Category Archives: 1

Finding Keepers: A Blog, A Book, and a Market (Oh, My!)

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My, oh my. I love books! And I especially love winning books! So, when I saw that I’d won a copy of Crocodaddy by the gifted (and funny-face-making) Kim Norman, I was pretty much beside myself. Want to know how I won?

Here’s the scoop: I popped into Sally Apokedak’s blog All About Children’s Books. Where she just happened to be giving away Crocodaddy. All I had to do was leave a comment with my own version of a Crocodaddy poem. Actually, I wrote three poems, because that’s the way I roll. Not that it gave me a better chance to win. I’m just lucky at winning books. (Some day I’m going to figure out how to transfer that luck to selling books…but that’s an entirely different post.)

Sally reviews lots of books and participates in blog tours and such, and stopping by to see what she’s schmoozin’ about is a great way to get the scoop on what’s hot in the children’s world of literature. And you might meet a witty author, or win a great book.

And now, because a good market is hard to find, I’m throwing in the call out for Learning Through History. If you’ve got an idea for a thrilling article Ireland-related, circa 19th century, you have till June 15th to send your pitch. Remember that LTH is for readers aged 12 – 17 years.

As promised…a blog, a book, and a market. Oh, my. I’ve outdone myself!

Finding a Freebie Writers Conference

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That’s right, a free writers conference. And you don’t even have to leave the comfohandrt of your home. Or your favorite chair, for that matter.

Gayle Trent has put together a host of talented writers, editors, publishers,  and maybe even a fairy godmother to advise, help, and otherwise send great tips along to the writer who may not have the bucks to go gallivanting off to a conference right now. All you have to do is zip over to the Virtual Writer’s Conference, right now, and start reading.

That’s it. The conference started yesterday (you’ll find my post “Top Ten Reasons You Should Have a Blog” on the 19th!) and new posts will continue to go up through tomorrow. Come to think of it, the posts will be there for as long as you like, ’cause it’s a virtual writer’s conference!

And best of all, you don’t have to worry about missing out on any “session” because you need a potty break! Oh, and a few of the posters are offering prizes!

Margo Dill will be giving away a free edit for a manuscript (Margo’s an editor and author of a middle-grade novel to be published this year) if you comment on her blog devoted to children’s lit,  “Read These Books and Use Them.” Check out Margo’s post about revising your children’s manuscript and get the details about her contest.

You’ll find me and Margo and tons of writing wisdom at the Virtual Writer’s Conference. And if you find that fairy godmother, let me know. I could use a wish or two.