by Sally
It’s been a while since I shared a link to a great writing resource, but I had an email from an old acquaintance today asking for some tips on getting started as a children’s author. Among other advice, I suggested she head over to the SCBWI Australia website. There, among other resources, she’ll find a great series of articles contributed by various SCBWI Australia members on topics including how to get published, how to promote and even how to choose a title.
Check it out here.
by Sally
Happy New Year! Have you written down some writing aims for the year ahead? I have, and this year I have tried hard to set realistic goals about the things I’d like to achieve, whilst still pushing myself to go further.
My friend and fellow Aussie children’s author, Hazel Edwards, sent me a link to her acceptance speech for the prestigious ASA Medal (2009). There are some great words of wisdom in there – when Hazel speaks, what she says is well worth listening to – but the quote that particularly stands out for me is this one:
An artist must know how far to go too far.
Hazel’s stories tackle new subjects, new angles on subjects, new forms. She goes in many directions. If you are an aspring author you can learn much from her.
You can see the full text of Hazel’s speech here.
by Sally
Dear Santa
It’s Christmas Eve and this children’s author is reflecting on the year that was, and, of course, thinking about what she’d like to find in her writerly stocking tomorrow morning.
I have had the best year of my writing life and for that I am really grateful. The release of Pearl Verses the World in May was the beginning of a wonderful merry go round of nice reviews, excellent feedback and even some awards. Being named Best Children’s Book in the Indie Book Awards, and shortlisted for the Queensland Premier’s Literary Awards were real highlights, and having those certificates framed above my desk has been the source of many smiles.
And, in October, my first ever Christmas book was released. Sharing Snowy’s Christmas with the world has made this Christmas extra special and seeing it prominently displayed in lots of shops has gladdened my heart. But the best part of all has been the experience of sharing a book with my much loved brother in law, David, who did such an excellent job of bringing Snowy to life.
As well there has been the acceptance of Toppling, which is ready to go to print, and two new picture books which are moving closer to release, along with some nice bookings to talk about my book-babies in 2010 at events including the CBCA NSW State conference and the All Saints Festival.
So thanks Santa, for a great year. But, of course, there are always a few wants on every writer’s list, so, if you feel so inclined, here’s what I’d like to find in my stocking in the morning.
1. A dictionary with the word ‘rejection’ permanently deleted. Could you please arrange one of these for every publisher on my submissions list, too? You would make not just this author, but lots of others, very happy. Very very happy. Deliriously happy.
2. A spell (do you do those? Or know someone who does?) that makes booksellers know the names of my books, and the best place to display them, so that I may never again have, as happened to me just two days ago, a bookseller look at me frostily and say “We only stock books we’ve heard of”.
3. A spellchecker that sounds a loud alarm every time I make a typo in an email, blog post, Tweet or Facebook update – before I press send (or post). It irks me that, as a stickler for good spelling, I continue to make terrible typos in public postings, and would love your help to eliminate that little problem in 2010.
4. Replies to the many submissions I have out there on editors’ desks. And remember, the word rejection has been deleted, so it would be lovely if those replies could be acceptances. Pretty please.
5. Okay, this last one is not writing related, but even writers have to think of other things from time to time. What I’d really really like for Christmas is to know that my children, my family and all of my wonderfully supportive writer friends are all safe and happy tomorrow and every day.
Thanks Santa. I hope that you and Mrs Claus have a wonderful Christmas, and that Snowy, the other white roos and the reindeer, get to cool off and relax tomorrow. Merry Christmas.
Love, Sally
by Sally
Today marks the final stop in the Snowy’s Christmas blog tour. It’s been heaps of fun touring around the blogosphere, answering questions, sharing our experiences as author and illustrator, being reviewed and more.
But of all the posts, I think today has brought the most joy. The blogger, Mabel, shared the book with a class of school students, and in her blog post shares their responses. Some wonderful insights.
You can see the post at the Tales I Tell Blog.
by Sally
You must write for children in the same way you do for adults, only better.
by Sally
You have to write whichever book it is that wants to be written. And then, if it’s going to be too difficult for grown-ups, you write it for children.