Writing Resources
RESOURCES FOR WRITERS
Listed below are some resources
I've found useful through the
years -
They are not listed in
any particular order,
nor do I promote one any more than the other.
I just mean to share them with you . . .
ENJOY!
BOOKS ON WRITING
Children's Writer's & Illustrator's Market - an invaluable resource for researching publishers, agents, and art directors. It's loaded with articles and reviews featuring writers, editors and agents.
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Publishing Children's Books: written by Harold Underdown and Lynne Rominger. Also an excellent resource. I refer to it often! I purchased it after The Three Grumpies was accepted by Bloomsbury . . . and wish I'd gotten it sooner.
Take Joy - by Jane Yolen. I just love this book. It is such an upbeat and honest look at writing . . . full of humor and insight. I have marked my favorite pages and refer to them often.
Terrific Connections with Authors, Illustrator, and Storytellers - by Toni Buzzeo and Jane Kurtz. A resource for published writers who are looking to connect with their audience through school/library visits, booksignings and even virtual chats. Written for Librarians and Teachers - but I got an awful lot of Do's and Don't out of it!
Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life - by Anne Lamont. I admit . . . I haven't had a chance to read this yet. But it's on the top of my list, due to all the wonderful things I've heard about it. Many a writer has commented on Ms. Lamonts ability to motivate them when they were discouraged.
The Pocket Muse - by Monica Wood. I bought this for my daughter one Christmas, and loved it so much I had to get one for myself. (My daughter wouldn't part with her copy. It's filled with a whole lot of inspiration to help you get over writers block and get started writing.
ON-LINE
RESOURCES FOR WRITERS
click on the
links . . . .
The Purple Crayon - a website for writers by editor Harold Underdown. Articles, links, basic writing information, a primer on agents, publishing notes . . . it's all here.
SmartWriters.com - an excellent on-line magazine for writers and educators. New articles and tips every month, promotional tools, conference information, as well as book reviews and awards.
Write4Kids.com - The Children's Writing Supersite. It's highlights include Articles and Tips, Tools 4 Success, Message Board, the Children's Book Insider Magazine, and The Big Secret.
Children's Book Council - See new book releases, browse their list of publishers and read their FAQ.
SCBWIand NESCBWI (it's New England chapter, which is one of many!) You don't need to be a member to browse the site, but I recommend becoming one if you are serious about becoming published.
ChildrensLit.com - this link will take you right to their list of publishers . . .but be sure to surf the rest of the site. It's full of great information.
Preditors & Editors - Not sure if that agent or publisher is legitimate? This is a place to research.
The Book Blog - For keeping up with the latest Book News.
The blogs of either Ms. Snark , Nadia of Firebrand Literary or Agent 007 for helpful tips right from the agent's mouth - um, I mean fingertips.
ON-LINE RESOURCES FOR YOUNG WRITERS
SmartWriters Kids Page - An excellent site for young authors with links on how they can learn their craft as well as print and on-line publications and contests.
OTHER AUTHORS WITH SOME GREAT ADVICE FOR WRITERS
Yellapalooza.com - a website for writer/illustrators, by an amazing list of writer/illustrators. Wonderfully done!
Tabatha D'Agata lots of links and advice by Tabatha . . . not only is she a talented writer, but she is the publisher of The Savvy Click , an on-line magazine. You just have to check it out . . .
Toni Buzzeo - lots of links and advice for new and published writers! Especially beneficial is her Author and Illustrator Visits page. A must read for all who do school/library visits!
Robin Friedman - Interviews with authors and wonderful tips for writers.
Cherie Stihler - lots of fun stuff on here . . . check out her writer's tips. Dress the cabbage!
Verla Kay - articles/tips for new and published writers, forum chat, live chat and lots of links!
Margot Finke - read her Musings Column, Writers Tips and Self Editing page. A wealth of information.
ON-LINE COMMUNTIES TO
CONNECT WITH OTHER WRITERS
again -
these are listed in no particular order. Each community has
it's own personality, and you should find one you are comfortable
with. Most writers are eager and friendly to help . . . and
it's always nice to rejoice and to grumble with other writers who
understand the life of an author.
Write4Kids Message Board - Brought to you by the The Children's Writing Supersite.
SCBWI - The Society of Children's Writers and Illustrators. You have to join to enter the discussion boards however . . .
The Children's Writers and Illustrators Chat Board or otherwise known as Verla Kay's Blue Board. A great community of writers - published and unpublished.
WRITERS FROM MY CRITIQUE GROUPS and/or FALL SCHMOOZE
These are the websites of writer friends who I work with on-line or who have attended my bi-annual writing schmoozes here at the campground . I'm proud to show off their work! Many of them have useful information on their websites, as well as links to their blogs.Jennifer Ward - Author of several books including the newly released Forest Bright, Forest Night. Jen does school visits all around the country.
Candice Ransom - Candice has sold over 100 books! She also does school visits, visit her site to find out more.
Cynthia Lord - Her first chapter book, Rules, is being released Spring 2006.
Joyce Johnson - Joyce is currently working on her MFA
Mona Pease - Mona has been published in several children's magazines and is working on some picture books and a young chapter book.
Heidi Davis - is a fabulous photographer/author, check out her work on her website.
Kate Tuthill - Kate's manuscript, Hero of Nacorari, is the W.I.N.N.E.R of the 2005 SmartWriter's non-fiction category. Amongst other things,the judge said "It was a joy to read and read again."
Agy Wilson - is a writer/illustrator who is currently working on several projects. She is a member of Yellapalooza.
Anna Boll - is another writer/illustrator. She's been published in Babybug and Highlights.
Denise Ortakales - an illustrator/author - Denise does school visits and has written or illustrated several books including The Legend of the Old Man In The Mountain.
Jeanne Bracken - just won a Librarian of the Year award! She's also just published Someday We'll Laugh About This!
Mary Morton Cowen - I just me Mary in person this past Fall - her book Timberrr!
won the 2004 Maine Lupine Award