ABOUT WRITING, RUNNING, AND BEING OUTDOORS
On May 18th, we held 2 local region meetings, one for illustrators in Oakland, and the other for writers in Walnut Creek. It was just one of those scheduling things where one speaker could only do that day and we had already scheduled the other event. We weren't sure if there would be torn allegiances -- the desire to attend…
AppleSeeds Magazine's current issue, It's the Greatest, peeks at the greatest things in the world. I pitched a few queries - the sewing machine, The Great Pyramid, and Our National Park System. I was assigned the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. It was a wonder to whittle down to 2- 3 sentences on each Ancient Wonder after lots and lots…
I have completed 2 chapter book manuscripts. I've been submitting both a bit to agents and editors. Then I rewrite, then a new critique, then a new rewrite, then I submit. I've received complimentary rejections (which is way above a postcard, or check- the-box-of-no-suitability) and also postcards or crooked copies of "no thanks" form letters or just no response. So…
Even though I have spoken nationwide and consulted with firms around the world, children's writing is a totally different animal. It has taken me awhile to absorb and take to heart the wonderful advice and experiences from other published writers. It's not that I don't believe them, nor didn't understand how to implement their good advice. I think there was…
I am bringing Ginger Wadsworth, author of First Girl Scout, and Yosemite's Songster, to our SCBWI Marin County April 18th Marin Meeting at the Depot Bookstore & Cafe in Mill Valley. It seemed that if we're having her for an evening meeting, perhaps she could do a book signing earlier. The Depot thought that was a good idea, so now…
Now that I am back from rehabbing, both on my manuscripts and on my lower back for running, I see they both take the same trajectory. For each, I have a support group of 3 people. Three people in my critique group, and three people for early morning runs along the marsh and bay. Both groups are an endless source…
I'm excited about this new assignment - a short article about the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. I loved the research. I checked out every book from the children's library section in our county - some were good, some were okay, and some were downright boring. How could this be boring? So here is my short list of top…
This article is close to my heart. While I have visited my family over the many, many years they have lived in Australia, it was this article that immersed me into the true depth of the Aboriginal belief system. My family has toured me along many of the wonderful sites in Melbourne, along with the incredible museums. I've viewed Aboriginal…
COMING SOON in FACES magazine, The Dreamtime of Australia’s Aborigines. I collaborated with my sister, Linda Weil, Australian wildlife artist, on this article. What a great opportunity for me to talk with her about this article and her experiences.
I've had one children's manuscript done for a bit. But to get my elevator pitch down to a succinct, compelling, "I want to know more" one or two lines just bedevils me. (October Halloween talk). I write it, practice it, memorize it, rewrite it, re-memorize, and it goes on and on. I love my characters. I should let them give…