Books | Cathy C. Hall Writes

In my zipping around on the wacky world of the web, I often come across terrific info and bookmark it-then forget to EVER go back and actually read up on the info. Kinda defeats the purpose, right?

So, I found that when I share these info-tastic links here on Finders & Keepers, I’m less likely to forget. And more likely to read up. Plus, you get to check out the info-tastic links, too. It’s a win-win-win!

First up, I came across a fun blog called The Writer’s Alley, wherein that old bugaboo, “Show, Don’t Tell,” was discussed. And within the post, I found a delightful link to an interesting worksheet that might be helpful if you struggle with this bit of a sticky writer wicket.

Next, I loved, loved, loved this site called Flashlight Worthy, with handpicked book recommendations on bunches of topics. I bookmarked the Children’s Books page which will take you to lots of different lists. Like Picture Books we Love to Hate or Books If You Like Cinderella. Seriously, I could spend a month reading these lists.

And finally, I found the latest Highlights Current Needs. Increase your chances of seeing your byline in the magazine by sending in something that Highlights needs. I’m partial to that “humorous stories” for young readers on the list, but there’s plenty to go around, no matter what you like to write.

That should keep you busy. Unless you bookmark this post to read for later!

Sure, you’re all about the writing. But if you want to write for kids, or teens, or even toddlers, then it might be a good idea to check out what kids, or teens, or even toddlers are reading (or chewing on, as the case may be).

That’s why I like this site I stumbled upon recently: Teens Read, too. At TRT, you can find the latest books, as well as great reviews. You can even find the TRT Hall of Fame, listing those books that the reviewers consider to be all-time keepers.

In a perfect world, I’d read all these books. But in the less-than-perfect world I live in, it’s pretty darn convenient to run to this site to check out a book. Then I can decide whether I want to read it. Or, at the very least, I can get enough info to sound somewhat intelligent at the SCBWI conferences.

Kidlit.com is another great place to check out if you write for the kidlit set. It’s the site of Mary Kole, associate agent at Andrea Brown Literary Agency. She writes about manuscripts, and books, and advice and agent stuff. Well, you get the picture. And if you want to get your picture book published, she might be just the gal to lend a helping hand.

So here’s something for you to chew on: make reading part of your writing routine, and see how far you can go!