In Search of Excellence
In my previous career as a human resources executive, one of my areas of responsibility was the management of our quality control programs. Phrases such as “Quality First,” “Do it right the first time,” and “Quality means doing it right when no one is looking” (Henry Ford), pervaded our corporate culture. But corporate America did […]
What to bring to W2I! Conference 2016 – manuscripts, portfolio and more
by Janice D. Green Are you polishing up all of your manuscripts? Do you have published works you can show? Both may be useful to you at the Write2Ignite! Conference 2016 (or any other writing conference you attend.) This post is to help you get them organized in a way for you to share them easily. […]
Get Published the Easy Way!
By Amy Parker At a book signing not too long ago, a woman approached and asked the seemingly innocent question I’m asked at almost every event. “So, how did you get published?” Over the years, so many people have so generously provided guidance for my career, and I’m always happy to pay that forward […]
Ten Things NOT to Do When Writing a Picture Book
Do you have a picture book in the works? If so, you know picture books are a lot harder to write than most people think. Whether you’re just starting to write your manuscript or are in the final stages of revision, here are some things not to do: Don’t write down to children. Children are […]
Making preparations to attend Write2Ignite! 2016
Write2Ignite! 2016 is less than four weeks away! Do you feel the excitement building as I do? Are you ready? What do you need to do so you can get the greatest benefit from attending Write2Ignite! 2016? What should you put on your timeline for getting ready? Much depends on what you hope to get out of the conference, but the […]
If Your Future Could Speak
When I was in the 3rd grade, Mrs. Wheatley, my teacher, gave my mother a warning. She said, “Mrs. Snipes, we just can’t let his imagination run off with him.” My mom didn’t heed that warning . . . and it’s the reason why I still daydream today! One of my favorite daydream scenarios might […]
How to Write a Query for Schoolhouse Teachers: Part Three
By this point in the process, you have lots of content and a good idea of where you’d like to take it. Today, let’s look at putting the pieces together. Now that you have a sense of how much content you can write about your topic, what size lessons fit it the best? Do you […]
What Can I Expect to Gain at Write2Ignite?
A beginning writer’s wish list before attending a writer’s conference: An editor will fall in love with my manuscript and give me a contract on the spot. Lots of other writers will read my manuscripts and polish them so they shine. Many editors will recognize my genius as a writer and beg me for more stories. If […]
Daniel Blackaby’s Earthshaking Confession
I have a serious confession to make. Ready for it? Promise you won’t tell anyone? Okay, here it is . . . I’m a fake author. You see, I get asked all the time: “What does it take to be a writer?” People think that because I’ve published several books I’m a somehow a guru in […]
Three Reasons to Write for Kids
Conference season is here. Perhaps you are registered for a writers conference, an especially good investment in your career. Before you head off for that event, you should consider the purpose of your writing. Here are three main categories of writing for children. 1 – Write to Entertain A good story is a wonderful kind […]