* * * * *
Fall is here at last! Cooler weather has finally
arrived, and I am so glad—it was a long, hot summer here in South Carolina!
To help celebrate my favorite season, I thought I
would share a few writers' resources that I have found helpful over
the last few months.
First off is my friend Johnell Dewitt’s new website:
www.johnelldewitt.com. Of particular
interest to writers are her interviews with literary agents Rick
Richter and Rubin Pfeffer, and her posts about storyboarding and proofreading. These
were all helpful to me, and I look forward to reading more from Johnell in the
future. I can tell already that this site will be one I visit often!
Another writing friend introduced me to ALL THE
WONDERS this summer. This site has it all—book reviews, podcasts, crafts, and more. Author and children's librarian Matthew Winner’s podcasts are especially helpful and insightful! www.allthewonders.com
And although this one requires a paid subscription, I
want to encourage any aspiring picture book writers to consider
joining Julie Hedlund’s 12 x 12 Picture Book Challenge in 2017. My blog has
been super quiet this year, but this is because I have been so immersed in
writing and revising picture book manuscripts. I have found a fabulous critique
group through 12 x 12, participated in helpful webinars, and been creatively
challenged (this is an understatement). This investment in my writing career has definitely been worth it! www.12x12challenge.com
I will share more links soon, but wanted to
highlight these today!
For my Poetry Friday post this week I decided to share one of
my favorite poems about fall, “Autumn Fires” by Scottish poet Robert Louis
Stevenson. The smell of autumn is definitely in the air around here!
Autumn Fires
by Robert Louis Stevenson (1850-1894)
In the other gardens
And all up the vale,
From the autumn bonfires
See the smoke trail!
Pleasant summer over
And all the summer flowers,
The red fire blazes,
The grey smoke towers.
Sing a song of seasons!
Something bright in all!
Flowers in the summer,
Fires in the fall!
Have a wonderful fall weekend, and Happy Writing!
Thank you, Becky! You're amazing.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your knowledge with all of US, Johnell! :-)
DeleteThanks for the resource recommendations, Becky, and for the poem to celebrate blazing autumn. It's great to hear that you've been so productive writing-wise!
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by, Michelle. It is so nice to catch up with you again. Congratulations again on your "Best of Today's Little Ditty" Poetry Collection!!!
DeleteI LOVE All the Wonders - such an inspiring resource for writers, teachers, librarians, caregivers, and everyone who loves children's literature and the children they share literature with! :)
ReplyDeleteI completely agree, Jane. I have learned so much from those wonderful folks!
DeleteLove Stephenson's take on a blazing autumn - unfortunately we're still blazing here in the desert with 90+ temps! Love your resources list - I did 12x12 a few years ago and it was a great experience. =)
ReplyDeleteI hope the weather cools off for you soon, Bridget!
DeleteThese look like interesting links, Becky! I'm bookmarking this post for when I have time to explore them. All the best with your picture book manuscripts. (Maybe we'll see you on bookstore and library shelves soon?)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Violet!
DeleteGreat sites,thanks :) Love the poem.
ReplyDeleteThank so much!
DeleteI love 12x12. The webinars, the forum and the encouragement are all good.
ReplyDeleteI agree, Brenda--a great experience!
DeleteWhat a power packed blog post. Thank you! It's like a vitamin C for poets. I'm intrigued by the 12x12 website. I am in the very, very novice stage of PB writing. But, I am starting to make strides. Thanks again. And, what a lovely poem to start my Monday morning with!
ReplyDeleteDefinitely check out 12 x 12, and good luck!
DeleteI can't wait to check out all the resources. They sound intriguing. Loved the poem and picture- fall is my favorite season and I try to enjoy every minute of it. :)
ReplyDelete~Jess
Dear Becky,
ReplyDeleteI am very proud of your commitment to your writing! I love the line sing a song of seasons
Believe in you. never Give Up
Joan