"There is no satisfactory explanation of style, no infallible guide to good writing, no assurance that a person who thinks clearly will be able to write clearly, no key that unlocks the door, no inflexible rule by which the young writer may shape his course. He will often find himself steering by stars that are disturbingly in motion."

 

~William Strunk & E.B. White, The Elements of Style

Biggest Day of My Writing Career Yet...

 

As of today I am an agented writer

 

(Well, as soon as I sign the contract :)

With Tricia Lawrence of Erin Murphy Literary Agency

 

 

Pinch me, think I'm dreaming!!!!

 

Dreams are starting to come true

 

Feeling a bit like this kid:

 

 

http://youtu.be/pVUWkQVxoVc

No Sweeter Words...

 

"Hi. We love your story. We want to publish it."

 

!!!

New Goal...

 

Write something worthy

My First Picture Book...

  Just recently came across some treasures from my childhood, including the first picture book I ever remember writing, Kelly The Curious Crab. Clearly, the illustrations were influenced by my mom whose art I always tried to imitate.(ok, some were actually drawn by her..;)
Only wish we still had the whole manuscript, I think I had a winner here!

SCBWI WWA Conference 2013!

I can't believe my third SCBWI WWA conference has come and gone like that! Of course it was another amazing conference, bursting at the seams with talent, insight, inspiration, wisdom, new connections and industry know-how, and I loved every minute of it.

 

Here are a few of the best quotes and take-aways...

 

~From Mac Barnett, author

 

"Get to that place of Wonder in your writing!"

 

"Magic happens when there is a gulf/tension between text and image."

 

"You fail if you write a picture book that makes sense without the pictures."

 

"Kids are not kid-friendly."

 

"Go bold! Experiment!"

 

~From Sophie Blackall, illustrator

 

"Spend it all everytime. Don't wait. Make mistakes. Make a mess. Kepp going."

 

~From Robin LaFevers, author

 

"Reclaim your voiceless self."

 

"Whatever else you do, find a way to write your story."

Great Beginnings...

"Once there were two friends...

Who always did everything together. Until the day the penguin decided there was something important he wanted to do by himself...

...fly!"

~Up and Down, Oliver Jeffers

Couldn't resist...

Nellie's school project:

 

"When I am100 years old, I will read a lot of books in my bed"

 

Sounds like a perfect plan to me!

Capstone Class Tonight!

  Tonight marks the first class of my last quarter in earning my Certificate in Writing for Children! This program has flown by, I honestly don't want it to end. I'm afraid that the much needed and much appreciated motivation and inspiration will cease when it's all over...

 

From our class reading, The First Five Pages: A Writer's Guide to Staying Out of the Rejection Pile

"Specificity is what distinguishes poor from good from brilliant writing. As a writer, you must train your mind to be, above all, exacting."

 

~Noah Lukeman