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.
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I’m often asked if I can recommend a children’s book for a family who is grieving. Losing someone you love is more than difficult, and trying to find words to describe it, or to capture a story about grief is a challenging thing. It’s too easy to slip into sentimentality or get so specific that you miss the mark. Grief is different for everyone, just as the people we are grieving for are different. Australian author Karen Brough’s picture book, I can’t believe they’re gone, attempts to meet this need and I believe she does so with gentle understanding and compassion.
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. Now here's a book review for writers or people who know and love writers (and are looking for ways to support them). Launch That Book is a how-to book that promises to help equip writers with some time tested strategies to build a successful launch team prior to the release of their new book.
I met Tammy Karasek when I was in the USA earlier this year. She was part of the faculty of Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference and her enthusiasm for supporting authors was both immediately noticeable and infectious! I was flicking through one of my journals recently and found these two 'thinks'. They were from totally different days and yet touch on some similar, if a little heavy, themes.
I guess I've been thinking about the layers and rub of perseverance lately. #1 Can God redeem the stained things? The hasty mistakes second chances |
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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