Writing Tips
Although I was a voracious reader, I didn't start writing for publication until I was a stay-at-home mother of three. When I took my first writing course at American River College, a lightbulb switched on--I could do this! And I wanted to do this more than anything else I'd ever tried. I immersed myself in writing and showed up at my computer keyboard nearly every day. If you're interested in writing, I offer the following tips:
Take a Writing Course
There are many great places to take writing courses, including community colleges, correspondent courses such as the Institute of Children's Literature, and online. Community colleges are a great place to meet fellow writers in person, hear feedback from others, and get into a writing routine to meet weekly deadlines. When community colleges aren't available, correspondent courses can be just the ticket. You don't have to drive anywhere and you can show up in your pajamas. The same is true for courses online. Some of the best online writing courses are offered by children's authors Anastasia Suen and Laura Purdie Salas.
Join
the Society of Children's
Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI)
SCBWI is the national organization for children's writers. In addition to offering national conferences once a year in Los Angeles and New York, regional chapters of SCBWI are located across the country so writers can attend conferences locally. Conference attendees not only get the chance to network with other writers, they also learn from the best authors, editors, agents, and illustrators in the industry.
Attend Workshops
Many organizations offer workshops as well. Some of the best writing workshops are Highlights Founder workshops, Writers Workshop at Chautauqua, and BYU's Writing for Young Readers.
Visit Popular Websites
Of all the writing websites, none are better than Verla Kay's and Harold Underdown's Purple Crayon websites. Both offer a wealth of information on all aspects of writing for children. Kim Norman's website offers a state-by-state list of authors who give school visits with links to their websites.
Read, Read, Read and Write, Write, Write
No matter how many classes you take, the most important thing to do is to immerse yourself in the genre you want to write--and write! Award-winning author, Jane Yolen, often says the key to success is "BIC"--butt in chair.
I've attended many writing conferences. One of the first was Highlight's "Writing from the Heart" workshop in Honesdale, PA with Joy Cowley in 2001.
SCBWI is the national organization for children's writers. In addition to offering national conferences once a year in Los Angeles and New York, regional chapters of SCBWI are located across the country so writers can attend conferences locally. Conference attendees not only get the chance to network with other writers, they also learn from the best authors, editors, agents, and illustrators in the industry.
Attend Workshops
Many organizations offer workshops as well. Some of the best writing workshops are Highlights Founder workshops, Writers Workshop at Chautauqua, and BYU's Writing for Young Readers.
Visit Popular Websites
Of all the writing websites, none are better than Verla Kay's and Harold Underdown's Purple Crayon websites. Both offer a wealth of information on all aspects of writing for children. Kim Norman's website offers a state-by-state list of authors who give school visits with links to their websites.
Read, Read, Read and Write, Write, Write
No matter how many classes you take, the most important thing to do is to immerse yourself in the genre you want to write--and write! Award-winning author, Jane Yolen, often says the key to success is "BIC"--butt in chair.
Conference Photo
Gallery
I've attended many writing conferences. One of the first was Highlight's "Writing from the Heart" workshop in Honesdale, PA with Joy Cowley in 2001.
Henry Winkler ("The
Fonz") and I at the SCBWI Conference in Los Angeles 2007. (I knew I'd
be cool one day!)
In 2004, I attended a great workshop with Lisa Wheeler at BYU's Writing and Illustrating for Young Readers Workshop.
In 2004, I attended a great workshop with Lisa Wheeler at BYU's Writing and Illustrating for Young Readers Workshop.
Text
© Lori Mortensen. All rights reserved.
Updated October 2009
Updated October 2009