Children’s Writers’ Blog Hop

Children’s writers enjoy playing children’s games. Currently there is a game of tag taking place in the form of a Children’s Writers’ Blog Hop. Carol Baldwin tagged Janice Green.

Be sure to hop over to Janice’s blog http://honeycombadventures.com/ for a visit. She tagged me. Thanks, Janice!

 

 

At the end of my post, I’ll tag two more writers. The great thing about this blog hop is YOU, dear reader. Skipping through cyber space is more fun with friends!

 What do you write and why?

I write for children’s magazines, such as Clubhouse and Appleseeds. An assortment of fictional and non-fiction articles are in the mix. Writing for the Christian market is a joy but I also like producing positive literature for the secular market.

Another big part of my writing involves interviewing authors who write for children, middle grades, and young adults. The Write2Ignite! Writers Conference publishes the interviews on their website. I love this job because I research experienced writers, editors, and publishers.  I’m privileged with the opportunity of asking things writers would like to know.

Encouraging others through my blog is my weekly gig. Ordinary things become extraordinary when God’s light shines on them. It delights me to bring a little joy into someone’s day by exposing those things.

The magazine articles, the interviews, and the blog keep me quite busy. However, one may find me scribbling away on a children’s book. One picture book is almost complete if I can just discover the perfect ending! 

 

What would you like to try as a writer but have not?

Oh!  There are many things I want to try! A beginning-reader chapter book on recently discovered ocean life would be fun to write.

Ideas for a fantasy book swirl in my mind on a regular basis.

Someday, a devotion book for children would be an amazing challenge.

Writing is hard work but I love the variety!

 

What is the hardest part about writing?

Staying focused.

God gave me a precious pastor-husband to share my life journey with and He blessed me with children to love, nurture, and homeschool. The people God brings in my path each day are top priority.

However, many lives can be touched through written words as well. Literature has the power to influence and change a person’s life—for better or for worse. I want my writing to make a positive impact in the world.

In order to do that, I must educate myself and practice the craft of writing. Carving out time to write means eliminating television and reducing things that can guzzle my time, like facebook.

 

My own jumping bean thoughts challenge me daily. I continually struggle to rein them in. Making lists seems to tame them for a short while.

Three-hour chunks of writing time are golden at my house so I must learn to shut out frivolous distractions to produce quality work.

Any words of wisdom for other authors?

Oh, mercy, I am not experienced enough to hand out any writing wisdom! I will share with you some things that have helped me:

·         Attend writing conferences. You can learn a vast amount in a short time span. Plus, the people you meet there are valuable gems.

·         Read heaps of books.  Read for enjoyment but also study books on the craft of writing. Your library should have plenty of these. The more I read about the craft, the more I realize I need to learn.

·         Prioritize. Live a multifaceted life, embracing the people and experiences God gives you. Savor the simple moments as much as the complex. This enriches your life and your writing.

 

·         Practice writing regularly—journaling, blogging, articles, and manuscripts.

·         Don’t get discouraged. Maintain a separate calendar for all your writing endeavors. Write down every book and blog you read on the craft of writing and the writing conferences you attend. Jot down every time you make a connection with another writer whether it is in person or via social media. Record the time you actually spend on writing. And, of course, note when and where you send your submissions.

If you love writing, do not let rejections sway you into quitting prematurely.

Look back over your writing calendar. You will see how much you actually achieved. You are learning! Every book, every conference—they all are accomplishments towards your goal in becoming a great writer.

C.S. Lewis said,

“It is only by going through a volume of work that you will close that gap, and your work will be as good as your ambitions. It’s gonna take awhile. It’s normal to take awhile. You’ve just gotta fight your way through.”

That seems like an excellent place to end and tag two other writers. They will post their interviews the week of November 4.

Hop over to author Nancy Sanders blog. She has written over 80 books for children, teachers, and writers. I’ve learned a great deal from her and I’m sure you’ll love her blog at http://nancyisanders.com/blogzone/.

Also, please visit another dear friend of mine, Samantha Bell at http://paintandpencils.com/. Samantha is an author and illustrator. She recently launched a new book, The Perfect Pet. Wait until you see her beautiful artwork!

 

Thank you, Nancy and Samantha! “Tag—you’re it!”