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“31 Day Author Platform Challenge” Prep

I know we’ve got a bunch of people that are finding out about the 31 Day Author Platform Challenge late and/or are just starting. Welcome! This challenge can begin at any time, so don’t feel rushed to catch up on every past day to match where we are now. Take the time to do each task properly! I wanted to be sure you start out on the same right foot the rest of us did.

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31 Day Author Platform Challenge Day 9: Why a Newsletter?

[Before we start, have you followed 10 new people yet?] Talk Directly to Those Who WANT to Hear From You Why are we talking about newsletters today? One of the problems with social media is that it casts a wide net. Everyone from everywhere is scrolling and watching. You never know who is paying attention so you never know if what you’re saying is being heard. Think about placing a billboard on a busy freeway. Yes, a TON of people will see it. But are they the right people? I mean, what do you know about those people? They have…

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31 Day Author Platform Challenge Day 24: TIL Video

“TIL” Today I Learned Maybe it’s a hack on scrambling eggs, or a shortcut in folding laundry, but odds are you learned something recently. Today, Day 24 of the 31 Day Author Platform Challenge, you are going to share that learning. Via video! (You need to get more comfortable in video. It’s the future!) And “TIL” is all the rage right now, so let’s hop on board. My recent key learning is a time saver called a “macro” which lets you type in a few letters and have your pc fill in the rest. It’s called a macro. It’s hugely…

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Writing and virtual socializing in the middle of chaos

Can I just say 2021 sucks? I hate to make hasty generalizations, as my college professor Dr. Funkhouser would point out, from the story he read to us about the man with the beaver-skin hat. But 2021 reeks. This was supposed to be the redemption year, the recovery year, the year we bounced back from from that crap-ball of 2020. Maybe it was the high expectation we all placed on it. <Delta variant laughs voraciously in the background> Maybe we made unfair assumptions, that anything would be better than last year. <see earlier reference to Delta laughter> Maybe we (and…

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(Intangible) Gifts Ideas For Writers, 2020 Edition

Unique Gift Ideas For Writers They They Really Want (Hint: Not Another Journal) What a year, amiright? I think it’s okay for me to be blunt. 2020 has been so nutty that I think we all deserve some peace this holiday season. Let me help ease your mind with some unique gift ideas for your writer friends; gift ideas that will leave them happy and thankful you took the time to understand them, to see them. While none of these can be wrapped, they are all ways to better your writer’s life. And boy will they appreciate them. REVIEW THEIR…

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Time to Write That Book?

Taking advantage of all that time at home….Resources to get started writing that children’s book of yours I don’t think I’ve ever mentioned I’m a children’s book author without the reply being, “Oh I’ve always wanted to do that.” (Well either that or the implications about how easy it must be but let’s save that for another time, shall we?) What better time to sit down and write that book you’ve been thinking about than in the age of quarantine? I mean, what better excuse do you have to tell your kids to get out of your room, you’re writing?…

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YOU’RE NOT A WRITER IF…

Writers tend to doubt themselves, amiright? “I’m not a real writer if I’m not published yet” or “Sure, I’m published, but compared to so-and-so I don’t consider myself a writer.” Knock it off. If you write, you’re a writer. That is, unless you fall into one of these categories…

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True or False: SCBWI’S “The Book” Has Live Links [Hint: TRUE]

First let me say that SCBWI’s “The Book” is an online, members-only resource that I’ve always said is one of the single most valuable pieces of membership. You can also have it printed-on-demand and mailed to you, which I also recommend, as I’m tactile as well as visual and like being able to flip through it manually. But the online version IS WHERE IT’S AT! But recently I’ve realized many, many SCBWI members have no idea what the book is, what it offers, let alone how to use use it. Stick with me as I explain the #1 use most…

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Getting Conference-Ready: 10 Conference Tips for the Introvert, Beginner, and Beginner Introvert

Whether you’re headed to your first conference or your fifth, you’re gonna want to plan ahead. Most writers are introverts, and panic at the thought of being in a room with strangers. Relax! You’re going to be fine. The children’s book industry is wonderfully welcoming and supportive. (I’ve attended and presented at conferences across the U.S., from local to international events, and never cease to be amazed at the kindness.) To help maximize your precious time, and all that coin you’ve already dropped on the event, here are some tips I’ve found most helpful: Conference tips: Have an overall goal…

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Do you Want to Write For Hire? Take This Quiz to Decide

You may have wondered if Work For Hire is right for you. If you’re considering writing in the children’s book industry, I’ve created a quiz that might help. It’s based on my personal experiences as well as several colleagues I interviewed. [To give you some perspective on collective experience that I’m drawing from: I’ve written 16 kidlit titles for hire so far; picture books, chapter books, and YA–most of them as part of an existing series where the other titles were written by several other people. The fellow writers I talked to have authored close to 100 for-hire titles total.]…

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Laptime with our little ones

This guest blog post originally appeared on The Bedtime Stories Blog on May 2, 2018 on https://medium.com/bedtime-stories-blog Turning Classic Fairytales Upside Down Keeping The Old, With New Modern Twists! We all know the classics fairytales and storybook rhymes our grandparents taught us or read to us. But do our kids know them? Unless it was made into a movie or TV show, maybe not. If our kids have heard the rest of them, they probably think they’re dated. The challenge: How do we keep these classics, and traditions, alive? We make them relevant to today’s world. When I think of storybooks or fairytales, I think…

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Author Visits: First Questions to Ask Before Booking

Most authors and illustrators focus on “what should I charge?” and “what should I talk about” when looking to book their first rounds of author visits. Here are just a few questions to ask from the very first time you connect with the school or group, before you pick the date. 1. What are the age ranges in attendance they want you to speak to; is it the whole school or a few classes/grades, and if so–which grades? 2. How many students/kids total? You’ll want to know for handouts, any giveaways, yes, but initially to gauge the amount of work so…

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“I’ve written a children’s book…now what?”

  “I’ve written a children’s book…now what?” As a published author, I hear this question a lot. Technology has made many things easier, but the publishing industry is still pretty standard. Sure, you could go the self-published route, which has earned a much better reputation than the past (but some small publishing houses are glorified self-publishers, so you have to be careful. Do your homework!), but you’ll still need to follow these first few steps. Don’t illustrate! First off, if you’ve written a picture book, and you’re not a professional artist, DON’T illustrate it unless you are self publishing. Don’t find…

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How do I Find an Agent?

Google “how to find a literary agent for children’s books” and you’ll get 1,580,000 hits. Over one and a half million! And that’s just in the kidlit world. There are many, many theories on how to find one, just like there are many many theories on how to write the perfect picture book. Many roads will take you there, my friend. You just need to start walking. THEY AREN’T GOING TO COME TO YOU. First things first. You need to make sure your manuscript is print ready. Never send something that isn’t perfect/finished! Has it been copy edited? Have you had…

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Shopping at IKEA

I dreamt that I was in IKEA, looking for a replacement piece for something from my kid’s room. I look all over the warehouse, up and down every aisle. You know how big that place is! Had people helping, looking part numbers up on the computer, nothing. Two hours. I’m out of options, on the ground floor near the register, when I decide to look a little closer, turn it upside down…and… It’s a Lego piece. Isn’t that how writing is sometimes? You exhaust every option trying to figure out a story arc or plot point or character tic, get…

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What Other Great Writers Said About Writing

Why reinvent the wheel, right? There are so many great writers with so many great thoughts on writing, that I thought I’d share some of the highlights from what they told me or what I overheard heard [read: eavesdropping] at the SCBWI conference last month in L.A. I admit the haunted hotel creeped me out to the point I didn’t sleep for five days so some of my notes may be totally made up, I’m not 100% sure. But they’re mostly accurate.   Drew Daywalt, @DrewDaywalt, author of the wonderful and incredibly creative picture book  The Day the Crayons Quit, and…

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Conference Tips for Writers

Headed to a big conference? Wondering how to make the most of it? You’ve already figured out it’s worth going, otherwise you’d be at home in your pajamas saving all that money you’re about to drop. Plan ahead to maximize your precious time. Conference tips: Have an overall goal in mind. This might change for every conference. It could be to find an agent, or simply break out of your comfort zone. But make it a little more specific. What exactly are you looking for in an agent? Figure that out before you go so you know what to look for,…

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Author Platform: Maximizing Social Media

Social media is one of the main ways you create your author brand, or platform. Since most of your readers will never meet you in person, it’s how most of your readers get to know you. This post is gonna look at ways to maximize social media so you can give yourself the best author platform. We’ll talk through some real examples, and give tips on how to maximize social media to your best advantage.

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Creating an Author Platform

Quick quiz: You’re told you need to work on your “Author Platform.” You: A. Smile politely, then go back to searching online for cute cat outfits B. Nod, smile, then furiously Google “Writers’ d” hoping you’re not the last to know what the heck that is C. Think “Oh, yeah it really is time I update my Facebook, Twitter, blog and website,” then dig right in D. B or C but definitely not A (unless it was a really good sale) Correct answer: D. Find out what a writer’s platform is, why yo u need to have one, and how…

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3 Ways to Rock Your Bio

You never get a second chance to make a first impression, right? Your bio may be the only time someone decides if they’re going to invest more time or energy into getting to know you, into hiring you, or into trusting you. So you want to put your best foot forward. Make that both feet. 1. Know Your Audience  What is the bio for? A book flap? Conference? Website? School visit? Who is reading it? Make sure your qualifications match the reason you’re there as a speaker, writer, professional. You’re a complicated (yet attractive) beast with many facets. You can’t possibly…

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Is My Picture Book Ready? A 13-point Checklist

Is My Picture Book Ready? A 13-point Checklist You’ve Written a Picture Book…Now What? You’re pretty sure you’re finished. I hate to say it, but you’re just getting started. Roll up those sleeves because now the fun begins. From taking a step back to do some research to checking your word count and story arc, this check list will help you know if your manuscript is ready to be a book

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Pay to Enter a Writing Contest?

Why would you–or should you–ever pay to enter a writing contest? Does it sully the award? Or does the entry fee give credibility to the award? For the most part, paying to enter an award is a red flag warning DO NOT ENTER THIS CONTEST!

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Who Are You Writing For? Age Range Matters.

Here’s a typical conversation at a social gathering, grocery store, or school fundraiser: “Oh, you write children’s books? I’ve always wanted to do that. I’ve got an idea I always wanted to try.” Then they hold eye contact, waiting for me to ask them what it’s about.  I smile and leave the silence for just a teeny bit longer than a normal conversation would have because I’m a jerk. Then I finally ask “What kind of book?” Usually they’re taken aback because it’s not what they expected to be asked. They say something like “to teach kids about fire safety” or “it’s about…

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Revision: Taking A Step Back

  Have you ever been asked to read a friend’s manuscript, and, well, their work was borderline horrible? But that friend is so clueless that he/she thinks it’s PERFECT and is honestly thinks a movie deal will be offered any day now? Well I’ve been that friend. My first drafts were horrible. In fact, I didn’t even know they were drafts. I thought I had a final product. And I thought I had a GOOD final product. After the first pieces of feedback, I got busy rewording a few things here and there, changed a description or two. What I…

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8 Writing Tips in 8 Minutes: Bitsy’s tips for the newbie picture book writer

Are you one of the over 200 peeps headed to the SCBWI CA North/Central 2015 Spring Spirit writer’s conference? (wow, that was a mouthful) Are you looking for some beginner’s tip? Take a look here…”8 Writers Tips for Beginner Picture Book Writers” (uh,yeah, that was a mouthful too…don’t that that sway you on my mad writing skillz)   Hope to see you Saturday!

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Current Status of Children’s Book Market, according to SCBWI NY 2015

Ah, so much went on at the international conference that I’m still basking in the fruitfulness. I’m pretty sure that’s not an expression, but you know what I mean. I’ve tweeted out much of the greatness. I’ve culled some more juicy tidbits to share, in random order: 1. Webinars are popular and great for those farther away from the masses. Expect to see more. 2. Webinars are NOT a replacement of in-person conferences, workshops, or gatherings. They are in addition to them. Nothing beats face to face contact. 3. Editors and agents find/book authors and illustrators at conferences, people they…

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SCBWI Conference in NY, Feb 2015

I’m attending the annual, (inter)national children’s book conference with SCBWI. I’m also taking over as the Regional Advisor (R.A.) for the Northern CA/Central region of SCBWI, which encompasses about 400 members in 33 counties (not sure if I want you to applaud or pity me, haha). Lately I’ve heard a bunch of beginner writer questions. I’m re-posting a Q&A-type video I made a little while ago, and hopefully it’ll help answer questions you didn’t even think to ask. Click the video on the blog post below. Did I leave anything out? Do you have more Qs that need As? I’m working…

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Setting Means More Than Location

We recently moved. We are only a dozen miles from our last house, but it’s a world away. We went from “the middle of flippin’ nowhere” to “closer to society.” The drive time alone makes a huge difference to my peace of mind. But there are other, seemingly smaller things that have an impact on the everyday me. It got me thinking about setting. I’ve been writing more now, and have been hyper sensitive to what is going on around my main characters. Where a story takes place is more than location. It affects a person’s (or character’s) mood, mindset, and…

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Where does “trick or treat” come from*?

At the risk of creating a post that will be immediately dated, I found out something today I never knew. Not one to bottle up joy, I thought I’d keep the cork off and share with you. Certainly you already know Halloween comes from Hallow and evening, that Hallowe’en was the original spelling with the v left out, and it stood for the evening before All Hallows Day on Nov 1st, making Oct 31st All Hallows Eve, which is the day/night before the feasts of the saints and souls of loved ones that have passed on. And certainly you know…

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Fall into writing

Ah, the beauty of Fall. Crisp apples, hayrides, upcoming family visits, free Halloween candy (shush, it’s not stealing, it’s a mommy tax). But also, it’s Picture Book Idea Month! This is a free club challenge, if you will, where those that sign up agree to come up with one picture book idea everyday for the month of Nov. Sounds easy, right? HA. I dare you! You don’t write a picture book every day, you “simply” create an idea for one. It’s like NaNoWriMo only it’s for the children’s book industry. There are other programs in Jan and Feb for you…

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A book award makes me livid? Disillusioned? Offended? All three maybe

To be recognized for your work feels great, especially when it’s by experts in your field. Right? Well you’d think it would. I got a wonderful email from someone representing a (seemingly?) legitimate industry award. They said they found out about me from one of my Twitter posts. When they looked into my books, one stood out among the others, and they felt it was so good it could win one of their awards. They were excited for me to be a part of it all! Please note they did not actually READ any of my books, just ABOUT them. …

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Twitter 101: The Basics, For Writers

Twitter 101 for Writers Part One The past few writers’ conference presentations I’ve given about Author Platforms have prompted many of the same questions. Most surround social media. I’m gonna tackle one biggie here: Twitter. Let’s look at the very basic concept of Twitter in this post, for the true beginner. How to use it effectively will be a different post, so be sure to keep looking around on my site if you need more help or detail. “I know what Twitter is, but I don’t know how to use it like I should. Is there a specific process?” “Why do…

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8 Phrases that should NEVER come out of your mouth

Here are eight words and phrases that should never, and I mean NEVER come out of your mouth. At least not to me. In random order: 1. When you see I’m in the midst of a book you’re already read: “Did you get to the part where…” Are you serious? What if I’m not there yet, you idiot? You just ruined it for me! 2. When discussing a book or movie I haven’t read/seen, but you have “Oh the ending of that is sooo unexpected.”  Come closer so I can smack you. You pretty much just ruined any surprise I wouldn’t…

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“…finish at your leisure…”

When someone asks me to take a look at or work on something “at my leisure,” it takes everything to not point out that leisure, by its very definition, means time not spent working. It’s a time free from work/duty. So, reviewing something at my leisure is an oxymoron. If I’m not working, I am not going to look at work. I am not going to think about work.I used to think vacation meant less work, not no work. I now happily embrace the true meaning of leisure. Mostly.Quite frankly, wish I did sooner.  Shutting off the phone only works for…

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It’s not what y…

It’s not what you DID, it’s what you DO.” That thought occurred to me this morning, while I was driving. I can’t change what I did, but I can change what I do. So I’m gonna start doing. Who’s with me?

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Presenting at SCBWI Conference, April 2014

Oh the joys of being part of a tribe. I had a great time presenting “Marketing the @#&! out of Yourself with Twitter” at the Northern CA SCBWI Spring Spirit conference (#SpSp14) on April 5, 2014, held in the Sacramento area. I was surrounded by greatness and the common love of writing children’s books. Being “on faculty” had its privileges too…allow me to show, not tell: Here I am signing books right next to NYT best-selling YA author Jay Asher (@JayAsherGuy), as he enjoys a laugh with a conference attendee that just bought his book: Here I am next to author…

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“Not all treasu…

“Not all treasure is silver and gold, mate.” -Captain Jack SparrowBesides giving me an excuse to picture Johnny Depp (hubba hubba), that quote is relevant because this Saturday is the annual Spring Spirit conference for the Northern California Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (try saying that three times fast…). [Man, there is just no easy way get those words out. Does “@NorthCalSCBWI #SpSp14 conf” sound any better? No? I’ll stick with conference then.]  If you’re a budding writer or illustrator of children’s books and you haven’t heard of the event or the group or the conference, write it down…

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April Kidlit Writing Contests

CONTEST TIME Do you work best under pressure? I do. (Don’t judge) Sometimes a writing contest is just the kick in the butt I need to get moving on a manuscript that’s been getting all dusty and lonely. I’ve scraped up a few contests that all have April or May deadlines, so consider this your official kick in the pants to start working on that in-need-of-attention manuscript that you haven’t have a reason to work on–until now. Yeah, you’re welcome. I can’t personally vouch for the hosts’ honor or intentions of these upcoming contests, but they look pretty good. And it’s…

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8 Writing Tips in 8 Minutes: Bitsy’s tips for the newbie picture book writer

Thinking of writing a children’s book? Have you written one but not sure what to do with it? Well a-looky here, I’ve got some slick tips for you, dear beginner. It’ll be the best eight minutes of your day! (Unless you won the lottery, in which case may I say how beautiful you look today?) Feel free to share the video on your own blog or website. Just please give a link back to me here, okay? Thanks, doll. If you have tips or tricks that you’d like to share with fellow newbies, please let me know! You may be…

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Exceptions to Top 12 Tips for Writing a (Good) Picture Book

Writing a picture book is easy. Writing a good picture book is hard. Exceptions to the top twelve newbie tips for writing a picture book, plus one bonus thought* (which okay technically makes it 13 but who’s counting?) A refute to “The top twelve newbie tips for writing a picture book, plus one bonus thought*” which was also written by Bitsy Kemper and posted just moments before this one–so read that one first, then this one By Bitsy Kemper There are plenty of exceptions to the rules mentioned in my last post. (If you haven’t read it yet, please do so now,…

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