Writing craft | 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!

I always seem to be in a hurry to get everything done. Even when it comes to little, bitty tweets. So, when I’m zipping through tweets, I like to bookmark stuff that looks interesting. Then later, like when I’m watching the Braves on TV (mostly during commercials or when the other team is at bat), I can catch up on what I missed. That’s how I happened on Rick Riordan’s website where he offers Advice for Aspiring Writers.

Rick Riordan’s a fairly successful children’s writer, so I thought this might be some bodaciously fine advice for me, the wannabe published children’s writer. And I was right. Mr. Riordan shares his thoughts about his own writing journey, writing in general, and publishing. He keeps it short and (mostly) sweet, so even for a time-crunched writer such as myself, it’s easy to read the whole thing.

And if you have another quick minute, you might want to zip over to My Literary Quest, where a gal writes from the aspiring novelist trenches. I came across her post on The Evil Adverb when I logged in to write this quick post (where WordPress highlights a few blogs). And as she made a fine point or two, AND had “aspiring” right up there in her blog title, I took that as a sign.

So now, during a few commercials, I’m a smarter writer. Um, I may still need to work on that adverb thing.