For Writers
Why carrots?" you ask. Where's the photo of the chocolate I love so much? Well, I have a terrific writing colleague, Francine, who sets a writing goal for herself and awards herself a "carrot"--a special reward--when she meets her goal. It could be new shoes, dinner out, those earrings at the boutique, a scarf, or...chocolate! Francine's motivational trick was adopted by the rest of our writing group, and when we decided to start a group blog focused on writing strategies and maintaining motivation, 24 Carrot Writing was born. Those are the 24 Carrot Writing ladies below! Click the link below to visit our website and blog.
Click here to read
24 Carrot Writing's latest blogs and interviews with children's book
authors and illustrators.
To read reviews of some of our favorite children's books, click here.
TIP FOR ALL WRITERS -- Get involved with the writing community!
*Become a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) or other reputable writing organizations related to your writing genre.
*Attend writing workshops and conferences (and be sure to network while you're there).
*Find and join a critique group.
*Network with fellow writers on social media, such as Twitter and Facebook.
*Attend writing workshops and conferences (and be sure to network while you're there).
*Find and join a critique group.
*Network with fellow writers on social media, such as Twitter and Facebook.
By interacting and staying connected to the writing community, you will find an amazing support group of those who share your passion for writing.
WRITING TIP -- Lose Some Adverbs
We use adverbs to add description to our sentences. He walked slowly certainly works and gives the reader an image of his walking. But why not try enriching your writing by using stronger, more vivid verbs? Lose some adverbs and use a more specific verb instead. He strolled/trudged/sauntered/dragged his feet. Each one provides a slightly different visual. See the difference? Give it a try!
WRITING TIP -- Rule of Three
Picture book writers: Have you heard of the Rule of Three? It refers to having your main character fail three times before reaching a resolution to the problem. It's just one writing approach, of course, but if you're struggling with your storyline, the Rule of Three may help you structure your story. Check your work and see if this strategy would help strengthen your writing.
WRITING TIP -- Read. Read a lot.
Read frequently and mindfully. Read both inside and outside of the genre(s) in which you write. Learn from it...and, of course, enjoy it!
"You have to love writing, but more importantly, you have to love learning to write better." ~ Jim Averback