Handout for SCBWI-WWA March 2008 Meeting

Five Useful Websites:

§        Vijaya Bodach: I have a page of useful links and a page for writers with tips, articles and inspiration. That's right here, folks!

§        Fiona Bayrock: a wealth of information for writing nonfiction for children.

§        Kid Magazine Writers: information about children’s magazines.

§        Directory of Children's Magazine Publishers: links to various book and magazine publishers with their guidelines: http://www.signaleader.com/childrens_book_publishers/magazine_publishers.html

§        Verla Kay's Blueboard: the best online community of children’s writers discussing everything about writing and the writing life.

 Five Craft Tips:

Ø      If you want to write short stories, think of the climax.  Then start your story right before.  It’s not easy writing a satisfying story in 800 words, the maximum allowed for Highlights.  But if you do, think of the millions of kids who will read it.

Ø      Focus. Focus. Focus.  Don’t try to cover everything about cats.  Choose a specific aspect, like purring and whiskers, and write what tickles you about that.

Ø      Learn to write a good query letter.  Most nonfiction is sold this way.  Start with your idea, your focus (and outline if required), and why you’re the best person to write it.

Ø      Write every day for just 15 minutes.  Use a Writing Prompt – a random sentence from a book.  Or use a picture.  Or a book of writing prompts.  My favorite: The Creative Writer’s Kit by Judy Reeves.

Ø      Make Lists (try to come up with a dozen or more for each)/ the opposite is good for generating conflict and tension:

·        Things you’re good at / things you’re awful at

·        Favorite places / places you wished you’d never visited

·        Favorite people / people you wish didn’t exist

·        Favorite animals / animals you secretly would throw a rock at

·        Favorite foods / foods that make you gag

·        Favorite words / words that make you cringe

·        Wishes, wants and desires / Fears

·        Childhood secrets