Writing

The Shape of Our Stories

“I see stories as a three-point projectory with you as the wild card.” Author Marion Dane Bauer began her keynote speech at the 2010 SCBWI LA conference with this statement. Her powerful speech was given with such honesty and power I was nearly brought to tears. The following notes were taken during her session: The…

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The End of All Our Exploring: The Journey of Narrative

M.T. Anderson’s books ask you to question your reality. They demand you take nothing for granted, and they show you a new perspective of the world you thought you once knew. His keynote address at the 2010 SCBWI LA Conference was just as powerful in turning the world of writing on its head.  “This keynote,”…

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Climbing the Publishing Mountain

You’ve got a long climb ahead of you, so wear a comfy bra! Young adult author of novels in verse, Ellen Hopkins, began her keynote speech at the SCBWI 2009 LA Conference with this phrase. The following is her advice on how to persevere and get published! Climbing the Mountain: It takes a long hard…

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Ten Ways to Upgrade Your Manuscript (Part Two)

And now, ladies and gentleman, it is time for our final five tips and tricks on how to upgrade your manuscript! Please be sure to get Maralys Willis’ first five tips here: Ten Ways to Upgrade Your Manuscript (Part One). TEN WAYS TO UPGRADE YOUR MANUSCRIPT (PART TWO) 6. Upgrade All Dialog The beauty of…

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Ten Ways to Upgrade Your Manuscript (Part One)

Aside from the huge issues of plot, characterization, and theme, dozens of small devices line in wait, ready to make a manuscript better. Simply by applying the following techniques, authors have moved their manuscripts from good to publishable. The following methods, shared by author Maralys Willis at the IWOSC seminar in March, and are applicable…

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Damn the Rejections, Full Speed Ahead!

Maralys Willis, memoir writer, teacher, and author of the book Damn The Rejections Slips, Full Speed Ahead, spoke at an IWOSC event back in early March. The following is her advice to writers on how to keep up your stamina and make your manuscript shine. It’s All About Attitude: When is different from if. Your…

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The Secrets of a Successful Book

What makes a successful book? Great question! Let’s go ask some editors, shall we? At the 2009 SCBWI LA Conference this is exactly what they did. Four editors each shared a book that they edited and personally felt was a great success. COURTNEY BONGIOLATTI: What’s Under the Bed Courtney Bongiolatti (editor at Simon and Schuester)…

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A Recipe for Writing the Breakout Novel

What is a breakout novel? Read on as Agent Sarah Davies (of Greenhouse Literary) shares her opinion of what makes a breakout novel and the five secret ingredients that will make your novel a success. She shared the following information at the 2009 SCBWI LA Conference. So if you want to be the next “it-author”…

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How to Wow an Editor With Your Book

“This book needs to be read!” Assistant editor, Rachel Abrams, of Harper Collins shared her insight as to how to get an editor to say these very words, at the 2010 SCBWI So Cal Writers Day. The following is her recipe on how to hone your craft and make your writing the very best it can be. Your…

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