Since this is my first post I’d like to start by saying, “Hello, and thank you,” in advance to anyone who stops by. I hope to post a few times a week, so stay tuned for the interesting things I’m bound to write. Ha ha!
As you can see from my profile I am an “author-in-training.” Attending an MFA program, though much desired, is completely unrealistic. With three young children, one work-aholic husband, a house to take care of, a part-time job as a children’s librarian, I am left with little time and no money, thus I teach myself about the art of writing.
How do you do that, you ask?
Well I’ll start with the most awesome place ever for learning, and asking questions about writing: Verla Kay’s Message Board aka: the Blueboard. I would still be writing the wrong way if it weren’t for the great folks there. Other places on the internet are invaluable as well, places like Kidlit, Editorial anonymous, Dear Editor, just to name a few. I also read books on writing. Steven King’s On Writing is terrific. As are many other writing books on my bookshelf, and on my Kindle, and on my nightstand, and in my car, you get the point. I also read fiction books as a teaching tool.
You’re reading for pleasure and calling it educational, you say?
So far this year I’ve read over a dozen YA books, and reading as a writer can teach you so much. What do other writers do that work? What doesn’t work? I learn things about tension, character, voice, plot, all from reading fiction - something I already enjoy doing.
Another way I teach myself is by attending seminars. The SCBWI offer so many classes on a wide variety of subjects, and across the spectrum of a writer’s career. From the writer who is still working on the first draft to the published author who needs help figuring out how to book school visits, and for all the writers in-between. I hope to fill my blog pages with some of the valuable information I learn at these classes.
I think I’ve said enough for now. I have to go work on my YA manuscript.
Until next time!
