tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-463365952728939332024-02-01T21:12:44.990-08:00QuinnCFocusing on Children's Picture BooksQuinnChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00945968886133842599noreply@blogger.comBlogger103125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46336595272893933.post-37242477917768539632017-07-21T12:43:00.003-07:002017-07-21T12:45:00.812-07:00A Blog Pivot<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCTlbLf2VJqYkBo5xix1P-T7nks8N1sceh8dt7Xi64WYBBqHWB3tadVyk5X-wKK2Klptsq4b_DR9JTpvLJMMTuqqtL9g4SFRcRKu3besS-IwgT3zJ3BrpTRmR_CaQQc6dLQLDzNF01Pw/s1600/summer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="136" data-original-width="370" height="117" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCTlbLf2VJqYkBo5xix1P-T7nks8N1sceh8dt7Xi64WYBBqHWB3tadVyk5X-wKK2Klptsq4b_DR9JTpvLJMMTuqqtL9g4SFRcRKu3besS-IwgT3zJ3BrpTRmR_CaQQc6dLQLDzNF01Pw/s320/summer.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">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 </span><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">main focus </span><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">pivot will align better with my daily thoughts and perhaps lend itself to posting more often. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">So... have you heard about the various <a href="http://gethealthyu.com/45-fun-and-healthy-activities-to-do-with-your-kids-this-summer/" target="_blank">healthy activities</a> available for kids during the summer months? I spotted this extensive list and wanted to pass it along. The fun includes artistic, </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">indoor/outdoor,</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">exploration, local trips and more!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Let me know your favorites. I love biking/hiking, drawing/painting, and dreaming up new juice pops and smoothie flavors! - Q</span></div>
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QuinnChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00945968886133842599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46336595272893933.post-42130167316720106652017-04-19T15:00:00.000-07:002017-04-19T15:00:27.221-07:00The Problem with Piracy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdK0hS-wnwvHHIwh_BqXyMEB8ATE-q6PMPxW0d5zRmDw6g2XXCKngWvQt6M1SWUO_h_mFw-8avBOgvYozRGKRncADp2bVUshfkPCqg8FQYL3aJrd4301YXBCb8S3B6K37xaC6F4coedw/s1600/piracy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdK0hS-wnwvHHIwh_BqXyMEB8ATE-q6PMPxW0d5zRmDw6g2XXCKngWvQt6M1SWUO_h_mFw-8avBOgvYozRGKRncADp2bVUshfkPCqg8FQYL3aJrd4301YXBCb8S3B6K37xaC6F4coedw/s320/piracy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">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. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Copyright is important in this country. Other countries - not so much.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">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</span>QuinnChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00945968886133842599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46336595272893933.post-15187022569667187222016-08-15T10:48:00.000-07:002016-08-15T10:49:36.858-07:00Writing On My Mind<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I hadn't realized it has been so long since I posted here. I post often at my <a href="http://williams-science.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">science blog</a>, 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. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">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. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">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</span></div>
QuinnChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00945968886133842599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46336595272893933.post-22475807297412608172015-11-02T07:27:00.001-08:002015-11-02T07:27:21.844-08:00It's Here! Picture Book Idea Month! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmSz8STY5poNiCxevFkR3o8wJ5PCK8qbdqx_CoujfEYN99nz10AqrtjuqFJVDczGiGIOqmfRk0LHVD_wTFFfMsi558bgxo1yBChx8-RXjG3PH4oupjLUl24P54F-Hs1Dd_Sb9WKRJc0Q/s1600/rocket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmSz8STY5poNiCxevFkR3o8wJ5PCK8qbdqx_CoujfEYN99nz10AqrtjuqFJVDczGiGIOqmfRk0LHVD_wTFFfMsi558bgxo1yBChx8-RXjG3PH4oupjLUl24P54F-Hs1Dd_Sb9WKRJc0Q/s1600/rocket.jpg" /></a></div>
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And we're off! Pencils sharpened. Laptops charged. Ideas unleashed. </div>
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Go! </div>
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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. </div>
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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.<br /><div>
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Sign up! You'll be glad you did. <br />-Q</div>
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p.s. Tara did not bribe me with scones, dark chocolate, or other goodies to write this post. But I wouldn't mind...</div>
QuinnChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00945968886133842599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46336595272893933.post-480386075688425362015-10-21T11:39:00.001-07:002015-10-21T11:39:22.673-07:00It's nearly Picture Book Idea Month time! Wahoo!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglITL90QjtAcM-2om5gEJrq4zUPRUTNzfK1iQl8HbzFKSptocdOIJePElXHedqlPz0YDezQibeKWaFh-_BpOZHx0PP46H1oA55tCdGRW2kcglwrLiT6Cl6kz9I775lU0nJ3a3ns6CzpA/s1600/Piboidmo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="127" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglITL90QjtAcM-2om5gEJrq4zUPRUTNzfK1iQl8HbzFKSptocdOIJePElXHedqlPz0YDezQibeKWaFh-_BpOZHx0PP46H1oA55tCdGRW2kcglwrLiT6Cl6kz9I775lU0nJ3a3ns6CzpA/s400/Piboidmo.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Do you ever have so many new ideas that you think your head will explode? I don't </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">either...</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">usually. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That all changed after attending a non-fiction NF4NF workshop for children's writers offered by <a href="http://www.patmillerbooks.com/" target="_blank">Pat Miller</a> in September. Now ideas are stampeding like mustangs before a storm. I just need to </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">wrangle </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">the herd and pick one (or three). </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzt3fznM8g3zcmwF7v2JAdvrLbI7Wf_gRjBjpZIzInRzneTVm59ljX9G-OZLFrUsbMCepwBDmq-btHiLN_mYzgutnrRl6H5Wv_07dhHR0SstKrEu_ddYPBbaeuZWDR79rJqSdTpuA8AA/s1600/IMG_2575.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzt3fznM8g3zcmwF7v2JAdvrLbI7Wf_gRjBjpZIzInRzneTVm59ljX9G-OZLFrUsbMCepwBDmq-btHiLN_mYzgutnrRl6H5Wv_07dhHR0SstKrEu_ddYPBbaeuZWDR79rJqSdTpuA8AA/s200/IMG_2575.JPG" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">How will I do it? I plan to participate again in PiBoIdMo 2015, an online writing event established by children's author Tara Lazar. (Check out her latest book, <a href="http://www.patmillerbooks.com/" target="_blank">Little Red Gliding Hood</a> to be released October 27th.) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">PiBoIdMo is pure writing magic. Every morning in November, no exceptions, I shuffle out of my bedroom in fuzzy bathrobe and slippers with my favorite pen and idea notebook. (See photo) and settle in for an hour before I have to get ready for my day job. With the creative gates open, ideas trot in from the ether. (The first year </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I participated</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I was skeptical, but now I KNOW it works.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Anyway, for those who are stuck for new ideas or have always wanted to write children's books, this is the perfect kickoff to success. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">-Q</span></div>
QuinnChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00945968886133842599noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46336595272893933.post-29855992649146426752015-09-25T12:08:00.001-07:002015-09-25T12:10:29.675-07:00On the Road with Alphabet Puke - Join the Fun!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh058HWvjxtqqH0iEQyiBkb3xTJsvWm2fawc62FIXmOPjtGOzu0qm3BM6Q5hgB2Feerj3K7HWba-0KfnSQOG73a8kYhk8YxCE9PFlusxSW5RGmuVylkutRqHEwcTYLWVoV_ssQd4pI1yQ/s1600/AP_cover.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh058HWvjxtqqH0iEQyiBkb3xTJsvWm2fawc62FIXmOPjtGOzu0qm3BM6Q5hgB2Feerj3K7HWba-0KfnSQOG73a8kYhk8YxCE9PFlusxSW5RGmuVylkutRqHEwcTYLWVoV_ssQd4pI1yQ/s320/AP_cover.png" width="309" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Tomorrow at 11:00 a.m. I'll be doing a book reading and signing of Alphabet Puke: Monsters' Medicine A-Z at the <a href="http://http.//www.thehealthmuseum.org" target="_blank">Museum of Health and Medicine</a> in Houston, Texas. Wahoo! I can hardly wait. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The museum gift store is aptly named, The Amazing Body Shop and has a variety of fun medical and health goodies. I plan to check out the plush microbes!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What is you favorite health letter? Mine is "G" for germs! But "H" for hiccup is a close second! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Come visit me tomorrow and we'll compare health letters and other medical fun with word finds, mazes, and coloring pages. I'm bringing my 3-headed monster stethoscope so we can listen to our jazzy or slumbering heartbeats. See you soon! -Q</span>QuinnChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00945968886133842599noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46336595272893933.post-52513434216271765612015-09-02T08:42:00.001-07:002015-09-02T08:42:03.833-07:00Creative Marinating <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhes2uvgBgROoAnsV5aLjPvx8RSP-gdLuAyqclkHp7_kStD-EVYXnp6OBsiQM3IaOYL_a500wql3dhroVgjMUTlAWICT6gVZ7mOg50kEmkdpjJVUqG-DY5gk96f4D9vThtEnkrGVcyLIg/s1600/writer_vacation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhes2uvgBgROoAnsV5aLjPvx8RSP-gdLuAyqclkHp7_kStD-EVYXnp6OBsiQM3IaOYL_a500wql3dhroVgjMUTlAWICT6gVZ7mOg50kEmkdpjJVUqG-DY5gk96f4D9vThtEnkrGVcyLIg/s1600/writer_vacation.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's true, I've been doing a lot of creative cross-training with my photography for the past few months. Interspersed with non-fiction deadlines, real estate chaos, and family ups and downs, my children's writing ethic has been on vacation for a while.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But now that school is starting, I have a workshop to attend and an author's event coming up. Plus I owe my critique group something wonderful, which I have yet to write. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I need to quit marinating and get ideas on paper. I have a couple of projects in mind, but I need to give myself a deadline. I never miss actual (publishing) deadlines. Perhaps before this year's November Picture Book Idea Month (</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">PiBoIdMo</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">)</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">, I will get at least 2 stories fleshed out and ready for critique. Then I'll have a full head of creative steam to begin the PiBoIdMo challenge! Yes! I'll do it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">How do you get motivated after days, weeks, or months of creative downtime? Want to be deadline partners? Let's stop marinating and start producing. -Q</span></div>
QuinnChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00945968886133842599noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46336595272893933.post-9069014238021510242015-07-10T13:27:00.001-07:002015-07-10T13:28:13.402-07:00Summertime Fun for Writers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqYHTspWXBN9uIB_jNuQCjNPVWHG1gzhDz9us-n5ScbUrZcOkSL_EihxXkZQpdYfraDxrJP3lNlYP-PXkVz9yTtZMIPdXv01-qWYGY8G63p58WOpME74pLDyTScCZfF1aq4SPGa7grzw/s1600/summer_tea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqYHTspWXBN9uIB_jNuQCjNPVWHG1gzhDz9us-n5ScbUrZcOkSL_EihxXkZQpdYfraDxrJP3lNlYP-PXkVz9yTtZMIPdXv01-qWYGY8G63p58WOpME74pLDyTScCZfF1aq4SPGa7grzw/s400/summer_tea.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">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.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What to do? I try to get out during the summer and discover new ideas, destinations, and activities that stimulate my writing. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">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. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">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</span></div>
QuinnChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00945968886133842599noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46336595272893933.post-83321346871272077862015-06-17T11:55:00.003-07:002015-06-17T11:55:40.291-07:00Promote or Perish<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzv7X7mZHnFMf481w9qCTQHODdO5pZBoa6b7DTgT2rd7hqOQFpV2m3IHIMwUspzeJvH8GFMvvFxlo9fibmyGruczkIvTzW2m-8OMBXDh5N6CmVvQ6r1yqu5fmwOxSaPreubiA_o4iyeQ/s1600/book_mktg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzv7X7mZHnFMf481w9qCTQHODdO5pZBoa6b7DTgT2rd7hqOQFpV2m3IHIMwUspzeJvH8GFMvvFxlo9fibmyGruczkIvTzW2m-8OMBXDh5N6CmVvQ6r1yqu5fmwOxSaPreubiA_o4iyeQ/s1600/book_mktg.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For those of you who have not checked the </span><a href="http://cbiclubhouse.com/clubhouse/" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Children's Book Insider</a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">, I highly recommend it. They have writers, teachers and connectors who help children's writers become successful. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">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." </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That hit home. For those of us who write, have children <i>and </i>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</span></div>
QuinnChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00945968886133842599noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46336595272893933.post-4002662296747370992015-02-27T09:29:00.003-08:002015-02-27T09:29:58.517-08:00Book club for Kids<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIunLE1t3hF4kfMkTZQu3gtXNCNeGf-COOoQ-yrH0jSyKeii89PgB1MbvKo1S3cJTvEueEwlZ-lcl-Bjj2uASbm5ZG2BgcDYXgEbkxFjYwb2gR0Vg_y-CbSKFZG1vUjMy1AYXkR_pvcQ/s1600/book_club.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIunLE1t3hF4kfMkTZQu3gtXNCNeGf-COOoQ-yrH0jSyKeii89PgB1MbvKo1S3cJTvEueEwlZ-lcl-Bjj2uASbm5ZG2BgcDYXgEbkxFjYwb2gR0Vg_y-CbSKFZG1vUjMy1AYXkR_pvcQ/s1600/book_club.jpg" height="136" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">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. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">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. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">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. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What ways do you further your skills as a children's writer? -Q</span>QuinnChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00945968886133842599noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46336595272893933.post-64098106063389590552015-01-26T13:12:00.000-08:002015-01-26T13:12:35.685-08:00New Web Presence Finally<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTWJ0SYGFh2PaKvGmpjEZnooc3jNFVo043YhQSXIVUF1hfw3Y2A3m4CY2HWpvTNR3Fp4iYVKutqIKZctBCMQVo802a2cE6maiCSgOUg2-0V6v2PgbBhmklwcMOp75zEdyMTE3L2FwY5Q/s1600/Mus_Disc_3-21-13_QC190.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTWJ0SYGFh2PaKvGmpjEZnooc3jNFVo043YhQSXIVUF1hfw3Y2A3m4CY2HWpvTNR3Fp4iYVKutqIKZctBCMQVo802a2cE6maiCSgOUg2-0V6v2PgbBhmklwcMOp75zEdyMTE3L2FwY5Q/s1600/Mus_Disc_3-21-13_QC190.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Wahoo! I finally got the websites figured out for my children's fiction and non-fiction work.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It was a lot of work, but thanks to the tech folks at the Author's Guild, I finally got everything up and running. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So you can find my children's fiction at <a href="http://quinncole.com/">quinncole.com</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">and my non-fiction at <a href="http://ldwilliams.com/">ldwilliams.com</a>. I'm hoping to simplify things and still maintain my sanity. Well, mostly. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In other news, I have posted picture books I love (some old favorites and some newly published) on my pinterest boards on <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/picbooksrock/picture-books-i-love/" target="_blank">children's fiction</a>, <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/picbooksrock/non-fiction-picture-books/" target="_blank">non-fiction</a>, <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/picbooksrock/illustrations/" target="_blank">illustrations</a>, <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/picbooksrock/first-lines-picture-books/" target="_blank">first lines</a> and <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/picbooksrock/western-picture-books/" target="_blank">westerns</a>. They are all so creative and fun to read. Definitely worth a look. -Q</span>QuinnChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00945968886133842599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46336595272893933.post-62528693845729981952015-01-02T11:57:00.004-08:002015-01-02T11:57:52.640-08:00New Year's Resolutions for BloggingOkay. I know good intentions and a nickel will get you... well, a nickel, but I am trying to update my fiction and non-fiction websites to simplify my online life. I will just have to give myself a pass and let you know that I am thinking about writing, actually writing, and occasionally updating all the social media sites for both writing personas. Whew! Just writing that makes me tired.<br />
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Anyway, I regularly blog about science, <a href="http://williams-science.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">here</a>. I "pin" about fiction and non-fiction topics <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/picbooksrock/" target="_blank">here </a>and <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/sciwhisperer/" target="_blank">here</a> daily. (Don't judge.) Oh! and I've also resurrected my love of photography. You can check out some of my latest images on Dreamstime, <a href="http://www.dreamstime.com/williamsphere_info" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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If I learn something amazing and/or simply have to share someone's great book news, I will be sure to do it. In the meantime, I am paddling like crazy to get organized with all the writing social media outlets. Thanks for hanging in there. Hopefully everything will get pared down in the next couple of months. -QQuinnChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00945968886133842599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46336595272893933.post-4020298045509875812014-10-27T12:03:00.003-07:002014-10-27T12:03:58.567-07:00Getting Your Picture Book to the Right Re-SellerOkay, I've ceased feeling guilty for the infrequent posts here (day job is crazy busy) since the alternative is to delete and focus on my<a href="http://williams-science.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"> non-fiction science blog</a>. But's what's the fun in that?<br />
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Anyway, I recently got to see how knowing your audience (and in this case, your re-seller) really makes a difference between a ho-hum response to a book and over-the-top excitement (at least by the sales staff).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgImDAJ9qWOWaND94v6E99rqOpTBGmtd-fYnYUzmKhgeNAijNWbpwZLBc1Y0VxLBWYndBA79FqCHxzJBSEEc26JNSJjtGfzE3To73jc9lVV4ysZXg_BQldZoA_652ao09gKZsuoMhOmpw/s1600/AlphabetCOV3d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgImDAJ9qWOWaND94v6E99rqOpTBGmtd-fYnYUzmKhgeNAijNWbpwZLBc1Y0VxLBWYndBA79FqCHxzJBSEEc26JNSJjtGfzE3To73jc9lVV4ysZXg_BQldZoA_652ao09gKZsuoMhOmpw/s1600/AlphabetCOV3d.jpg" height="320" width="296" /></a>Last Friday while in Houston, TX. visiting family, I stopped by the <a href="http://www.mhms.org/index.aspx" target="_blank">Museum of Health and Medical Sciences</a> gift shop. I thought a personal visit would allow me to provide background on why I wrote <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Alphabet-Puke-Monsters-Medicine-A-Z/dp/1936214946" target="_blank">Alphabet Puke: Monsters' Medicine A-Z</a> (take the scary out of sickness and health stuff) and rave about the great illustrations by Charles Eubanks. I'm much more animated in person than in correspondence. I was even able to mention the YouTube AP <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wcloNv3v6nY" target="_blank"> book trailer</a>.<br />
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The response was fantastic! A museum gift shop PLUS a children's picture book on medical terms and health. Who knew?! Anyway, the person who actually orders was out, but based on the initial response, I'm optimistic.<br />
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Fingers crossed! And let me know how your targeted conversations go with potential resellers. -Q<br />QuinnChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00945968886133842599noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46336595272893933.post-24324163430634647202014-08-22T08:03:00.002-07:002014-08-22T08:11:20.126-07:00Happy National Tooth Fairy Day!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhKs9qk1NITJe2d-yRT3vh_ow066uHZrnrmjpnapirwtT9Rp-O94xAexGx8txMi5xtlpIkBRZ3WZxiux2PXNlCjf5ocotyO01CZ-E6xrWWKhLHFk8ao87EiAkoM-1pnyPNA6Nb6wp25g/s1600/tooth_fairy_guardian.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhKs9qk1NITJe2d-yRT3vh_ow066uHZrnrmjpnapirwtT9Rp-O94xAexGx8txMi5xtlpIkBRZ3WZxiux2PXNlCjf5ocotyO01CZ-E6xrWWKhLHFk8ao87EiAkoM-1pnyPNA6Nb6wp25g/s1600/tooth_fairy_guardian.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As children's writers, this may be the closest we get to having a day dedicated to us. Or childhood. Or imagination. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Just reading the post title makes me smile and realize that no matter how many times a topic has been covered, it can be imagined in a new way. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">How have you pictured the tooth fairy in your imagination? Here are just a few books on the subject. All wonderful in different ways.</span></div>
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<ul><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUADiX9n-8PDRO3ewrayV3VUIvNhMUF_jln2m0U4Jm8Z1M61Nl5fnU3JhoIDzcKb7rvifKC483oMyyrryhNZX9Bys55ZC_SYOKnip-muoqjwAEkWX6e3eQLGXIZg54PkqkKI6n0KB34Q/s1600/tooth_fairy_man.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUADiX9n-8PDRO3ewrayV3VUIvNhMUF_jln2m0U4Jm8Z1M61Nl5fnU3JhoIDzcKb7rvifKC483oMyyrryhNZX9Bys55ZC_SYOKnip-muoqjwAEkWX6e3eQLGXIZg54PkqkKI6n0KB34Q/s1600/tooth_fairy_man.jpg" height="200" width="179" /></a>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Night before the Tooth Fairy by Natasha Wing</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Silverlicious by Victoria Kann</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Tooth Fairy Trap by Rachelle Burk</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Caraboose, The Tooth Fairy Moose by Janelle Cox</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Junie B. - Toothless Wonder by Barbara Parks</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Bear's Loose Tooth by Karma Wilson</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Tooth Fairy by Peter Collington</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Mary the Tooth Fairy by Nick Bell</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Tooth Fairy's First Night by Anne Bowen</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">April Underhill, Tooth Fairy by Bob Graham </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Tooth Book by Theo LeSieg</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You Think It's Easy Being the Tooth Fairy? by Sheri Bell-Rehwoldt</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Emma and the Tooth Fairy by Alexander Zavlavsky</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Dear Tooth Fairy by Alan Durant</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Throw Your Tooth on the Roof: Tooth Traditions from Around the World </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">by Selby Beeler</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Power up your imagination. Today is your day too. Happy Children's Authors Day! </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: center;">Happy National Tooth Fairy Day! -Q</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrLgBfRHU8_N26pahR2QdhuToFzyvfpYuf1C4ilRfFPdL0ut-aNCG07bYhzIxS67iGOwjzG0o699HNqrofFKsfJ8fO1oZT1trK8nc6_iD5K-s-xYLFG6cFzgreJboPc8Jpb3yQP9o7bQ/s1600/Tooth_fairy_muscle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrLgBfRHU8_N26pahR2QdhuToFzyvfpYuf1C4ilRfFPdL0ut-aNCG07bYhzIxS67iGOwjzG0o699HNqrofFKsfJ8fO1oZT1trK8nc6_iD5K-s-xYLFG6cFzgreJboPc8Jpb3yQP9o7bQ/s1600/Tooth_fairy_muscle.jpg" /></a></div>
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QuinnChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00945968886133842599noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46336595272893933.post-13088395596498015952014-08-06T14:55:00.001-07:002014-08-06T14:55:19.459-07:00Vacation Time is Divine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGgI3MRkeNzhaBByoU00N_8yLc3HMn2ZD-mUFrdoXN0vtMKtaKa3uC28ce7PvDUco4MxSGhG_rpTZoSg-vLEM7gdzSJ_tluEZSbB-8VwtUH-qMaG6Gozbais4tLDRWjkjqwjRzgk0WHQ/s1600/summer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGgI3MRkeNzhaBByoU00N_8yLc3HMn2ZD-mUFrdoXN0vtMKtaKa3uC28ce7PvDUco4MxSGhG_rpTZoSg-vLEM7gdzSJ_tluEZSbB-8VwtUH-qMaG6Gozbais4tLDRWjkjqwjRzgk0WHQ/s1600/summer.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As many people do, I have fond memories of summer vacation. School was out and except for household chores and sometimes grueling (if I didn't have a stack of books) car trips, the 3 months of summer were divine. Being known as a children's writer helps when people see me light up with joy at the start of June and don't dim until after Labor Day. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Even though I have to work at the day job all summer, I do get a couple of weeks off for good behavior. (Yes, Oregon. It was good to see you too!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In my writing, I try to capture that child-like glee of summer freedom as well. Anything that detracts from that feeling is "the problem" and the return of joy is the solution. Simple, right? Not really, but I like to think of childhood in those terms. (Yes, I am a bit of a Pollyanna. I admit it, but its better than the grumpy alternative.) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As you embark on your summer writing, try to use favorite summer home/vacation memories to pull the wonder of freedom and anticipation into your work. The exercise may surprise you and help develop depth to your work that you didn't anticipate. Happy summer! - Q</span></div>
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QuinnChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00945968886133842599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46336595272893933.post-31836420082669044562014-07-03T08:45:00.001-07:002014-07-03T08:46:48.624-07:00Social Media, Pinterest and Me<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiM1K9NFy-AVCU4S9kBeZRBZKffFT1siYHK51Q6ny7GPSL6x3oLfI5ClXDXFJJ5gfwA4wFmNpeaxW94l5b6NcJsIHYqph1nJuCN_BBCwXZj7cNfBGp_FuNbF7-teA_POeOp98tZ-kUnw/s1600/Social_media.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiM1K9NFy-AVCU4S9kBeZRBZKffFT1siYHK51Q6ny7GPSL6x3oLfI5ClXDXFJJ5gfwA4wFmNpeaxW94l5b6NcJsIHYqph1nJuCN_BBCwXZj7cNfBGp_FuNbF7-teA_POeOp98tZ-kUnw/s1600/Social_media.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We all have our favorites. Favorite color - purple, favorite fruit - blueberry, favorite fish - salmon. How about favorite social media? They are many. It's a maze. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The question I hear many authors ask is - "Which social media is best for my writing career?" No idea. There are too many variables. Do you want to reach other authors, agents, or editors? Or do you want to reach readers? Or do you want to communicate </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">only</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">with family or friends on social media? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Your ultimate goal determines which social media is best for you. Personally, I can't keep up with the latest and greatest. My theory is that when a new site overtakes the social media I am now on, I will look into it. Life is too short to chase social media to the detriment of writing time. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Okay, that said, my super visual self loves Pinterest. (don't judge.) I have a children's writing account, <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/picbooksrock/" target="_blank">Picbooksrock</a> and a science/steampunk/ 3Dprinting/non-fiction account, <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/sciwhisperer/" target="_blank">Sciwhisperer</a> account. These are relaxing, stimulating, and fantastically fun places to connect! Show and Tell for adults! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On Pinterest, I don't have to stress about which demographic is interested in an awesome illustration, <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/492159065501598674/" target="_blank">"The Blue Monster" by Christa Unzne</a> or <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/243475923579627421/" target="_blank">intricate 3D art by Kevin Mack</a>, Steampunk story starter, <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/243475923579730397/" target="_blank">"Modern Steam Monobike 1896" by Stefano Marchettiv</a> or picture book video, <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/492159065499677933/" target="_blank">Caps For Sale by Esphyr Slobodkina</a>. I just pin what strikes me and like-minded folks do the same. Perfect.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Is is a time suck? Can be. Does it help me keep track of writing resources shared by others? Absolutely. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Does it spark tons of creative ideas? Every day!</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> But the best thing about Pinterest? It's FUN! and I am exposed to tons of many different people and their favorite things. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Pinterest. Stop by and share a favorite. I will too. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- Q</span></div>
QuinnChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00945968886133842599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46336595272893933.post-7885185051509993482014-06-18T18:36:00.001-07:002014-06-18T18:36:23.406-07:00Cowboys, Campfires, and Growing Up in the West<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcsIUdYZ5BB2G0uEpyg9uWBgtCG1VJw3WuuZXbmNaE2mqT7FNgq0X5Nc71gGuTrXb4GbCSAQaDoRq8DFSrTFnlag5OAXYSFX-TlBHeDgxfL3oauOdeCktKs4YwfT-hY9M9U1gbFk0Sww/s1600/cowboys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcsIUdYZ5BB2G0uEpyg9uWBgtCG1VJw3WuuZXbmNaE2mqT7FNgq0X5Nc71gGuTrXb4GbCSAQaDoRq8DFSrTFnlag5OAXYSFX-TlBHeDgxfL3oauOdeCktKs4YwfT-hY9M9U1gbFk0Sww/s1600/cowboys.jpg" height="266" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Some of you know that I grew up on a ranch in western Nevada. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">John Wayne and my dad were my heroes. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I got my own horse, a good-natured Palomino at age 11. I was so overcome by happiness, I cried. Which really confused my parents until I explained they were happy tears. So how has this colorful upbringing affected my writing? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Well, a lot of family stories have been percolating like coffee on the campfire for years. Recently, I started pulling them together to share with my own native Texans and other children.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My stories are coming along, but have you thought about the special features of your upbringing? How does your writing reflect those early roots? Your unique insights could add the sparkle to an already interesting and fun story. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">-Q</span></div>
QuinnChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00945968886133842599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46336595272893933.post-49519304890469175152014-05-29T10:26:00.000-07:002014-05-29T10:26:26.857-07:00You Never Know Who Will Be Reading<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi19nkRFQffKK9mfxUe5p-1As8riQx3gT3EhCCBxrFGxwYB39EXaxMBZDZDfMUmmU8flJZfQgu0acBZEV1BEiYjJW3FV3wcQ9JE5fZw661sYWNEyITefoQuZvnUwLNwTFzdREcLXfn63w/s1600/reading.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi19nkRFQffKK9mfxUe5p-1As8riQx3gT3EhCCBxrFGxwYB39EXaxMBZDZDfMUmmU8flJZfQgu0acBZEV1BEiYjJW3FV3wcQ9JE5fZw661sYWNEyITefoQuZvnUwLNwTFzdREcLXfn63w/s1600/reading.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you are like me, reading and books have been part of your life since before you could remember. My mom was a career librarian, so I grew up in the library. Instead of rural Nevada, I could live in far away real and imagined places. I only ever met children's authors face-to-face through their writing. Hundreds of authors shaped my mind and values without us ever speaking a word.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now as a published author, I have the thrill of meeting children and discussing their favorite books and characters. I'm honored to pay-it-forward from those wonderful writers of my childhood.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Whether talking non-fiction and STEM topics or fiction and flying monkeys, the chance to share ideas with readers never gets old. It is one of the main things that keeps me encouraged when the rejections roll in or the day job gets busy and family asks me why I keep at it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">How about you? What part of writing for children do you enjoy most? - Q</span></div>
QuinnChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00945968886133842599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46336595272893933.post-41200957179804196422014-05-08T09:14:00.002-07:002014-05-08T09:14:39.349-07:00Board Book Bias?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxO05HqfFYmspJLnXG9oaEcSr6rYSpqO6KKxAbwwRGm8IqwS5Kxvm9tpkrdBYP_1eIQUAku04p40a8kis81JUmc1UC3KyaBXZwPu2C7aPueChjfO45RiULkEWJS8tsPkdeqJkz74ixuw/s1600/Giraffe_dance.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxO05HqfFYmspJLnXG9oaEcSr6rYSpqO6KKxAbwwRGm8IqwS5Kxvm9tpkrdBYP_1eIQUAku04p40a8kis81JUmc1UC3KyaBXZwPu2C7aPueChjfO45RiULkEWJS8tsPkdeqJkz74ixuw/s1600/Giraffe_dance.JPG" height="320" width="250" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've noticed over the past couple of years that a lot of popular picture books have been condensed into board books. The art is still great, but the stories and concepts often suffer. Plus, as was pointed out in a </span><a href="http://archive.hbook.com/magazine/articles/1997/mar97_horning.asp" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Horn Book article</a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> from nearly twenty years ago, publishers seem to put much less thought into making original board books (designed specifically </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">for toddlers) than they do repackaging $ making picture books.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here are a few examples of books that were written for older kids but are now available for toddlers, <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/on-the-night-you-were-born-nancy-tillman/1100354611?ean=9780312601553" target="_blank">On the Night You Were Born,</a> <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/little-blue-truck-alice-schertle/1101967705?ean=9780547248288" target="_blank">Little Blue Truck</a>, and <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/giraffes-cant-dance-with-book-giles-andreae/1100751816?ean=9780545392556" target="_blank">Giraffes Can't Dance</a>. These are great 32 page <i>picture books </i>with colorful illustrations, but I'm not convinced a toddler will understand the concepts (e.g. self esteem) as the author intended when it is shortened to a handful of pages. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Silly me, but writers and illustrators are directed by agents, editors and publishing contracts to write for a </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">designated </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">age group. A completed story is worked and reworked to fit into the intended category with age appropriate words, art, etc. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQFjjqRdIohd_XHFtgSriscZqGon4U79EjuRsOMOweFwbTnw46eBcRsRZA8EGkXTIA_7h0IFKlaRsWvFElWbgUHzHu8I_63xq1t-8iPjK4x0iuEaP_xtjH0dHj1S0Jji3Vq1Lyb8FdBw/s1600/Boynton.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQFjjqRdIohd_XHFtgSriscZqGon4U79EjuRsOMOweFwbTnw46eBcRsRZA8EGkXTIA_7h0IFKlaRsWvFElWbgUHzHu8I_63xq1t-8iPjK4x0iuEaP_xtjH0dHj1S0Jji3Vq1Lyb8FdBw/s1600/Boynton.JPG" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, it seems important to speak up in support of writers who write <u>original</u> board books! Writer/illustrator Sandra Boynton comes to mind. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">By the way, I admit I have a huge writer crush on Sandra's ability to tell a complete story in a very short word count. (Plus I love her art!) Books like <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/blue-hat-green-hat-sandra-boynton/1100327549?ean=2940000970928" target="_blank">Blue Hat, Green Hat </a>(which we call the "Oops! book" at our house), <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/doggies-sandra-boynton/1100319320?ean=9780671493189" target="_blank">Doggies</a>, and </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/going-to-bed-book-sandra-boynton/1100322379?ean=2940000953488" target="_blank">The Going to Bed Book</a> are wonderful for 1-2 year olds because <i>they are written for them.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Anyway, it's something to think about as writers and book buyers. I know what I plan to do. What do you think? Who are your favorite board book authors/illustrators? - Q</span></div>
QuinnChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00945968886133842599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46336595272893933.post-43190146467424899232014-04-25T13:00:00.000-07:002014-04-25T13:00:16.345-07:00The Day Job<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It has been over a month since I posted here. Did I forget you? Never! In fact, I have had a substantial amount of guilt over all the writing tasks that have taken a back seat in the last 2 months to my day job. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">March and April I run a large event in addition to my normal job tasks. This year, my management had even more confidence in my "endless" energy. I was given another 3 only slightly smaller events to coordinate in March/April on top of the huge event and my usual work. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Anyway, you get the idea. Tons of day job responsibilities that pay the bills, but zap most creative energy. Make dinner, feed the animals, shower, fall into bed, repeat.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Apparently, this is not a modern affliction. Many well know writers in history had day jobs and did fine. I enjoyed this <a href="http://www.slate.com/articles/arts/culturebox/features/2013/daily_rituals/is_the_key_to_becoming_a_great_writer_having_a_day_job.html" target="_blank">blog post by Mason Currey</a>. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thanks! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Guilt is sliding away. Hope is creeping in. The pressures of the day job recede and creativity is back in the driver's seat. Are you in the same place? Hang in there with me. We will succeed. -Q</span>QuinnChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00945968886133842599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46336595272893933.post-73893520918411978732014-03-19T10:51:00.002-07:002014-03-19T10:51:35.113-07:00Spring Break for Writers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6NznzQUhxTb7cVyhl_vVPH-1D6H_cML4g5jYsKl5IESamyFPaYF16cLdScroQOuNgiPThUqqPFk-YtdFMNh5ehJyAMLeTPUWsRyHZjVMeFoRLScU64qmn0apGiFh9OTIqcIBs_yB1Xg/s1600/Woman-beach-laptop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6NznzQUhxTb7cVyhl_vVPH-1D6H_cML4g5jYsKl5IESamyFPaYF16cLdScroQOuNgiPThUqqPFk-YtdFMNh5ehJyAMLeTPUWsRyHZjVMeFoRLScU64qmn0apGiFh9OTIqcIBs_yB1Xg/s1600/Woman-beach-laptop.jpg" height="320" width="288" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There are a lot of students and families on spring break in March. Lucky! Though my thoughts may take brief creative vacations from the day job, I am still sitting at my desk. </span><div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Plus, I want to be ready if/when the muse shows up. Although, maybe SHE is at the beach waiting for me to show up? Gulp!</span><div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Do you have traditional family activities or plan fun vacations for spring break? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Write about them! They could be just the unique idea or slant that a publisher is looking for. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Good luck! -Q</span></div>
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QuinnChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00945968886133842599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46336595272893933.post-67500171666576676362014-03-13T15:12:00.002-07:002014-03-13T15:12:51.430-07:00How Sweet It Is!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span id="goog_1182927763"></span><span id="goog_1182927764"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a>I just heard from my publisher that my medical picture book, <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/alphabet-puke?keyword=alphabet+puke&store=book" target="_blank">Alphabet Puke - Monster's Medicine A-Z</a> was named as a finalist in the Picture book - Early Reader section of the <a href="https://botya.forewordreviews.com/finalists/2013/press-release/" target="_blank">ForeWord Reviews 16th Annual Book of the Year Awards</a> today!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As you can imagine, I'm thrilled. If you haven't seen it, you have to check out the wonderful illustrations by Charles Eubanks. They lend just the right amount of silliness to take the edge off any illness and lend plenty of medicinal giggles. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Wahoo!! Tell your friends! Tell your pets! Tell the person sitting next to you on the bus/subway/airplane! Oh wait, that's my job. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm only a little excited...-Q</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>QuinnChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00945968886133842599noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46336595272893933.post-8169268266108649642014-03-03T15:04:00.001-08:002014-03-03T15:05:41.164-08:00Heart Connections in Children's Books<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When I was little, my mother read <i>The Little House</i> by Virginia Lee Burton to me. By the time she got to the end, I was so happy TLH had made it back to the country. Fast forward to adulthood. When I read TLH now,</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> tears roll down my face</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> half way through. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Why? Why after </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">many</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">years and life changes does this children's book </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">still </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">affect me? I believe it's the heart connections made in childhood. In TLH, the house was built on a pretty hill surrounded by daisies out in the country. Eventually the city expands until TLH is surrounded by high rise buildings that block out the sun. TLH longs for the sunny hillside. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I grew up in the country and eventually moved to Houston, TX amid high rise buildings that blocked out the sun. I seriously missed the open countryside and seeing the stars at night. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My childhood connections to </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>The Little House</i> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">can't be unmade. I can't unsee the illustrations. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now as I write this, I'm living in Arkansas and looking out the window at bright snow and woods. Like TLH, I'm back in the country.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Today I read <i>The Boy who was Raised by Librarians </i>by Carla Morris<i>.</i> By the end, I was more than misty. Why? Another heart connection. My mother was a career librarian. I have been in a library nearly every day of my life. I connected in a very personal way to this story.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So here's what I'm thinking. As a children's author, I need to pay more attention to the story ideas that come from a heart connection in my life. I believe those are the ones where my best writing will emerge. Those stories will have connecting power. What do you think? -Q</span></div>
QuinnChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00945968886133842599noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46336595272893933.post-56188280572394987672014-02-19T10:41:00.004-08:002014-02-19T10:44:12.613-08:00Good to Great in Picture Books<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It has been super motivational to complete PiBoIdMo two years in a row. I now have nearly 70 picture book ideas in the hopper. Several, I've developed into full-fledged stories. Polishing is ongoing after critique partners have taken a look.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But this year, the idea hit home that there are thousands, sigh, of good picture book stories pitched every day. What makes that one story take off and become great in the eyes of agents, editors, publishers, and readers? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I think the answer is surprise. What is it about a title or cover illustration that makes you take a second look or smile at the cleverness of the story? I've started thinking about my book ideas like an act at the circus. Will it cause readers to gasp at the suspense, giggle at the clowning, or rather take on a "been there, seen that" attitude.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here are some of the books that lead me to my hypothesis.</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus</i> (Huh! Pigeons can't drive!)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Boy + Bot</i> (love all things robotic plus the 2 points of view add interest)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Exclamation! </i>(extremely clever)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>I Want My Hat</i> (grumpy bear is a fashion horse?)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Extra Yarn</i> (hmm...yarn everywhere. I love knitting so this caught my eye)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>This Moose Belongs to Me</i> (Huh. Huge moose won't follow small boy's rules)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Press Here</i> (quite inventive)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>This is Not My Hat</i> (fish with a blue bowler and visual humor)</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You get the idea. These books are all fairly unique. There is not a vampire or magical boy in the bunch. They entertain and teach in different non-standard ways. And a lot comes out in the art.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So it seems that to really stand out in a busy picture book market, you have to REALLY stand out. I have tons of fun story ideas that I love, but most don't have the wow factor yet. I'll keep honing my craft and see where it leads. If it was easy, everyone would be publishing. - Q</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>QuinnChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00945968886133842599noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46336595272893933.post-1105712561175055942014-02-04T14:18:00.000-08:002014-02-04T14:18:10.482-08:00Write What You Wish You Knew<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We've all heard the advice to "write what you know." But what about sci-fi and historical topics? I love books in these genres and the old/new settings and civilizations described. How then can authors write something they know about if they didn't live hundreds of years ago or thousands of years in the future? It's a mystery!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But, if I were to guess. I would say historical research in the first case and research+science+imagination in the latter case. At least that's how I would tackle it. For science fiction, I would imagine all kinds of science gadgets that I wish I had or dreaded having, then give them to some young characters to figure out. I would do the same thing with clothing, environment, and family relationships to name a few. Then, I would start fiddling with a mashup of several of the threads. Conflicts? Characters? Journeys? Resolutions?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I wouldn't start out knowing much about the story, but with a lot of analysis and (for me) outlining. I would know a lot by the time I finished the story. How about you? Do you wonder about writing in the past or future, invisible or unknown? - Q</span>QuinnChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00945968886133842599noreply@blogger.com3