Best Writing Advice of the Year

On my SCBWI list serve, I received a posting about a site by Jane Friedman, publisher of Writer's Digest. She had asked readers to submit links to what they thought was the best advice for writers they had seen online this year.

I read the first one by Agent Rachelle Gardener and appreciate every word she wrote. Bless her heart, she's thoughtful, wise, and I wish she were my agent.

Maybe one day.

Here's Ms. Gardener's link.

Read the whole posting of links:

http://blog.writersdigest.com/norules/2010/04/05/BestWritingAdviceAccordingToWritersPlusWinnerOfContest.aspx


I'll call this writing a tidbit . . . until next time . . . write and read and never give up.

"Dear Lucky Agent" Contest: Middle Grade and Young Adult

Here we go again. Another "Dear Lucky Agent" Contest for the MG and YA writers. I really appreciate all that Chuck Sambuchino does for the writing community. His Guide to Literary Agents is a must read for all beginning writers and otherwise. I receive his articles daily and learn about the writing industry as a whole.

Go on over to Chuck's blog for the April 12th article about the "Dear Lucky Agent" Contest and see the rules for participation. Agent Regina Brooks will judge the entries. The deadline for submission is April 14, 2010, so hurry on over.

Good luck to all of us!

Until next time . . . write, write, read, read.

Who Taught Who: My Writing Class For Home Schoolers

I had a most wonderful experience teaching the first page of a story to a group of home schooled children. The most lovely young ladies you'll ever want to meet. I presented my talk, giving them a handout. They read and critiqued each others first page and we discussed it.

I was amazed at how beautifully these ladies put down words on paper. It is my opinion that most young people write better than adults. At least this adult, as I point my finger at myself. Their story's passion stands out on the page.

With extra time left over, I brought out my first page and read it. They thoughtfully gave me suggestions, great ones, and I learned. I will make the changes and it will be better. They even suggested how to please the gate keepers, so that everyone was satisfied. Smart!

May I suggest that we adult writers take a class from young writers? Let them teach us. I understand now the times I've heard about an author reading her work to students and they helped her.

Why should we be surprised? For after all, these children are our readers.

Until next time . . . read, read, read. Write, write, write.