Word Weaver Blog Award: NEVER GIVE UP by Joan Y. Edwards



Today I am giving my first WORD WEAVER BLOG AWARD, which recognizes truly stellar writing-related blogs. I have a section here that lists some great blogs and websites for writers, and this award will highlight more blogs that are extra special. I hope you find these resources helpful—I know I do! = ) 

 

Joan Y. Edwards is the recipient of the first WORD WEAVER BLOG AWARD. Joan is an author, illustrator, and encourager extraordinaire, and her Never Give Up blog is a true writers’ treasure. Joan is the author/illustrator of the picture book FLIP FLAP FLOODLE and has written and served as the educational consultant for Liturgical Publications. Joan is also a former elementary school teacher and an active presenter and motivational speaker. Her book, JOAN’S ELDER CARE GUIDE, is forthcoming from 4RV Publishing in 2015.

On her blog, Joan explores all aspect of the writing business, from conception to publication. She has helpful hints on how to get started, how to find a publisher, how to deal with rejection, and MUCH more—if I listed everything here, it would take several pages. With each of her posts, Joan also dishes out a healthy dose of encouragement for writers, which is what I love most about her blog. With her gentle humor and deep understanding of writers’ challenges, Joan discusses the sometimes harsh realities of trying to get published and can bring a ray of sunshine to the darkest writerly moments. Joan also puts a great deal of time and effort into researching her blog posts—the resources that she lists are great for additional exploration, and show just how much work she puts into her blog.

Not only am I a huge fan of Joan’s blog, but I also have the privilege of calling her my friend. Joan and I are co-facilitators of the Savvy Wordsmiths, a monthly critique group that meets in Fort Mill, SC. Each of our meetings begins with a 20 minute informative mini-lesson related to writing, and Joan has presented many of these, with other members taking turns on occasion. Joan is also the person who inspired me to finally begin my own blog! She presented a wonderful breakout session on starting a blog at the 2012 SCBWI Carolinas conference in Charlotte, NC (SCBWI president Stephen Mooser sat behind me during her presentation). She also conducts blogging workshops from time to time for people interested in blogging.

I could (obviously) talk about how wonderful Joan and her blog are all day, but I will stop now so you can see for yourself. You can find Joan’s blog at http://joanyedwards.wordpress.com. Be sure to also check out her main site, http://www.joanyedwards.com, which is a treasure trove of information as well. Thanks, Joan, for all you do for the writing community!

I hope you find Joan's blog helpful. Happy Writing!