Yes You Can Learn How to Write Children's Books
February 3, 2010 by Lori Calabrese · Comments
When I first started writing for children, I took every opportunity to read books on the art of writing, revising, and how to get them published. In fact, I haven’t stopped. I’m still interested in hearing about new tips and ways to improve my writing and how to get it published. There are many books on the market, but one that stood out for me recently was Nancy I. Sanders’ Yes! You Can Learn How to Write Children’s Books, Get Them Published, and Build a Successful Writing Career
This book seems to stand out from the others because it offers a strategy. And it’s a strategy tested and proven to work by Sanders herself. The tips go against most of what you’ve probably heard about writing for children, but, as writers, we need to learn of alternate approaches to getting our writing published. You’ll learn how to get the contract BEFORE you write the book, how to manage your time and focus your energies, so you’re writing each day with purpose in order to get published, earn an income, and satisfy your personal fulfillment as a writer. Whether you’re just starting out or have numerous publishing credits to your name, the book offers step-by-step instructions on how to establish the foundation for building a successful career as a children’s writer.
What I especially enjoyed about this book was the encouragement. Writing can be a frustrating and solitary career, which is why it’s great to hear that you CAN do it, how there are lots of smaller publishers practically begging for manuscripts from first-time authors, and that you can be successful. The specific tips offered, depending on whether the reader is a full-time or low-time writer, are really useful as well since each writer is different.
Sanders points out that with a careful strategy, determined mindset, and strong self-motivation, you can build the successful children’s writing career of your dreams.
Read an interview with Nancy I. Sanders at Write What Inspires You! by Donna McDine
Additional Information:
Paperback: 368 pages
Publisher: E & E Publishing (June 5, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0979160669
ISBN-13: 978-0979160660
Source of review copy: Publisher
Disclosure: Some of the books I review are received from publishers , PR agencies, and authors, but it does not sway my opinion of the book. I maintain affiliate accounts with Amazon and Barnes & Noble. If you purchase a book through one of my links, I will receive a small commission (at no cost to you). You can support this site by originating your purchase via these links and I appreciate your support of Lori Calabrese Writes!
Picture Book Workshops with Ann Whitford Paul
November 19, 2009 by Lori Calabrese · Comments
Cover of Writing Picture Books
Children’s book author and poet, Ann Whitford Paul has announced upcoming Picture Book Workshops in 2010. Each session will run from 9am to 4pm in Los Angeles, California. (Location to be announced). Space is limited, so if you’re interested, sign up now by contacting Ann Whitford Paul through her website.
Each date is a separate workshop and costs $100.
Sign up for all four workshops $350.
Workshop Information:
January 9th–BUILDING BLOCKS OF PICTURE BOOKS
This workshop focuses on the basic structure of plotting, creating strong openings, middles and endings as they relate to picture books. We’ll also create a dummy of your manuscript.
February 6th–A POTPOURRI OF PICTURE BOOK ISSUES
In this workshop we’ll create character studies and check to make sure your characters are acting consistently. We’ll also experiment with different ways to tell your story and play around with creating a compelling title.
March 6th–THE POETRY OF PROSE PICTURE BOOKS.
This workshop will discuss the critical language of your picture books with special attention to word sounds, rhythm and other poetic tools to make your story sing.
April 3rd–PRIMING YOUR INSPIRATION PUMP
Spend a day inspired by toys, snacks, pictures, pennies and more to discover ideas you didn’t know were in you. Start a new picture book.
* Bring one of your manuscripts to each workshop, or if you’re just beginning, she’ll furnish you with a story to work on.
There will be many opportunities for attendee participation and hands-on revising. Space is limited to better answer everyone’s questions.
Watch the book trailer for Writing Picture Books…
Find Your Organizational Happy Ending!
May 1, 2009 by Lori Calabrese · Comments
May is here! Spring has descended (even though it’s felt like summer the last few days here in the northeast–wacky!) which means everyone has finished their spring cleaning–right? Spring cleaning is a time to start anew, and get a fresh start, so why not do a little spring cleaning in your writing life?
Organization is a key in a writer’s life to easy fact-access, less clutter and hopefully, more sales!
If you’ve ever wished for a fairy to pop up behind your shoulder and wave it’s magic wand to de-clutter your desk, then you might want to check out my latest article in The Institute of Children’s Literature’s Rx for Writers…
Organization: It Doesn’t Have to be a FairyTale
As I gathered more research for articles, worked up a stack of stories and articles, and received more contracts and invoices, I realized I needed a system to get organized and bad! So what does a writer do? Research, of course! I asked other writers and searched the web for the best ways for a writer to get organized. The suggestions in this article are the methods that have worked for me. I hope you find a few useful tips that you might be able to incorporate into your writing life and remember Organization: it doesn’t have to be a fairytale!
While you’re there, be sure to read the other valuable articles that The Institute of Children’s Literature’s Rx for Writers has to share! You’ll be amazed at the tips and resources that will help you get that fresh start and get a spring in your step!
Does Social Networking Have Your Head Spinning?
February 20, 2009 by Lori Calabrese · Comments
Who has time to Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, etc…? Just the idea of social networking is absolutely exhausting. Does the world really care what you’re doing every second of the day? Probably not, but if you’re a writer or have a business, you should look at it as a way to network, market yourself, build brand loyalty, engage readers, establish your expertise, and lead people to your web site/ blog. Unfortunately, it takes up time and takes you away from other productive work, but everybody’s doing it!
FACEBOOK alone adds a quarter million new users every day and currently has over 120 million active users. There are conversations, events, networking opportunities and much more! Check out these articles that will give you a good idea of Facebook!
The Small Business Guide to Facebook
10 Privacy Settings Every Facebook User Should Know
Facebook’s ‘25 Things’ Too Many
TWITTER
Are you tweeting yet? This is the latest craze! All of a sudden, it’s important to tell your friends, family, business contacts and even thousands of complete strangers what you are doing or thinking at every hour of the day or night. If you join Twitter you can “follow” others, which causes their updates to appear on your home page. In turn, they can follow you, a form of permission-based marketing. You can also direct message them, but always in 140 characters or less.
I think an important part of twitter is to remember- Don’t tweet about what you’re doing. Even though the box at Twitter.com asks you what are you doing? not many people are interested that someone is having Fruity Pebbles for breakfast! Instead, use it to your advantage to create links to your web site or blog, keep up on the buzz in your industry, ask questions, send links of interesting stuff you’ve found online, pass along breaking news, and network, network, network!
As if we don’t have enough to learn, Twitter communications can be viewed and updated on the Web, through desktop apps, and on mobile devices. You don’t have to open your Web browser and go to Twitter.com to send and receive tweets. Instead, you can download little programs like Twitterific, Twhirl, Feedalizr or Twinkle, and get the updates on your cellphone as text messages, or you can use something like PocketTweets, Tweetie or iTweet for the iPhone.
How to Use Twitter for Business
Twittering Tips For Beginners
50 Ideas on Using Twitter for Business
Is your head spinning, yet? I know mine is! And to think we only talked about two of the many sites out there. Ugh- I think my head just fell off! Just be warned that as soon as you start, you won’t want to stop!
Are You Looking For a Picture Book Contest?
January 16, 2009 by Lori Calabrese · Comments
Dragonfly Publishing, Inc. recently announced their 2009 Children’s Picture Book Writing Contest.
See the Dragonfly website for complete rules and guidelines…
It’s sponsored by the Kittycat Books label of Dragonfly Publishing, Inc. and the prizes are as follows…
CONTEST PRIZES:
1st Place: $100.00 (US) plus a trophy and a possible book contract
2nd Place: $50.00 (US)
3rd Place: $30.00 (US)
CONTEST RULES:
Entrants must be US citizens, 18-years or older. Manuscripts must be unpublished and not under contract through the contest period. Entries must be postmarked by APRIL 1, 2009 and received absolutely no later than APRIL 15, 2009. Multiple entries are allowed. The entry fee is $10.00 per manuscript. Winners will be announced by May 15, 2009.
Be sure to check out last year’s winners to get an idea of the books Dragonfly Publishing, Inc. publishes.
Children’s Picture Book Winners Last Year (who all signed book contracts with Dragonfly Publishing…)
Alley Loo: A Spooky Swamp Tale by C.E. Walx (Illustrated by Pamela Wedel)
Al, the Spotted Zebra by Lori Z. Scott (Illustrated by Chet Taylor)
Albert’s Perfect Pet by Donna Zappala (Illustrated by Kristin Huxman)
Children’s Cover Art Winners…
Lisa J. Michaels
Rosemarie Gillen
Kristin Huxman
Also, be sure to visit this blog next Wednesday when I’ll be interviewing Pat Gaines, Senior Editor at Dragonfly Publishing!
"Write What Inspires You!" Newsletter Launching!
October 23, 2008 by Lori Calabrese · Comments
We all need a little inspiration when it comes to our writing. Many of us find inspiration in the strangest places- books, television, friends, family, other writers, websites, blogs, and newsletters!
If you’re looking for a little inspiration, then be sure to check out Donna M. McDine’s Debut Free Newsletter – “Write What Inspires You!”
“Write What Inspires You!” will begin publication in December 2008 and monthly thereafter.
Each issue will contain:
Welcome Message
Author, Editor and Illustrator Interviews
Book Review(s)
Proclaim Your Successes
Reflections or Dreams
Additional categories may be added.
As per Donna’s blog, “The December 2008 issue is booked with exciting submissions, except for the category Proclaim Your Successes. Go ahead and submit your news to be included in the debut issue.”
I know I always love to hear the good news of other writers (and a little secret…it’s great to find out what markets are accepting and reading manuscripts!).
If you would like to contribute or be an interview subject for future issues please contact Donna McDine at dmcdine@optonline.net and pitch your idea. Please note this is a Non-paying market, but exposure is already building even before the first issue has been released.
To subscribe to the FREE “Write What Inspires You!” Newsletter, send an email to Donna McDine at: dmcdine@optonline.net and indicate Free Newsletter in the subject line or visit Donna’s website and opt-in at the top of her home page.
Now, go get inspired!
How-To Books for Graphic Novels
August 1, 2008 by Lori Calabrese · Comments
I’m a huge fan of How-To Books, so for those of you interested in graphic novels, author Anastasia Suen has recommendations on her blog that she found at comic-con. For those of us unable to attend, it’s great that authors like Anastasia share this information.
Find out more about Comic-Con.
How to Write a Children's Picture Book with Eve Heidi Bine-Stock
July 3, 2008 by Lori Calabrese · Comments
If you want to write picture books, you need to read, read, and read! Read picture books that you want to write and study the format, conflict, characters, etc… There’s so much more that goes into a picture book than most people think. That’s why it’s also a good idea to read How-To Books. How-To Books have been an enormous help for me with my writing and, unless you’re one of those gifted writers that can spit out a polished transcript the first time, they are an essential tool.
Some books that I found extremely helpful were Eve Heidi Bine-Stock’s How to Write a Children’s Picture Book Series. 
If you’re not sure you want to invest the money in these books, check out Jan Field’s interview with Eve Heidi Bine-Stock on the Institute of Children’s Literature website.
You’ll find a wealth of information on picture books in this informative transcript — all based on questions that other writers sent in. Did you know that if you can’t think of the title of a book that you read, there’s a website that allows you to type in the plot, some characters, scenes, etc. and it will help you find the title/ author of the book? Check out “BookSleuth” at www.abebooks.com. Learn other valuable tools and information such as this by reading the transcript. You’ll be glad you did.
Children's Picture Book and Illustration Contest
June 26, 2008 by Lori Calabrese · Comments
Do you keep putting off entering contests? Writing and Illustration contests provide huge opportunities for a writer – especially those having trouble ‘breaking in.’ A resume with a contest win is as valuable as publishing clips. Contests provide prizes, and even publication.
Dragonfly Publishing and their children’s book division, Kittycat Books, is offering a Children’s Book Writing and Illustration Contest. See website for complete contest details.
There is a $10.00 entry fee for each contest and one entry per category is allowed . Artists may enter both contests if they desire and you must be a United States citizen to enter.
All Entries must be received between July 1st and August 31st of 2008.
CATEGORY 1: Children’s Picture Book Contest
CHILDREN’S PICTURE BOOK CONTEST PRIZES:
1st Place: $100.00 (U.S.) plus a trophy and a possible book contract
2nd Place: $50.00 (U.S.)
3rd Place: $30.00 (U.S.)
Children’s Picture Book Contest submissions shall consist of one children’s picture book manuscript formatted in storyboard layout for 20-22 illustrated pages (visit the website for a sample layout.)
CATEGORY 2: Children’s Cover Art Contest
CHILDREN’S COVER ART CONTEST PRIZES:
1st Place: $100.00 (U.S.) plus a trophy and a possible book contract
2nd Place: $50.00 (U.S.)
3rd Place: $30.00 (U.S.)
CHILDREN’S COVER ART CONTEST RULES:
Children’s Cover Art Contest submissions shall consist of one (1) original 8×10 full-color front cover illustration and one (1) original 8×10 full-color back cover illustration for children’s picture book.
Random Happenings and Notes for Children's Writers
May 30, 2008 by Lori Calabrese · Comments
Lotso stuff happening, so I decided I’d list a few…
1. Attend an online workshop with agent Steven Malk in the Kidlit chat room via Verla Kay’s website on Tuesday evening, June 3rd. Best of all? It’s FREE and everyone will have a chance to ask a question or two during the workshop.
Date: June 3, 2008
Time: 6-8pm Pacific/7-9 Mountain/8-10 Central/9-11 Eastern
Place: http://www.verlakay .com/chat. html
(This link is also on the top right corner of the message board page of Verla Kay’s website)
If you have never attended a workshop in the chat room before,
PLEASE plan to test out your connections to the chat room well in
advance of the day of the workshop.
2. If you’re an illustrator, the brand new My Light Magazine (a free Catholic E-Zine for children) is having an illustration contest for their debut issue in August 2008. Deadline is July 1, 2008. Entries not chosen for August will receive first consideration for future issues. The magazine’s mission is to “help children better understand their faith and grow closer to God.” For further information and guidelines, visit http://mylightmagazine.tripod.com
3. On June 1st, Stories for Children Magazine is moving to their new web site : www.storiesforchildrenmagazine.org
4. Don’t Miss Open Forum tonight at 9pm Eastern in the Institute of Children’s Literature chat room! All Open Forums are now Open Topic — So bring in all writing questions you might have and moderator Jan Fields will do her best to find answers for you!
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