How to use this Page

Maybe you're already on that path?

Well, how much better do you think you’ll be able to write for children if you’re instructed by a children’s writing instructor, multi-published author, and writing coach?

Guess what? You Will Do Much Better!

You may being asking, “How can she be so sure?” Before I answer that, let me tell you about Tricks of the Trade: Writing for Children in Just 6 Weeks!

Tricks of the Trade is an e-course that gives you the needed building blocks to build a firm foundation and is comprehensive enough to keep you moving along. This e-course was created by Suzanne Lieurance. I have been a member of Children’s Writers Coaching Club for over a year now and can attest to Lieurance’s qualifications.

Now, don’t just take my word for it, here are some of Lieurance’s credentials:

Suzanne Lieurance is a fulltime children’s author, freelance writer, and The Working Writer’s Coach. She teaches children’s writing for the Institute of Children’s Literature based in West Redding, Connecticut, and is the founder and director of the National Writing for Children Center.Lieurance. She is also the author of 20 published books and has written articles for a variety of magazines, newsletters, and ezines like Family-Fun, Kansas City Weddings, Instructor Magazine, New Moon for Girls, Children’s Writer, and many others. Along with this, Ms. Lieurance hosts a talk show about children’s books, called Book Bites for Kids, every weekday afternoon on blogtalkradio.com.Lieurance.

These credentials are pretty darn impressive to me! What do you think?

Okay, I can hear you mumbling under your breath, “Yeah, they’re impressive, but what exactly do I get with this e-course and what makes it better than a hundred other courses out there?” Ah, I’m glad you asked. Let’s take a look at what’s included in this e-course.

You get 6 individual lessons to get you on the road to writing for children and working toward having your work published. Let’s take a look at each lesson:

Lesson 1: You’re given the basics for writing for children—the foundation to build upon. You are also shown how children’s books are grouped into different genres. And, you’re let in on some of the common mistakes new writers tend to make—you’re also given advice on how to avoid them.

Lesson 2: This lesson describes in detail how to format your manuscript and provides advice on following submission guidelines. It also gives tips on punctuation, dialogue, and much more.

Lesson 3: You're shown the basic elements that go into creating an engaging, and editor friendly, children's fiction story. It provides details on what Point of View (POV) is and how it should be utilized. It discusses adding conflict to your story, and delves into the sensory details that every fiction story needs. You are shown what to avoid and what to make sure you include.

Lesson 4: Here you move into nonfiction writing. One of the most important aspects of this lesson is creating a query letter. This lesson provides the basic elements of writing a WINNING query. It also explains in detail how to study the market you will be writing in. And, you are shown the correct structure for writing nonfiction articles for children: How do you begin, how do you end, what's a sidebar, should you use one? All these questions and more are answered.

Lesson 5: Onto the importance of Networking. Never underestimate the power of networking. You are given a list of worthwhile online forums and discussion groups and shown what you should do once you’ve joined. Then it moves on to finding writing assignments and getting publishing credits. Plus, you’re taught how to work along with editors. Lieurance includes 6 essential tips for creating an amble relationship with an editor. These tips are crucial to learn and adhere to if you intend to continue to do business with the editor.

Lesson 6: Here you find the final steps to writing for children. This lesson focuses on tracking your submissions and provides a sample Submission Log. It also gives detailed self-editing techniques with 12 necessary tips. Finally, you are shown the importance of joining a critique group.

Tricks of the Trade has it all!

Along with the ton of information, tips, advice and guidance, each lesson includes an Additional Resources page and an assignment to help you move forward in your chosen career.

But that's not all! This e-course includes a 2 month membership in the Children's Writers' Coaching Club (CWCC), so every person who purchases this course has the opportunity to have his/her assignments professionally reviewed and critiqued by Lieurance or another published children's author on staff at the National Writing for Children Center each week. And, as an extra special bonus you'll get 4 additional instructional CDs with tips for freelance writers.

So, now back to the question of how I can be so sure your writing will improve: That’s easy, I’ve taken the course! This course along with the critique of your work as a member of the CWCC and the CDs will certainly get you started in a writing career. And, it provides a map you can follow to lead you to publication.

I have been learning and honing my craft for a while now and I have purchased a number of programs, books, e-courses and more – I know value when I see it. Tricks of the Trade: Learn to Write for Children in Just Six Weeks! package is worth every penny.

Opportunity is knocking! Open that door by clicking HERE!

Talk to you soon,
Karen

Oh, Boy! We’re back with Vivian Zabel!

I want to start out by letting you know that I had a choice between an article, Writing for Children, by Vivian, or this interview. Well, having an author/publisher on hand, I just couldn't pass up the interview.

So, today, we have 7 questions about life, writing and publishing that Vivian candidly and generously answers. For those readers out there who may be suffering with debilitating and chronic illnesses, and for women in general, Vivian is a source of inspiration. With determination and effort we can accomplish amazing things. Okay, you men, don’t feel left out, that goes for you too!

Now on to the Interview:

1. I was surprised to read in one of your interviews that you have a serious illness. I know the affects of dealing with an ongoing health problem; it slows you down to say the least. How do you manage running a publishing business, and what’s the most difficult thing?

Some days are more difficult than others, especially when I’m having trouble sleeping. Then I’m not only in pain but am extremely tired. However, I’m also extremely determined.

2. Were you ill when you started 4RV Publishing? If so, what made you decide to take on such an undertaking?

I’ve had rheumatoid arthritis and Lupus since I was quite young. I decided that I would have as full a life as possible any way, for as long as possible.

3. What do you think about authors who self-publish?

Authors who are self-published are hurting themselves in a way, because self-publication has a bad reputation. Yes, some good, well-written books are self-published, but the problem is that too many poorly written, full of errors books are self-published all the time.

I don’t have an answer, either. However due to the fact that authors don’t have many options when the major publishers go mainly for already-famous people as authors, whether they can write or not, 4RV tries to fill the gap between self-publishing and vainly presses and the “big boys.”

I wish we had the funds to put out more of the good manuscripts submitted.

4. What advice would you give to a writer who is about to self-publish?

Oh, my, that’s a rough question. Any writer about to self-publish needs to be sure
1. the book is extremely well-written
2. the book has been professionally edited at least twice
3. a good marketing plan is in place


5. What’s the most important tip you could give a writer who is just starting out?

First, know how to write, including knowing correct grammar and mechanics, and be willing to continue to learn.

6. Do you think that some writers are just not cut out for writing for children, or do you think anyone can learn the craft?

I don’t think everyone can learn to be a good writer, but all can learn to be better writers. Writing for children does take a special talent and desire, though.

7. What are some of the writing tools (books, courses, etc.) that you’ve found helpful, or that you think would be helpful to others who are just starting out or want to hone their craft?

All through the nearly thirty years I taught writing, I attended workshops, clinics, and classes to improve my writing. I still attend writing conferences and classes. One is the Muse Online Writers Conference, an intense week of working on writing at my computer (http://www.themuseonlinewritersconference.com). Another is the yearly OWFI (Oklahoma Writers Federation – http://owfi.org) writing conference with sessions to help authors.

I read and learn from writing magazines, such as The Writer and Writers’ Digest.

Thank you, Vivian.

Wow, what wonderful insight from an accomplished author and publisher. I’m sure this advice will be a huge help to our readers, especially those starting out and those headed for the self-publishing road. Thank you so much, Vivian, for being our guest this tour.

Here are Vivian’s links for you to learn more:

To get a copy of Prairie Dog Cowboy:
http://tinyurl.com/5s4uqw
http://4rvpublishingllc.com/Store-Books.html

You can also find it at local book stores and Barnes & Noble.com

Website: http://viviangilbertzabel.com

Blogs:
http://VivianZabel.blogspot.com (Brain Cells & Bubble Wrap)
http://vzabel.multiply.com (Vivian’s Site)
http://viviansmystery.blogspot.com (Vivian’s Mysteries)

Thank you, Vivian, for being our guest this tour; it's been an honor to have you here!

Well, that's it for this month's VBT - Writers on the Move tour. If you're a writer/author and would like to learn more about our cross-promotional group, you can email me at: [email protected].

Also, you can still be the winner of our Mystery Site Giveaway. Stop by the members' sites and leave a comment. A list of our members is on the right sidebar here, or you can visit the VBT - Writers on the Move blogsite for the list.

Talk to you soon,
Karen

RHYME AND REASON

I have been fairly successful in selling rhyme to children's magazines in spite of the fact that I don’t know a dactyl from a dinosaur, or an iambic from a ball point pen. I can’t get a handle on stresses and feet. Writing poetry is serious business but that’s no reason not to give it a try.

As a child I memorized every rhyme I heard. I guess I developed an ear for children’s rhymes. All of my rhymes haven't been winners but many have. On the way to getting published I have picked up a few tips, but trust me I have more to learn.

It is helpful to count syllables. Every line of your poem doesn’t have to be the same count, but there should be a repeating pattern, such as 8-8-8-8, or 8-6-8-6, etc. It sounds more pleasing.

#1 I love carrots, crunchy, crispy. (8)
Pretty leaves are fernlike, wispy. (8)
I can’t eat the leaves but funny, (8)
I can feed them to my bunny. (8)

or

#2 The sunshine chases cold away, (8)
And melts the winter snow. (6)
It warms the earth and wakes the seeds (8)
So they can sprout and grow. (6)

Rhyme should follow a scheme of rhymed and unrhymed lines. These are often expressed as letters of the alphabet. Poem #1 is AABB while #2 is ABCB, but there are many different rhyme patterns. Experiment and see which you like best. Study the poetry of others.

A poem should tell a story. It should stir feelings. It should have a beginning, middle and end. Rhymes for children are often playful or humorous.

A rhyme should rhyme, not just almost rhyme. Don’t try to force a rhyme. Do you live in an area where your regional accent might corrupt your poetry? Have your rhyme checked by someone from a different area. Online critique groups are very good for this because often the members are scattered all over the country.

Keep your poetry lean and trim. Sometimes a poem rattles on because you can’t find just the right word to say what you want to say. Don’t fill in with lines that don’t really add meaning to the story. It is better to wait for the right word rather than ramble on endlessly.

If rhyme is your thing, buy one or two rhyming dictionaries, and check out those you can access online.

Last but not least, read your poetry aloud. I recommend a small tape recorder so that you can play it back. This is a good tool for checking the readability of your work. Another good tool is to have someone else read your poem to you. If they stumble something is off. Maybe listening to someone else will help you recognize a problem.

Writing rhyme is fun. Give it a try. Maybe it will put some rhythm in your writing.

August is a busy month for members of the Children’s Writers’ Coaching Club. Just look at all the informative and fun teleclasses that are scheduled for this month.

Creating a Picture Book That Features a Main Character with a Problem to Solve
Thursday - August 14th - 4:00 Central Time
Instructor - Margot Finke

The Hero’s Journey - Part 3
Tuesday, August 19th - 7:00 Central Time
Instructor - Lila Guzman

The Importance of Editing and Revising Your Manuscript
Thursday - August 21st - 7:00 Central Time
Instructor - Simon Rose

Query Letters and Cover Letters: What to Do and What Not to Do to Capture an Editor’s Interest
Thursday - August 28th - 7:00 central time
Instructor - Rita Milios

In addition to these teleclasses, members of the club may submit one manuscript per week for professional critique.

All this for ONLY $27.00 per month!

Join the Club here!