Writing
for Children:
Where to Go When You are Desperate for Information or
Help
"Musings" for August 2005
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It doesn't matter if you are
a beginning writer, or a writer who calls many editors by their first names. Either
experienced or inexperienced, there will be times when you desperately need
to find a reliable source of information. It might be about publishing,
or agent's commissions, an annoying grammar question, or a plot dilemma. Or
you might need to find a critique group, ASAP, because you need help, and
you need it NOW.
What follows is a selection of
websites that will help you find answers to your writing questions. I have
listed websites that offer writing help and services, insightful interviews,
plus helpful publishing news. These websites treat writing for kids as serious
business -- the real deal. If you can't find what you are looking
for, there are sure to be links to other sites that will be able to provide
the answers, advice, or information you seek.
ONLINE CHILDREN'S WRITING
BOARDS:
Why bother with a writing board?
Why not just sit down and write that kid's book?
Because, if you want to become
a published writer, networking is the name of the game. The more children's
writers you know, the better it is for you. Joining an online board introduces
you to your peers. You can ask questions and get answers -- fast. Beginners
can avoid many writing pitfalls by taking note of what the advanced and
published writers on these lists have to say. It is also a good way to let
of steam, vent rejection frustrations, and celebrate the arrival of that
contract -- finally! Critique members can also be drawn from writing
board members.
All sites listed are YAHOO sites. If
you want to find more, go to GROUPS, on the Yahoo front page, and check out
the other writing lists.
Subscribe: ChildrensE-bookPromotion-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
PRIVATE WEBSITES:
The writing wisdom and advice in
the web sites below comes from published writers who remember what it was
like to be a beginner. Many learned the writing game the hard way --
by trial and error. These websites brim with basic advice, expert help,
and loads of the "right stuff" to help you hook an editor.
The
Purple Crayon -- Harold Underdown's Homepage offers
links to the information his site contains: everything from interviews with
authors and editors, to the tools you need to write a wonderful children's
book. The Purple Crayon is the #1 place to begin your information
search. If you want to become a published writer, read Harold's,
"The Complete Idiot's
Guide to Publishing Children's Books -- 2nd Edition."
It's a must read for serious writers.
Margot
Finke offers a Critique Service -- personal guidance
at reasonable fees. Her "Secrets of Writing for Children"
gives self-editing and writing tips Stop Press for new "stuff."
WAHOO celebrates the good writing news of others. See Books and Down-under
Fun. Link to Margot's monthly "Musings"
column.
Verla
Kay's Website - Verla is a multiple published author and a terrific
writer. Surfing her pages will enlighten and educate you about the craft of
writing for children. Forums & Links introduces you to her weekly
Live Chat segment. This is where you join in and chat with guest editors,
publishers, agents and writers. She also has a message board. It all
happens here.
SmartWriters.com
-- Roxyanne Young's website holds a treasure trove
of information. Her SmartWriters Journal, is a must! Bursting
with the information every writer needs, Roxyanne's website can help you become
a published author. She will help you set up the perfect website for
FREE, and the maintenance only costs pennies per month. Her Smart Writers
Children's Writing Competition has gone from strength to strength
-- Publishers & editors take notice when Roxyanne Young runs
her W.I.N Competition.
Jan
Field's Website - And if you want to write for a kid's magazine,
the guidance and information in Jan's Kid
Magazine Writers will be a great help.
Write4Kids
WebSite - Jon Baird offers links, helpful advice, and writing news
from the publishing trenches. His newsletter, the "Children's
Book Insider" is a great weapon to have in your writing arsenal. Its
news about editors, agents and publishers, is of particular importance. The
monthly subscription is worth every penny. Surf this site to find the
writing tools you need.
Cynthia
Leitich Smith -- Cynthia's Website is chock-full of helpful
information and links to other great sites. Her books and her insights are
well worth the trip.
Yellapalooza.com
- This is a delightfully designed site, specifically for those who write and
illustrate children's books. Helpful tutorials for writer/illustrators, and
lots of links. Coming soon is News and Reviews.
Aaron
Shepard's Website is a treasure trove for kids and writers
alike. His Treats & Resources (on Homepage) help you discovering
"stuff" for kids and adults. Surf over to Aaron's place, and
take the kids with you.
PUBLISHING AND OTHER INFORMATION:
WRITING CLASSES:
If it has been a long time since
you went to school, you might benefit from a refresher in Writing101. Or,
maybe that pile of picture book rejections makes you wonder if you are doing
something wrong. . . Or your dialogue and plots feel stilted and unbelievable. Whatever
the reason, there are a bunch of classes and workshops out there in cyber-land
that you can easily fit into your busy schedule -- some are free, and
others offer payment plans.
Recommended
Writing Classes - my Critique Service page lists a selection of terrific
writing classes. Check them out.
Writer's
Market - Writer's Digest's W.O.W. Their online classes for
children's writers do a great job. Check their web site for details about
the many services they offer.
The
Institute of Children's Literature ( ICL ) -- Take
the aptitude test, and then choose the class that fits your needs: there is
a slew of them to choose from. Surf their web pages for details about the
instructors, payment plans, and more. Many writers speak highly of the ICL
classes and instructors.
Sally
Odgers is an Aussie writer who offers online workshops on writing
for children. Go to her Website to read about Sally, her books and workshops,
her life, and the very affordable fees she charges for her workshops.
Writers.com
-- Writers on the Net, offer a huge array of writing classes. Uma
Krishnaswami is one of their many instructors, and she comes
highly recommended. Check out their list of instructors, plus the huge volume
of information, on their WebSite.
Susan
Taylor Brown has
writing workshops and so much more. Surf through her site to discover the
cost, the times, and what Susan offers.
Gotham
Writers' Workshop - This New York based workshop has a huge program.
They offer in person, as well as online classes. Check out their Website for
classes, fees and extras.
Union
Institute - Vermont College, in Montpelier VT, offers an online
course in writing for children. Vermont College is the home of the esteemed
MFA Writing for Children Program. Go to their Website for further details.
CoffeeHouseForWriters
-- Kathryn Lay
teaches three online courses in children's writing -- Writing for
Children, Writing & Marketing Personal Experiences, and Writing for Magazines.
Check their Website for fees, and further information.
Fast
Track E-mail Tutorials - The NSW Writer's Center (Australia)
offers a host of writing tutorials. These are designed so you can work
at your own pace - other writing classes also available. Check it out.
Professional
Writing Classes by Scribe & Quill - Sue Bradford
Edwards is the facilitator for their Children's Nonfiction Writing
Class. Many other classes are also available from them online.
Suite101.com
has their own Suite University and offers a huge variety of classes. Scroll
down to "School of Writing & Publishing," and browse through
the classes they offer. They do not give individual instruction, but this
is great for the budget minded, because all the classes are FREE.
Sheila
Seifert offers detailed and personalized workshops for writers.
Browse her pages and decide what will help you the most.
Universal Class features instructor Margaret
Shauer. She teaches three great classes about writing for children.
NOTE:
The pressure of other writing business
limited the time I had to search out and review suitable sites. However,
the Internet hides countless amazing children's writing resources. They
are out there, simply waiting for you to discover them. Use Google to
surf your specific areas of interest.
Margot
Finke's biography and index to Musings.
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