It’s an exciting time in Barefoot Springs. A new adventure is coming!
Barefoot Springs is the name of the fictional small town in which the Pet Sitters stories are set. (For those who aren’t familiar with the series, the Pet Sitters are a series of books I co-write with author Cecily Anne Paterson under the pen name Ella Shine.) On the first of May this year, we’re launching a brand new story called Billy Goat Boogie!
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A writer doesn't need to have a PhD, they don't have to have a Masters either. You can train to be a writer by writing, and reading other writers. But I have found writing courses useful in my writing journey. When I did my Masters in Writing and Literature a number of years ago, I loved thinking and writing my way through the features and issues of writing for children and young adults. In my research thesis, I analysed how Christian spirituality is depicted in texts for young adults. I found it both fascinating and inspiring. But there were more questions, and I was keen to try my hand at writing creatively in this research space. So... I embarked on my PhD/Doctorate journey. But what exactly am I researching?
This is my favourite cup.
Or it was. Until last week when it slipped, hit the kitchen tiles and splintered all over the place. I'll admit, I almost cried. Why? Because this wasn't any old mug. It was my 2023 Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference cup. It was big, blue and full of memories with every sip. And now, it's broken.
I've been writing for children for a few years now, and I'm often asked questions about writing and publishing. Questions like 'Do I need to find an illustrator for my book?' or 'Do you publish your own books?'
I love talking about books and writing, so I don't mind answering these types of questions. I know what it's like to be starting out writing! It can feel like you are learning a new language. There's SO much to learn. So much jargon. It's coming up to Christmas time. The shops are full of sparkle and noise. Family favourite recipes are being dusted off. The tree - if you have one - is probably up by now, and the nativity set put in pride of place. If you are anything like me, you've written up a gift list and are trying to calmly work your way through it. But we all have those friends or family members that can be hard to buy for. So, I thought I'd make things a little easier for you and offer a list of ideas for how you can show love to your writer friends at this time of year. (Even the closet writers you know love to write but are way too shy to ever talk about it!)
I've added $'s to show the cost involved with each option. |
The Penny DropsIn high school I used to write what I'd call 'thinks' - little bits of writing about whatever topic or issue I was mulling over at the time. I still write these little pieces. Categories
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