Summer is coming! That means it’s time to take a blogging break (actually, since it’s quite a while since I posted, it may seem that I’ve already been taking one. I hope this post will make up for that, a bit at least.)
Before the blog goes off on its vacation, I’d like to share some resources with you. Some you may already be familiar with, others may be new to you. This is just a sampling of the plethora of resources out there. I hope you’ll find something helpful in the ones I’ve shared in the links below.
Websites:
KidLit411 has been named Writer’s Digest’s top kidlit blog for another year! It’s a well-deserved honor. The brainchild of Elaine Kiely Kearns and Sylvia Liu, KidLit411 is a one stop shop for all things related to the world of writing and illustrating for kids, from the littlest ones to the oldest readers of YA. If you ever are looking for resources, links, information, advice about writing or illustrating for kids, go to KidLit411 first.
Susanna Leonard Hill is an author who truly believes in giving back to the writing community. She is the driving force behind Perfect Picture Book Friday, she hosts a weekly opportunity for writers to hone their pitches with Would You Read It Wednesday, she has fabulous writing contests throughout the year (which are pretty much world famous 😉 ) and as if all that weren’t enough, she posts writing advice from time to time in Oh Susanna, and the list goes on.
Tara Lazar isn’t just active in January when writers join her StoryStorm challenge to come up with story ideas. Tara’s blog runs year-round, and has tons of information for writers. Check it out!
Emma Walton Hamilton is a very busy woman, and doesn’t have time to blog as often as she used to, but her blog archive is a treasure trove of writing advice for anyone writing picture books, middle grade novels, or YA novels.
The Writer’s Lesson Book is a new-to-me website that fits right in with the use of mentor texts that I’ve been posting about this year. The subheading of the blog says it all — Tips for Writers from the Books We Read.
Fiction University with Janice Hardy is also a treasure trove, for writers of any genre for any age. Her posts cover the full gamut of writing advice, advice about getting an agent, publishing tips — you name it. I recently worked through Janice’s Revision Workshop, and it was an excellent in-depth month-long course that I know I will benefit from for the rest of my writing career.
Magazine:
I mentioned Writer’s Digest earlier in this post. If you’re not already reading this bi-monthly magazine about all things writing, then I urge you to start. It’s available where magazines are sold. I’d also urge you to find back issues at your library, if your library carries it. I keep my issues and often refer to them. Their website is also a fount of information.
Facebook Groups:
KidLit411 also has an excellent Facebook Group where writers and illustrators can find support, information, and encouragement. From their own description of the Group: “A Facebook group of children’s writers and illustrators run by the founders of the website www.Kidlit411.com. Share your information and kid lit news and join a fun community.“ They also have a manuscript swap group and a portfolio swap group.
StoryStorm has a year-round Facebook Group as well, focusing on all things kidlit during the months that the challenge itself isn’t happening. From the description on Facebook: “A discussion group for writers participating in STORYSTORM every January.” As I said, though, the discussion ranges over a variety of topics related to writing, just as Tara’s blog does.
Children’s Book Hub Facebook Group. I would be remiss if I didn’t also mention the Facebook Group that Emma Walton Hamilton and I co-administer. It, too, is intended to cover all things kidlit. From our description: “This private group is for established and aspiring children’s book authors, illustrators and editors. It is intended to facilitate news and discussion about all things pertaining to writing and publishing books for children and young adults.“
There are so many other resources — I could go on and on (and on). Come back next fall, when I’ll share more with you in the new blogging year. Until then, happy summer, and happy writing!