Category Archives: For Writers

Book review: Sophie Murphy Does Not Exist, by T Blanchard

If you’re looking for your next clean middle grade read may I introduce you to this gem by T Blanchard and @chickenscratchbooks? Here’s the blurb:An important life is measured by one thing: Netopedia. When Sophie Murphy discovers that her father’s life wasn’t remarkable enough to warrant a listing, she makes a decision. Her life would be remarkable.Continue reading “Book review: Sophie Murphy Does Not Exist, by T Blanchard”

I did a thing.

To some, it may seem small. But to me, it’s the end result of decades of patience, learning, trying, failing, work, rework, nearly giving up, not giving up. So it’s enormous. I signed my first publishing contract last night, for my middle grade contemporary novel. It’s the second novel I’ve written but the first toContinue reading “I did a thing.”

Onomatopoeia a.k.a. Sounds Like

True story: I had to look up how to spell this word three times before I got it right. How often should we use this useful device in writing? Overdo it and you come off like you’re trying too hard. Don’t use it at all and you might be missing a spicy opportunity. Some ofContinue reading “Onomatopoeia a.k.a. Sounds Like”

Three Content Issues to Consider for Middle Grade Readers

Know your audience. That’s one of the first things they teach you in journalism school. What they don’t teach you is that this rule applies to writing pretty much anything else. Especially children’s fiction. But there’s a catch. When you’re writing for middle grade readers – or children of any age – you’re actually writingContinue reading “Three Content Issues to Consider for Middle Grade Readers”

Stating the obvious.

When I first decided I was going to make a for-real attempt at writing for a living, I started reading all the advice to new writers I could get my hands on. You know what the underlying thread is in nearly all of them – from award-winning, NYT Best-Selling icons to newbies? Every single personContinue reading “Stating the obvious.”