Writing Credentials: Do You Have Any?

Writing (Photo credit: jjpacres)

I follow C. Hope Clark. She is the brains behind the newsletter Funds For Writers. She has been a helpful entity in regards to me learning more about the world of writing. Recently I read a post that actually made me chuckle out loud. It made me realize how far I have come in the writing process. This post talks about writers and what types of credible writing they have done. It also mentions that publishers and agents need to hear from writers who are actively pursuing a writing career. What made me chuckle was that I (years ago) never thought of mentioning when I submitted a manuscript that I am a technical writer. I did’t think that applied because I wanted to be a children’s author. So, I guess if you’ve written anything, published an article, won a contest, that qualifies as experience in writing. Check out the article. It’s short, sweet and to the point.

How would you reply if asked this question? Indignant? After all, everybody has to start somewhere, plus you’ve been writing various pieces for years.

Everybody has to write the first manuscript. But few of them need to publish that first manuscript.

If you went to the doctor, needing an operation, you might ask, “Have you done this sort of operation before?” What if the reply is, “No, but I’ve been studying how to do it.” You’d move on to another doctor, because no matter how long he’s read the books and tested on cadavers, he hasn’t proven himself. Read more here.

Shana Gammon Author Exposed

Shana Gammon is an author who loves cats so much she has written a really funny book about one. But that’s not all she does, she is also an artist. Shana has stopped by to share her writing experience and some tips too.

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Neophyte Writer Interview:

How long have you been writing?

I started writing when I was in the fifth grade. That year I had a teacher who encouraged students to do a lot of creative writing. I really enjoyed it.

Have you always written for children?

Children’s literature is a genre I’m very comfortable with. I think that writing children’s literature allows the writer a certain freedom – almost an ability to be a child again.

What drives and motivates you?

My children have been a source of motivation for me. They were one of the main reasons why I wrote Marie’s Nine Lives.

What advice do you have for new writers?

I would encourage new writers to write for the fun of it and take time to determine what type(s) of writing they enjoy. If you enjoy writing it will reflect in what you write and you can truly connect with your audience.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I’m sure I’ll still be writing. What I’ll be writing – I have no idea. That’s the fun of it though.

Shana Gammon is the author and illustrator of Marie’s Nine Lives. She based the book on her cat Marie; a cat that she and her family rescued from an animal shelter. This is Shana’s second book for children. Her first children’s book, The Great State Cookbook, was published in 2003.

For more information about Marie’s Nine Lives, please visit the book’s website at: www.mariesninelives.blogspot.com. All booking inquiries should be sent to the publisher at: willowtreebooks@yahoo.com 

Thanks so much for stopping by Shana. For a chance to win a copy of Marie’s Nine Lives visit Kristi’s Book Nook.

Karen E. M. Johnston Author Exposed

Learning from other writers is always an excellent way to hone in on your skills. I love it when authors share their experiences and me become a better writer. Visiting this week is Karen Johnston author of two wonderful books for middle grade readers. She is sharing with us the craft of writing and some great tips too.

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Neophyte Writer Interview:

How long have you been writing?

I have been writing for about ten years.

Have you always written for children?

I started writing freelance by writing articles for magazines. My background was advertising back in the UK (London, Covent Garden) where I would sometimes be required to write copy, so the natural progression was to write non-fiction. I’ve published a wide variety of articles from in publications from Metro Kids, Kid Zone Magazine to Succeed. Then after having my three children, and spending every evening reading children’s books aloud to them at bedtime, I decided to have a go at writing one myself. So I wrote my first children’s book, The Witness Tree and the Shadow of the Noose, a civil war ghost mystery.

What drives and motivates you?

At the risk of sounding batty, I’d have to say the characters in my head, who are constantly partying, have so many things to tell me. And whenever I get an invite, I write their stories down as quick as I can. I have no choice, I have to write their stories.

What advice do you have for new writers?

Persevere. All published writers were unpublished first. Write every day. And eat lots of chocolate.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I’d like to continue adding to my middle grade children’s collection, and I would like to branch out into young adult and women’s fiction.

What’s your next project?

I just started a young adult novel about a teenage girl who finds out her crush has a short list for invites to the upcoming prom–she’s fourth on the list. Not a happy chappy. I’m at the early stages of the novel, my favorite part, when I start to get to know the teenagers I’m about to spend the next nine months with. I love the drama, the passion, the raw excitement, the hope, the utter despair and the incredible depth of emotion my characters share with me. Give me a teenager any day.

Karen E. M. Johnston, a British author, was born in Gibraltar, studied Business and International Marketing in the UK, and worked in advertising and marketing in London’s Covent Garden before moving to the US. She is widely published in children’s, parent, and business magazines.

Karen’s debut children’s middle grade novel THE WITNESS TREE AND THE SHADOW OF THE NOOSE, a Civil War ghost mystery, came out in 2009, and her second children’s novel BIG BOYS DON’T SPY hit the shelves November 2010.

Karen also writes Women’s Fiction and Young Adult novels.

Ms. Johnston lives in Chantilly, Virginia, on the outskirts of Washington D.C. with her British husband and three American sons who have not the slightest trace of a British accent.

Thanks so much Karen for stopping by and sharing your story. To learn more about Karen visit her at:

www.kemjohnston.com

Facebook: Karen E. M. Johnston

Twitter: KemJohnston

She is also featured at Kristi’s Book Nook. Be sure to stop by for a chance to win her novel “Big Boys Don’t Spy.”

What Are Books?

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Books are…

 

Worth Sharing

When I read an excellent book I want to share it with others. The first thing I do is tell a friend. I give my synopsis of what I’ve read and suggest that the person I expressed my delight to go out and buy the book at any cost and read it. As soon as they do, and they always do, they call me right away and we have the most wonderful discussion. We talk about the story and the main characters and then delve into the author and how they wrote certain passages that just draw us in as readers. Each person I encounter I share my favorite books and authors and they too fall in love. That’s what we as readers do.

 

Full of Cheer, Laughter, Mystery, Romance and Thrills

No matter what genre you may prefer, you will always get what you need. If you are into reading books that make you laugh you can certainly find one. One of my personal favorites is Calendar Girls. I laughed out loud at these witty women who reinvented themselves to raise funds for their organization. If it’s mystery I am looking for I read John Sanford’s “Prey Series” to solve the mystery through the eyes of his main character Davenport. When I want romance and thrills I read books like “Interview With A Vampire” by Ann Rice.

 

Enlightening

I’ve read Mary Roach‘s “Stiff” and was laughing out loud as I read about the life of a cadaver. Who knew dead bodies could be funny and interesting at the same time. I love books that teach me something new or enlighten me about the world around me. Children’s books have a wonderful way of doing that as well.

 What are books to you?

get ready to submit your story (via Fledgling)

I plan to submit my story. The worst that can happen is I get rejected. The best thing that could happen is I get accepted. Either way it’s a learning experience and why not take the chance that my writing is worth while. Plus, why write if I don’t plan to submit.

About the Award LEE & LOW BOOKS, award-winning publisher of children's books, is pleased to announce the twelfth annual NEW VOICES AWARD. The Award will be given for a children's picture book manuscript by a writer of color. The Award winner receives a cash grant of $1000 and our standard publication contract, including our basic advance and royalties for a first time author. An Honor Award winner will receive a cash grant of $500. Establishe … Read More

via Fledgling