michael L. Printz Award for Excellence in Young Adult Literature The Michael L. Printz Award honors the best book written for young adults each year. Find more information on Printz, including past winners, biographical information on Michael L. Printz, policies and procedures, and how to nominate a title.
· YALSA's Margaret A. Edwards Award The Margaret A. Edwards Award, sponsored by School Library Journal, honors an author and specific works by that author for lifetime contribution to young adult literature. Find more information on the Edwards Award, including previous winners, biographical information on Margaret A. Edwards, policies and procedures, and how to nominate an author and title.
· YALSA's Alex Awards The Alex Awards are given to 10 adult books with special appeal to young adults. Find more information on the award, including past winners, policies and procedures and how to nominate a title.
· The Coretta Scott King Book Awards
And many, many more!!

Author Magazine Editor's Blog

2009-11-02T05:25:00.000-08:00

Author Magazine Editor's Blog

The blog of Bill Kenower, Editor-in-Chief of Author Magazine, offers editorials on a wide variety of topics relating to writing. You can even listen the the blog posts in an audio version.

A Walk in the WoRds

2009-11-01T08:05:00.000-08:00

A Walk in the WoRds

This blog is subtitled “A linguistic tour for people who love having fun with words and language.” You’ll find wordplay in cartoons, advertising, and musings of the author.

Children's Illustration & Funky Lunch

2009-10-30T05:54:00.001-07:00

Children’s Illustration

Julie shares links to news about children’s illustration and to unique websites. I could spend hours following the links on this blog to whereever they may lead me. Example: the sandwich shown in the screen shot above is part of a website called “Funky Lunch,” a site with a gallery showing hundreds of unusual sandwich art designs.

Funky Lunch

C. Hope Clark

2009-10-29T06:52:00.000-07:00

Funds For Writers

C. Hope Clark is the hard-working individual behind Fundsfor Writers.com, where you’ll find the latest information about opportunities for authors. At Funds for Writers you’ll find sections on grants, contests, markets, and several newsletters to keep you updated. At her blog she shares detailed information about the features on the Funds for Writers site.

C. Hope Clark's Blog

Lisa Yee

2009-10-28T05:17:00.000-07:00

Lisa Yee's Website

Lisa Yee's Blog

We just finished reading Lisa Yee’s three-book series Millicent Min Girl Genius, Stanford Wong Flunks Big Time, and So Totally Emily Ebers in one of my writer groups during our examination of “point of view." Lisa’s books are funny, creative, and interesting. Can’t wait to read her latest: Bobby Versus Girls (Accidentally).

OneLook Reverse Dictionary

2009-10-27T05:10:00.000-07:00

OneLook Reverse Dictionary

“OneLook's reverse dictionary lets you describe a concept and get back a list of words and phrases related to that concept. Your description can be a few words, a sentence, a question, or even just a single word.”

For example, I typed in the word “ocean” and got back hundreds of words that had something to do with the ocean. You can narrow down your choices by adding more words.

Carolrhoda Books Blog

2009-10-26T05:07:00.000-07:00

Carolrhoda Books Blog

Recent articles on ebook reading devices, social networking, and the FTC Blogging rulings bring this publisher’s blog into the conversation about publishing. They are always on top of topics in the news.

East of the Web

2009-10-25T07:03:00.000-07:00

East of the Web

East of the Web offers short stories in many different genres: children’s, crime, fiction, horror, humour, nonfiction, romance, sci-fi, and interactive. You’ll never find a shortage of reading material here. All stories are connected to a reading rating system so you can see what others have thought of them.

Muse Online Writers conference

2009-10-24T11:47:00.001-07:00

The 2010 Muse online Writers Conference

I attended my third Muse Online Writers Conference earlier this month. This is a FREE conference that lasts an entire week with forum workshops and chat sessions on all topics of writing. I've learned so much each year about characterization, dialogue, editing, short stories, personal essays, website construction, social networking, and MORE. Every detail is amazingly well organized by Lea Schizas. (And the best part is that it is all online, so you don't have to pay for transportation or lodging and can attend in your pajamas!)

Next year's conference will be held October 11 - 17, 2010. You need to register before August 1 and indicate INDIVIDUAL EMAIL so that you will get updates throughout the year about upcoming new workshops and pitch sessions Lia be hosting in 2010 before the 2010 Conference.
Do it right now so you don't miss anything.

http://ca.groups.yahoo.com/group/2010MuseConferenceRegistration/

2009-10-22T06:03:00.000-07:00

Procrastinating Writers Blog

Are you a writer? Do you procrastinate? Then, the Procrastinating Writers Blog is for you. This site offers “Advice, motivation and inspiration for writers who struggle to get started.” Recent posts have related tips and suggestions for preparing for National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) in November, but that could be useful for writing at any time of the year.

Smithsonian's Eye Level Blog

2009-10-21T05:28:00.000-07:00

Smithsonian's Eye Level Blog

Eye Level was the Smithsonian's first blog. It examines how American art reflects our history and culture. I visit now and then to fill up my reserves of art culture. The Smithsonian offers several blogs that are well worth checking out at the Smithsonian blog page.

Feath’s Bookcase

2009-10-20T04:58:00.000-07:00

Feath's Bookcase

Feath’s Bookcase offers generators for:

• Fantasy ideas
• Genre-less ideas
• Characters
• Descriptions
• Plots
• Quotes

It also is a great place for writing prompts and ways to use Tarot cards for character development.

Nathan Bransford, Literary Agent

2009-10-19T05:19:00.000-07:00

Nathan Bransford, Literary Agent Blog

No, that’s not Nathan in the screenshot from his blog, that’s the character Dwight Schrute from the American version of The Office. Nathan was using Dwight to announce the finalists in “The 3rd Sort-of-Annual Stupendously Ultimate First Paragraph Challenge.” There were more than 2500 entries in the contest, which only shows how many people love reading Nathan’s blog. He tells it like it is with great style. One of my favorite agent blogs!

Bookie Woogie

2009-10-18T07:38:00.000-07:00

Bookie Woogie

The Bookie Woogie blog, subtitled “Three Kids and Their Dad Talk about Books,” accomplishes its mission with great pizzazz. The three children, Isaac (age 11), Gracie (age 9), and Lily (age 6) not only discuss books they have read with their father in a script format, but they draw pictures to illustrate their favorite parts of the book. If you want to know what books kids like, go to real kids for honest reviews! Bookie Woogie is a great place to start.

Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America

2009-10-17T12:10:00.000-07:00

Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America

At the SFWA – Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America website, all writers can find something at this site to assist them. In addition to the Writers Beware page which offers “Warnings About Literary Fraud and the Schemes, Scams, and Pitfalls That Target Writers,” the Information Center section also contains:

Advice for New Writers – manuscript preparation, writing tips, market listings
Contracts and Copyrights – sample contracts, copyright, piracy info
The Craft of Writing – writing techniques, workshops and critique groups, Maintaining motivation, avoiding writers’ block
The Business of Writing – agent etiquette, royalty payments, copy-editing, career management, networking and self promotion, publishing technologies like podcasting, e-books, self-publishing.

Of course you can also find a lot of information about writing science fiction and fantasy, authors of science fiction and fantasy, and reading science fiction and fantasy!

NATIONAL BOOK AWARD FINALIST!!!!!

2009-10-17T00:21:00.000-07:00

Laini Taylor, Grow Wings Blog

Okay, can I pick them or what??? The very first author I featured in my blog back in September was Laini Taylor, a Portland, Oregon, author. I LOVE her Dreamdark series -- it's fresh and original and just plain fun. And then, this week her book Lips Touch: Three Times was named a Young People's National Book Award Finalist.

Congratulations, Laini! Freckles and I are rooting for you!

Writer's First Aid

2009-10-15T06:18:00.000-07:00

Writer's First Aid

Kristi Holl blogs about ways “to ease the pains of the writing life” on her Writer’s First Aid blog at The Institute of Children’s Literature. The last few days she has been blogging about keeping your focus when bad things happen in your life that are beyond your control – a lesson I need to memorize. She blogs about assorted ways that life and your thoughts can intrude on your ability to write. You’ll always find something interesting to read at Writer’s First Aid.

Joan Bauer

2009-10-14T05:27:00.000-07:00

Joan Bauer's Blog "Toward Home"

Joan Bauer has written some great books for kids: Best Foot Forward, Backwater, Rules of the Road, Thwonk, Squashed, and one of my all time favorites Hope Was Here. So, it is not surprising that I find her blog full of wise words and interesting advice. Just read her October 12th post "Dancing with Words" to see what I mean!

You can explore Joan Bauer’s writing life from essays to information about her books on her website.

Joan Bauer's Website

Fiction Writing Rubric

2009-10-13T05:01:00.000-07:00

How to Write a Novel: Fiction Writing Rubric

This site offers a downloadable rubric for assessing whether your novel has everything necessary for a well-written novel. There's lots of other great information, but the list of questions on plot, setting, characters, and structure will help you find weaknesses in your story.

Very Short Novels

2009-10-12T05:49:00.000-07:00

Very Short Novels

Don’t have time to read a long novel? Then David B. Dale’s Very Short Novels is the blog for you. Each novel is less than 299 words. As the caption says “Anything more is a waste.”

SCBWI

2009-10-10T06:13:00.000-07:00

SCBWI Website

SCBWI – Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. I’m a member! You’ll find a lot of great information about writing for children at this site. Members can access areas of the site that are closed to the public. You can also find links to the regional chapters.

Monday Artday

2009-10-09T05:55:00.000-07:00

Monday Artday

No, today is not Monday, but it’s always Monday at Monday Artday. This is a blog with over 400 members. Every other Monday word or phrase is given and the members post their illustrations on the blog. The latest prompt was “vampire.” A fun site!

Writing for Children & Teens by Cynthea Liu

2009-10-08T05:28:00.000-07:00

Writing for Children & Teens by Cynthea Liu

Cynthea Liu writes about all areas of writing for children and also includes interviews with authors, submission information, and occasional ‘free-tiques” in which she critiques a full picture book or partial longer manuscript.

Ellen Hopkins

2009-10-07T05:14:00.000-07:00

Ellen Hopkins Blog

Ellen Hopkins writes young adult “problem” novels. They’re pretty edgy and don’t pull any punches. If you know anything about Ellen’s own story, you understand why, after tough times dealing with her daughter’s drug use, she felt the need to write a novel about teens and drugs.

It is an unfortunate fact of life in the United States that if you are truthful with teens and tell them about the not-so-pretty side of real life, someone is going to try to stop teens from reading about it. And of course, they don’t want to just block their own children from reading it, they want to control what everyone else’s kids read as well.

Ellen has fought many of these battles and is in the middle of a couple right now in Oklahoma. She talks about it frankly on her blog.

You can learn more about Ellen and her books at her website:

Ellen Hopkins Website

Author MBA

2009-10-06T05:07:00.000-07:00

Author MBA

Author MBA offers a number of resources at their website for assisting writers with the business side of writing. They do offer courses through their career guides, but they also offer previews of those career guides with a great deal of information in them. Other resources include:

Insider Interviews with agents

Guest Blog Posts (from their blog which ran from 2006-2008)

All About Kids Publishing

2009-10-05T05:03:00.000-07:00

All About Kids Publishing

I love the brightly-colored website and interesting book trailers at the listings for many of their books. They are a smaller press and not currently accepting submissions, but visit anyway. You’ll enjoy the music!

The Cliché Slayer

2009-10-04T05:49:00.000-07:00

The Cliché Slayer

Freckles and I have been having fun with clichés over at The Adventures of Freckles and Deb. The Cliché Slayer website has a huge mission: “To slay unnecessary and meaningless clichés everywhere.” Each post looks at a different cliché – gives an example, explains what it really means, and offers a reason (or reasons) why you should slay it.

National Novel Writing Month (NANOWRIMO)

2009-10-03T05:45:00.000-07:00

National Novel Writing Month (NANOWRIMO)

It's time to get ready for National Novel Writing Month or “Thirty days and nights of literary abandon,” according to the official website. The goal is to write a 50,000 word novel in the month of November. I succeeded in this goal year before last. That novel is still set aside awaiting revision, but I had a lot of fun writing it.

You sign up at the website and visit daily to record the number of words you’ve written, check up on your friends’ progress, and read the message boards. There are regional events (like write-ins at local coffee shops where you don’t have to be lonely writing every day!) This one is certainly worth checking out.

Mo Willems Doodles

2009-10-02T05:50:00.000-07:00

Mo Willems Doodles!

If you love the Mo Willems' Pigeon books (or any of his books), you'll love his blog. Recently, he's been showing costumes that some of his fans have constructed for Halloween. Lots of fun!

Alice’s CWIM Blog

2009-10-01T06:12:00.000-07:00

Alice’s CWIM Blog

Alice Pope, editor of the Writer’s Digest Children’s Writer’s and Illustrator’s Market, offers updates and information from the land of children’s publishing – agents, editors, publishers, events, etc. Even if you don’t have a copy of the latest Market (and you should…at the very least to read the articles within), you will find something of interest at this blog.

Cynsations

2009-09-30T05:14:00.000-07:00

Cynsations

Cynthia Leitch Smith, children’s writer and instructor at the Vermont College of Fine Arts MFA program in Writing for Children and Young Adults, authors a great blog called Cynsations. Her blog is "a source for interviews, reading recommendations, publishing information, literacy advocacy, writer resources, news in children's and teen literature."

You never know what treasure you'll find when you visit Cythia's blog. I always come away with a new nugget of knowledge.

Visit her website for even more resources!

Bartleby.com

2009-09-29T05:22:00.000-07:00

Bartleby.com

Bartleby.com states that it is “The preeminent Internet publisher of literature, reference and verse providing students, researchers and the intellectually curious with unlimited access to books and information on the web, free of charge."
You’ll find full-text versions of:

• Bartlett’s Familiar Quotations

• King James Bible

• Oxford Shakespeare

• Gray’s Anatomy

• Strunk’s Elements of Style

• World Factbook

• Harvard Classics & Shelf of Fiction (70 volumes)

• Over 50 volumes of poetry

• Darwin’s The Origin of the Species

• Einstein’s Relativity: The Special and General Theory

• Roget’s International Thesaurus of English Words

• And oh so much more!

Guide to Literary Agents

2009-09-28T05:26:00.000-07:00

Guide to Literary Agents

I’ve listed this blog under Agent Blogs although it is actually written by the editor of the Writer’s Digest yearly Guide to Literary Agents. This blog updates the current edition of the guide by posting updates and changes in the listings. It also offers other tidbits of information, such as the September 27th post on Word Count for Novels and Children’s Books: The Definitive Post. A great blog for up-to-date info on Agents even if you don’t own a copy of the guide.

School Library Journal

2009-09-27T06:11:00.000-07:00

School Library Journal

This site isn’t just for school librarians. There is a lot of content for children’s writers:

• Free eNewsletters

• Daily children’s publishing news updates

• Articles about books and school libraries

• Articles from their latest print issue

• Book reviews

• Blogs (including my favorite A Fuse #8 Production from Elizabeth Bird, New York Public Library Children’s Librarian)

• Interviews

• Yearly Battle of the Kid’s Books

The Purple Crayon

2009-09-26T05:10:00.000-07:00

The Purple Crayon

Harold Underdown, children’s book editor and author of The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Publishing Children’s Books, has built an impressive site at The Purple Crayon devoted to information and articles about writing for children. Of special interest to anyone submitting manuscripts is the Who’s Moving Where? page which provides an up-to-date list of the latest moves of agents and editors. There are great articles to be found throughout the site from basic information to marketing your book.