Random Acts of Kindness for Writers

19 May 2012 Leave a comment

by sherylbooks in Help for writers Tags: , , , ,

Attention writers!

You’re just in time to hustle on over to The Bookshelf Muse for the tail end of Random Acts of Kindness (RAOK).

So what is RAOK?

It’s about writers giving back and helping each other.  You could find yourself with some cool swag like:

Saturday: 2 copies of Scrivener writing software & Blog or Social Networking course w/ Media consultant Kristen Lamb of WANA International

Sunday: 2 copies of Scrivener writing software & a Scribe’ Forge Ultimate Writer’s Course by Best Selling Fantasy Author TRACY HICKMAN. (This has a value of $529 and you learn from Tracy-freaking-Hickman of Dragonlance!) 

And while you’re at it, consider what RAOK you can offer another writer.

Once I figure out how to add and track forms on my blog, I’ll be offering my own RAOK…

Watch for my own RAOK coming soon…two free critiques of a picture book manuscript…

Picture Book Authors Tell All! – Part 1 | Open Book: Toronto

18 May 2012 Leave a comment

by sherylbooks in Help for writers Tags: , , , ,

If you’ve been thinking about writing a picture book, you’ll want to check out Susan Hughes’ post at Open Book Toronto. Susan talks to three picture book authors about their process.  Picture Book Authors Tell All! – Part 1 | Open Book: Toronto.

Greg Pincus tells us the truth about poetry

09 May 2012 Leave a comment

by sherylbooks in For Educators, For Kids, For Parents, for teens, Help for writers Tags: ,

This is too funny! Poets may not be rich, but at least some of them, including Greg Pincus, have great sense of humor.  Greg’s features some awesome poems and poetry on his blog so be sure to check it out.

Blank Page Inspiration

07 May 2012 Leave a comment

by sherylbooks in Help for writers

Sometimes we all need a little inspiration.  Stephen King is inspiring in all sorts of ways, but I think he’s right on when he says “You must not come lightly to the blank page,” in his On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft, 2000.

Make Way for Stories: There’s a good reason why people are passing up picture books

01 May 2012 2 Comments

by sherylbooks in For Educators, For Parents, Help for writers

If you love picture books, you’ll want to read this article by the infamous children’s literature expert, Anita Silvey in “School Library Journal’.  I don’t know how I missed it last year.

Make Way for Stories: There’s a good reason why people are passing up picture books.

50 Marketing Tips for Under $50 Bucks

21 Apr 2012 Leave a comment

by sherylbooks in Help for writers, Writing Life Tags: ,

If you’re just getting started in the kid’s book business, Tina Nicholas Curray has a great blog called Tales from the Rushmore Kid that is well worth checking out. She does tons of interviews with industry people and has a very useful list of 50 Marketing Tips for Under $50 bucks that you may want to keep in mind for when you first book hits the stores or e-readers.  Tips include things like acquiring a domain name, sending out review copies, affordable business cards, plan a contest or give-away, pitch an appearance to local TV and radio stations, and visiting the main branch of your local library.  She advises against book signings as their day has passed.  If you live in Canada, be sure to send a copy of your book to the Canadian Children’s Book Centre, and contact your local Children’s Literature Roundtable to let them know about your new book.  They might either book talk your book, or consider having you speak at one of their programs.

And if you find something that works, remember to pass the suggestion on to fellow writers.  One of the best things about publishing for kids, is how this community of writers, illustrators and bloggers support one another.

Every plot needs a little drama

12 Apr 2012 Leave a comment

by sherylbooks in Help for writers Tags:

Every writer knows that you need a little drama in your plot.  Here’s a little inspiration, and it might even make you laugh.

The trailer was made by the TV channel TNT in Belgium and their logo is “We know drama.” I think it’s really very clever. http://www.tnt-tv.be

Fighting Words

12 Mar 2012 Leave a comment

by sherylbooks in Help for writers Tags: , ,

Thankfully, a few creators have stood up against the cuts to arts education in recent years.  Roddy Doyle is one of them. He started Fighting Words in 2010, a group that offers free writing workshops for kids.  Their website features student-created stories like “Popcorn Attack” and “The Cranky President” and a schedule of workshop opportunities that include: fiction writing, playwriting, film making, graphic novels, song writing and photography.  Doyle aims to provide kids with opportunities to explore their creative side, experience the discipline of writing, and to fail. In an article in the Guardian, he explains the importance of  “… the freedom to challenge your mind, to admit failure and then to start again. Schools don’t really allow failure and yet it’s a valid part of any endeavor, not just writing.”

While creativity doesn’t appear to be in short supply, funding support does.  It is hoped that a new limited edition book project will come to the rescue of the financially strapped group. Fighting Words is a soon to be released book of short stories edited by Roddy Doyle.  Fighting Words will contain short stories by Colm Tóibín, Anne Enright, John Banville, David Mitchell, Joyce Carol Oates, Annie Proulx, Sam Shepard, Richard Bausch, Russell Banks & Salman Rushdie. Each of the ten stories has been specially written for this book.

Each book is signed and numbered by the contributing authors and also includes a signed etching by the artist Sean Scully.  Only 150 copies will be available, but the steep price of 1,950 euros is clearly aimed at collectors and philanthropists.  Still anyone can donate time, and if you have it, expertise.

 

Film project looking for writers

22 Feb 2012 Leave a comment

by sherylbooks in Help for writers Tags: , ,

Fran Neff, a film producer in New Jersey is starting on a new project and is looking for writers. Right now there is no payment, but if the film is picked up there will be some compensation.

Here’s Fran: 

As most of you know I am a Film Producer.

Here is what we want you to do if you would like to take part.

We’ve all lost someone very special to us. A husband, wife, parent, child or

friend, etc..

What if they could come back for just one more day? 24 hours.

The name of the project is called: “The Day”

What would you say to them?

What would you ask them?

How would you spend the 24 hours with them knowing they would be gone for good

after that?

If it was possible how would you spend that “one more day”?

Write a brief, but detailed story answering the question.

(The most 4 – 5 paragraphs if you can, but if you need more please do not let it turn into a Novel! LOL!)

Please send your stories to the following email address:

OneMoreDay24hrs@optonline.net

If we select your story you will be contacted.

Please put your information when sending your story. (Name, phone etc…).

If you wish to remain Anonymous please let us know and we will respect your wishes.

Thankful for The Canada Council and Public Lending Rights

21 Feb 2012 Leave a comment

by sherylbooks in Help for writers, Writing Life Tags: , , ,

I am so thankful for The Canada Council who supports creators in all sorts of ways, including PLR or Public Lending Rights.  The program pays an annual stippend to authors and illustrators whose books appear in Canadian libraries. The program samples libraries across the country for book titles and the more your titles are found, the greater the amount the creator(s) receive (although there is a reduction as the title ages and there is also a maximum amount  granted per creator).  It’s a fabulous program for creators and I urge all Canadian writers and illustrators who haven’t yet registered their books to do so here.  If you aren’t an author, you are welcome to drop the current Minister of Heritage and Official Languages a line to let him know that you appreciate the support for the literary arts in Canada.

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