Writing for Children Part 2–Preschool Picture Books

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Last time, I posted a blog on Writing for Children (Part 1), and addressed the challenge of writing boardbooks. The next sub-genre in the genre of children’s literature is what I call the preschool picture book. This is not the 32-page picture book with a full plot and story (i.e. beginning, middle, and happy ending). The books in this category are books that consist mainly of word play. What do I mean by "word play"? Glad you asked.

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Drastic Measures for Drastic Situations

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Hello! Maureen Pratt here for my monthly CAN blog contribution. I’ve just returned from the dentist, so am even-more-than-usually delighted to be here (she writes, grinning with those newly repaired pearly whites)! To be completely honest, although not exactly fun, my unexpected detour to drill-land has inspired my topic this month: Drastic measures for drastic situations. That is, what do you do when every trick, technique, and type font has been exhausted and you’re still not happy with what you see pouring forth on the page? Do you abandon the project (not easy, if you’re on contract and deadline)? Do you…

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Tips from the Pros: Sherry Kyle

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Greetings from Sarah Sundin! This past week I attended Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference, where I roomed with one of my dearest friends – and this week’s interviewee – Sherry Kyle. Sherry writes for tween girls (8-12 years) and also writes women’s fiction. Her newest women’s novel, The Heart Stone, has an official release date of April 1, but is already available now! Sherry, how did you get into writing? When my children were young, I’d take them to the public library, and we’d check out a dozen books every couple of weeks. As we snuggled on the couch and read…

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The Marketing Blitz Begins!

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Hello! Pamela S. Meyers here with another article on book promotion. Back when I was asked to write this monthly blog post, my debut novel, Thyme for Love had just released, and so my focus was on getting the word out about my new book. Now I am in the beginning of a marketing blitz for a novel that I’ve been blessed to set in my hometown. The official release date for Love Finds You in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin is April 1, 2013. However, my publisher Guideposts/Summerside Press surprised me with an early soft release, and it’s been available for…

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Tips from the Pros: Lynda T. Young

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Greetings from sunny–and short–springtime in central Florida! Marti Pieper here, lifting my head from my current manuscript long enough to share an insightful interview with author Lynda T. Young. Lynda not only has an interesting journey to publication but some unusual elements to her marketing strategy as well. Welcome, Lynda! Let's forge ahead with the interview.  How did you get into writing? How many books do you have published? What are a few of your latest titles? I co-founded a ministry, Kindred Spirits International, in 1999 and we sent out a newsletter. My articles mainly dealt with children’s hospitals and…

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Connecting with God

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As writers for the Christian market, we strive to bring our readers closer to God, to reconnect them to the One who sent His Son to die for our sins, but we have to connect to Him first before we can connect others through our books.

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Tips From the Pros: Christine Lindsay

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A Rocky Mountain "hi" here from Davalynn Spencer. I'm happy to introduce author Christine Lindsay today with her unusual journey from heartbreak to publication. How did you get into writing?  It sounds like a downer, but a broken heart got me started writing. No worries, the Lord soon brought healing into my life, and a new sense of purpose, and joy. About 14 years ago, I was reunited with the grown daughter that I had relinquished to adoption when she was three days old. Her name is Sarah. Seeing Sarah again when she was 20 years old was one of…

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Antique Dreams

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Antique Dreams by Amber Stockton Lillian’s brother has one last request On a cold April night as the Titanic sinks to the ocean floor, Conrad Bradenton asks his new business partner, Aaron Stone, to fulfill a final wish: that Aaron return a well-worn book to his family and take care of his sister. Aaron seeks out Conrad’s family, never imagining the depth of his commitment until he meets lovely Lillian Bradenton. Hit hard by the despair in her eyes, Aaron encourages Lillian to restore her hope by bringing a boarded-up bookstore back to life. Lillian is uncertain whether she can…

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I’m a Writer Not a Speaker: Tips from the stage

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My undergraduate degree is in theatre arts, so standing before a crowd and sharing my message comes naturally. But many writers tell me, "I’m a writer, not a speaker." If this describes you, let me offer a few tips from the stage to make your next booksigning, author coffee, or speaking opportunity more comfortable.

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Research For Historical Fiction – Part II

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        Hi from Gail Gaymer Martin at www.gailgaymermartin.com.  I'm sorry I missed the blog last month.  I was staying in Sedona, AZ for two months and we'd driven back to Michigan and empty half my office into the living room and boxes of so many things we lug with us, and it took a few days to get organized.     But I'm back again and happy to share more about researching for fiction. In January, I talked about Writing Fiction in general.  Today I will share Part II of the  information on Researching Historical Fiction.

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