A Blog Pivot

Since my day job is at an academic medical center, I thought I might change the flavor of this blog from children's writing to children's health and activities. This main focus pivot will align better with my daily thoughts and perhaps lend itself to posting more often. 

So... have you heard about the various healthy activities available for kids during the summer months? I spotted this extensive list and wanted to pass it along. The fun includes artistic, indoor/outdoor, exploration, local trips and more!

Let me know your favorites. I love biking/hiking, drawing/painting, and dreaming up new juice pops and smoothie flavors! - Q

The Problem with Piracy

So, it has come to my attention that Alphabet Puke: Monsters' Medicine A-Z has been pirated. Bummer. This creative brain child of much quiet longing and effort is just another free .pdf download on the internet without any remorse or thought for the rights of the author, illustrator or publisher. 

Copyright is important in this country. Other countries - not so much.

I write to share knowledge and stories, but also to buy clothes, food, internet service and all the other things literary pirates buy. Only now, I will be buying a lot less. Thanks for nothing. -Q

Writing On My Mind

I hadn't realized it has been so long since I posted here. I post often at my science blog, but have peaks and valleys here. Did you miss me? Or were you thinking that it is like an old friend who calls infrequently, but who you can pick up with like no time has passed. That is how I feel about all of you. 

I tell distant friends and relatives that I may not write super often, but they are on my mind. Actually, that mirrors my writing. I may not turn out a new manuscript often, but it is on my mind A LOT. I read other writers' wisdom, talk with writers, draw, color, photograph, and perform additional creative activities, but then don't regularly bring it back here. Hmm...Not sure if I should be concerned. 

Oh well, it is the start of a new school year and time to focus on the young ones who read our work. Slow down (especially in school zones) and remember why you started writing in the first place. -Q

It's Here! Picture Book Idea Month!

And we're off! Pencils sharpened. Laptops charged. Ideas unleashed. 

Go! 

Picture Book Idea Month (PiBoIdMo 2015) is underway. But if you missed the first day, due to time changes and other mundane non-writing activities like eating and sleeping, you can still join the fun! Just click on the PiBoIdMo logo (on the left) and follow the simple instructions to sign-up. 

Tara Lazar has lined up another great cast of contributing editors, agents, authors, etc with words of encouragement and writing tips during the month of November to facilitate our success as writers. Every day, you'll get wisdom and experience delivered to your email (if you select that option) to help navigate publishing idiosyncrasies.

Sign up! You'll be glad you did.
-Q

p.s. Tara did not bribe me with scones, dark chocolate, or other goodies to write this post. But I wouldn't mind...