Summertime Fun for Writers

Since most writers are told to write what they know, you would think it a simple process, right? Well, not really... since what we know might not be applicable to the age group or genre we are targeting in our writing. OR we may have exhausted the topics we know well and need fresh ideas.

What to do? I try to get out during the summer and discover new ideas, destinations, and activities that stimulate my writing. 

Never learned how to swim, knit, or play checkers? Take lessons, read a DIY Pinterest post or get a friend to teach you. New experiences help you gain new ideas and insights that stir the creative pot. 

I call it creative cross-training. I take one day off from the day job every week or two, grab my camera, and explore an activity or place I am unfamiliar with. It's a blast and gets the wheels turning. Give it a try and let me know how it goes. -Q

Promote or Perish

For those of you who have not checked the Children's Book Insider, I highly recommend it. They have writers, teachers and connectors who help children's writers become successful. 

This week, Jon Bard, the co-owner of CBI is teaching about marketing. In fact, I am in the middle of a video on the subject right now (paused). Jon just made the statement that publishing is not much about "publish or perish" anymore, but much more like "promote or perish." 

That hit home. For those of us who write, have children and hold down crazy hectic day jobs, the idea that we also have to find time to promote our work is beyond daunting. It sounds more like mission impossible. Anyway, I hope to take on a professional view of marketing (er, book advocacy) with CBI's help. I'll let you know how it goes. - Q

Book club for Kids

I'm a member of a book club and we read a variety of books and genres suggested by the members. It's fun and exposes me to books I never would have picked up otherwise. Now, I must admit, I don't finish all of them. Time is a valuable commodity and why read something that is REALLY not your thing for a week. But, I finish probably 75% of the books. 

Recently, I got to thinking about a children's book club. Wouldn't it be fun to read picture books and discuss them once a month? Then it hit me, I do that all the time with online critique partners, forums, editor/agent blogs, etc. I read some books I am surprised by and others that leave me giggling. 

As a picture book writer, I go to the library every Saturday and check out 7-12 picture books from the new book shelf or on display in other areas. I pour over the formats and make note of what fits with my style. Definitely learning made fun. I read and finish 100% of the books I check out. 

What ways do you further your skills as a children's writer? -Q

New Web Presence Finally

Wahoo! I finally got the websites figured out for my children's fiction and non-fiction work.

It was a lot of work, but thanks to the tech folks at the Author's Guild, I finally got everything up and running. 

So you can find my children's fiction at quinncole.com
and my non-fiction at ldwilliams.com. I'm hoping to simplify things and still maintain my sanity. Well, mostly. 

In other news, I have posted picture books I love (some old favorites and some newly published) on my pinterest boards on children's fiction, non-fiction, illustrations, first lines and westerns. They are all so creative and fun to read. Definitely worth a look. -Q