posse: 2015

Friday, November 6, 2015

word of the week

Our Word of the Week

that I added to the fish bowl on my desk

is...

community (noun) 1. a feeling of fellowship with others as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals.

Tuesday, October 6, 2015

books to read

Excited about

my newest stack of

books to read.

Neversink

Each Little Bird That Sings

Finders Keepers

The Vanishing Island

The Interestings

Wednesday, August 12, 2015

word of the week

Our Word of the Week

that I added to the fish bowl on my desk

is...

wonder (noun) 1. a feeling of surprise mingled with admiration, caused by something beautiful, unexpected, unfamiliar, or inexplicable.

Thursday, July 9, 2015

favorite quotes from scbwi conferences

The SCBWI Summer Conference in Los Angeles is only a few weeks away. I’ve attended this conference every summer since 2009 and it never ceases to inspire me. Here are a few quotes I’ve collected over the years.

"Show up. Pay attention. Tell the truth. Let go of the outcome."
-Karen Cushman

"Take care of your writer self." -Gennifer Choldenko

"Listen to your pages." -Libba Bray

“Be proud of what you wish for.” –Carolyn Mackler

Also, an inspiring keynote by Judy Shachner.

A few more good quotes.

And, a link to my all-time favorite workshop given by Lin Oliver and Henry Winkler called “Comedy Comes From the Heart.”

I can hardly wait for more!

Ps. If you go to the conference and spot a lady holding this swan notebook, you've found me. Please say hello!

Sunday, July 5, 2015

books to read

Excited about

my newest stack of

books to read.

Murder is Bad Manners

Evil Librarian

Pack of Dorks

Masterminds

The Game of Love and Death

Saturday, July 4, 2015

word of the week

Our Word of the Week

that I added to the fish bowl on my desk

is...

systematic (adj) 1. done or acting according to a fixed plan or system; methodical

Thursday, June 11, 2015

confession from a middle grade writer

Maybe it’s because I have a three year old, but I’ve been thinking a lot about pretend play. As a writer, it’s my job to pretend. Day after day, sitting at my desk, I pretend my characters are real.

I also pretend my writer self does not exist.

Instead of a writer, I think of myself as an actress. I live in the skin of my protagonist. I dress like her. I eat like her. I talk in her voice. I keep a journal as if it were hers.

After that, I pick up a new profession. I’m a gardener and I tend to my words with patience and care. I trim the story where my garden has overgrown. I pull out weeds and I keep planting new things.

Then, with a first draft in hand, I turn into a surgeon. I cut open the manuscript with precision and confidence. I use my tools. I ask for help from other professionals. I remain calm. I finish the job.

Finally, when the writing day is done, I take a bow, dust off my hands, hang up my white coat, and go back to calling myself a writer.

Monday, June 8, 2015

books to read

Excited about my

newest stack of

books to read.

Codename Zero

Life After Life

Lessons I Never Learned at Meadowbrook Academy

The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks

The Great Greene Heist

Sunday, June 7, 2015

word of the week

Our Word of the Week

that I added to the fish bowl on my desk

is...

ragamuffin (noun) 1. a grimy dirty little urchin or waif with ratted greasy hair

Friday, May 15, 2015

a perfectionist revises

Inspired by this wonderful post and this wonderful post, I’ve been thinking about how revision relates to me.

I should start by saying I’m a neat freak, so when I receive an editorial letter from my super smart agent, my immediate reaction is filled with anxiety. I don’t like when things are messy and I want to hide all of this messiness in the bottom of a trashcan. Honestly, I picture throwing my manuscript into my blue recycling bin and never looking at it again.

This, as it turns out, is my work as a writer. To see that mistakes aren’t really mistakes, instead they are indicators of where I can dig deeper.

However, as I begin to dig deeper, I feel vulnerable and because I feel vulnerable, I have a tendency to rush through a rewrite. I cut out entire scenes with one swipe of the delete key and I quickly write new scenes just to fill the missing space. This technique does not work for me! When I rush, I end up with a story that is hollow.

So how do I keep from rushing? The moment I get an editorial letter, I remind myself I’m grateful for the feedback. Then I step away from the computer. I let myself feel uncomfortable. And, I wait. I do not go anywhere near my manuscript! During this waiting period, which usually takes a few days, the notes begin to move from my head and into my heart.

Here are a few things I tell myself while I’m waiting.

I will listen.

I will trust my process.

I will not throw my manuscript in the trash.

I also have this sentence tacked above my desk. I look at it everyday.

There are discoveries I haven’t made yet.