Cathy C. Hall Writes

I’m pretty sure I live in Georgia. But I’m wondering if I’ve slipped into some alternate universe. I mean, there’s STILL a couple inches of snow on the ground and brrrr! Baby, it’s cold outside. So, I bundled up to take a little trek, seeing as how I’m stuck in this freezing universe at the moment.

It wasn’t horrible, I suppose. I dressed in layers. That’s the trick. Which brings me to Snow Writing Lesson, Part II: Layers.

Without layers, I can step outside for the journey, but I won’t get far before I give up. Better to be prepared for the adventure. Pull on that thermal shirt, and then a flannel shirt, and then the toasty, knitted scarf, and finally my extra-thick, winter coat. Maybe even that goofy stocking cap. All those layers make a difference.

What about your adventurous novel? Or your short trek of a story? Have you added all the layers you need to make the difference between a richly woven, complex tale or a one-dimensional, static fizzle-out? You might want to start with your characters.

Characters can add a ton of texture. Multi-dimensional characters are interesting, believable, and keep the reader hooked. Flat characters, not so much. You might want to check out Darcy Pattison’s Checklist of 17 Character Qualities (and maybe even the related posts.) I heard Darcy speak at a conference; she’s a pretty multi-dimensional character herself.

Or take a look at the Character Workshop offered by Holly Lisle. Lots of interesting story paths to consider when answering those questions.

Bottom line: Bundle up your writing in warm layers. Then, your readers will follow your story anywhere. (Um, maybe not into some freezing alternate universe where it’s crazy cold like Georgia. But that could just be me.)

Now, who doesn’t like money for writing? But you can’t get something for nothing if you want to win one of the SCBWI Work-in-Progress grants. You’re going to have to apply.

Here’s how it works. Let’s say you’re working like a dog on your latest manuscript, and you could really use a little financial help whilst working. Let’s say you need to make a trip for research. Or maybe you need to make a retreat for uninterrupted writing time. Honestly, maybe you’d just like grocery money. You can use the grant money for whatever your need is.

And there are different categories of grants, with main winners and runners-up. Your chances of winning a grant (as long as you’re an associate or full member of SCBWI) are good. But you can improve your chances by working just as hard on that grant as you do your work-in-progress. Check your spelling, write complete sentences, present yourself professionally. Make SCBWI want to throw that money at you!

That’s why I’m mentioning it now. Go check out all the details here and start working on the application. You have a full two months to make everything spiffy! On the other hand, you only have a few days to make your children’s poetry spiffy.

But you can do it! Check out my post over at the Hall of Fame regarding several poetry contests. I think every contest had a category for children’s verse. If you have a wonderful poem, hanging about collecting cyber-dust, polish it off and send it out. The entry fees are so reasonable, you can’t afford to pass this opportunity up.

‘Cause you know…who doesn’t like money for writing?!