Thursday, August 30, 2007

Exciting September 2007 Contest Held by Christina Katz

September 1-30, 2007

The Writer Mama, Christina Katz, is giving away a writing tool a day through her blog, The Writer Mama Riffs, every day for thirty days during the month of September. In addition to over thirty prizes such as Writer’s Digest 2008 Market books, she’s giving away ten signed copies of her book, Writer Mama, How to Raise a Writing Career Alongside Your Kids and a one-hour writing career phone consult.

"This book has become my bible of sorts. My copy is earmarked and highlighted to the hilt! Whenever I'm feeling overwhelmed by motherhood and my writing career I take a few moments out of the day to review many of Christina's wonderful tips." Donna M. McDine

Moms and Dads who write are especially encouraged to participate in celebration of this hectic yet wonderful back-to-school time of year. However, anyone who participates is eligible to win daily prizes.

For a complete list of giveaways:
http://thewritermama.wordpress.com/2007/08/28/wmbtsdg-giveaways-list/

For official rules and how to win: http://thewritermama.wordpress.com/2007/08/29/writer-mama-back-to-school-giveaway-da-rules/

Christina hopes to see your comments in her blog so you can be eligible to win prizes in the Writer Mama Back-to-School Daily Giveaway!

***Christina Katz, Author of Writer Mama, How to Raise a Writing Career Alongside Your Kids (Writer’s Digest Books, March 2007)

Official Site: www.thewritermama.comDaily Blog: www.thewritermama.wordpress.comE-mail: writermama@earthlink.net

Friday, August 24, 2007

Exciting Request!

Exciting news!

Editor, Virginia S. Grenier, of Stories for Children Magazine was contacted by the Henrico County School District in Virginia to request permission to use 13 stories from their previously published issues in preparation of their state's reading comprehension test.

My non-fiction article, "What's Not a Fish, But Is Called a Fish?" plus 12 other articles by additional fabulous authors are included in this packet. Virginia contacted each author to ask for permission for this worthwhile request.

I am honored to be included!

Wednesday, August 22, 2007

Overwhelmed by Balancing Motherhood & Writing Career

I received wonderful words of advice today from a dear writer friend when I told her about feeling overwhelmed by balancing motherhood and my writing career.

Her sound advice was:

"Don't worry about your writing so much....your children are young yet and need you...your time for writing more and more will come sooner than you think...just try to write something - even if it's an email or a letter to somebody, or even a journal entry - every day to keep your skills up, and also read read read children's books in the genre you hope to specialize in....the rest will come in due time."

My heartfelt thanks to Gayle Jacobson-Huset for settling my nerves!

These words of advice can really go with any career goals that you may have, it just doesn't apply to a writing career.

Hope you all can find and create the best balance for yourself!

Monday, August 20, 2007

Networking Is Important

Hello All:

I have made a wonderful addition to my network of fellow children & young adult writers. Gayle Jacboson-Huset, Assistant Editor, Stories for Children Magazine has not only become an important contact in my writing career, but has quickly become a good friend.

We connected from the moment we started corresponding via email and I'm thrilled to include her in my network of writer colleagues, but I'm especially honored to consider her as a friend.

Cruise on over to Stories for Children Magazine and read about their wonderful work and the short stories contributed every month by talented children's writers.

Here's to you in finding the right network to further your writing goals!

Saturday, August 18, 2007

Book Review at NWFCC

Hello All...I shared with you all in an earlier post that I have accepted a position with The National Writing for Children as a book reviewer for middle grades.

My book review of Tony Abbott's middle grade novel, "Firegirl" has been posted at The National Writing for Children Center.

Surf on over to read the review and check out additional exciting articles from fellow club members.

Wednesday, August 15, 2007

My Week Started With Two Rejections

We all know that rejection is part of the writing business. And it hit me square in the face twice this week. First my non-fiction article was rejected and then my historical fiction manuscript was rejected.

I will be persistent in getting these two pieces accepted. I will not let these rejections get me down, but rather teach me what to accept as one person's opinion and move on to the next magazine submission and agent and/or publisher submission.

Here's to accepting the inevitable rejection, but still moving forward for acceptance!

Thursday, August 9, 2007

Published News!

Even though I'm on vacation at the hazy and very hot Outer Banks, NC and promised myself that I would relax and catch up on my reading for writing and reading for pleasure I have found myself lured to the computer and the world of blogging and email.

I have great news to share that I have published my children fiction short story, "The Creaky Ceiling," at www.alongstoryshort.net! Click on For and About Children.

Cruise on by and view not only my short story but the other short stories by additional fabulous authors.

Signing off for now to play in the sand and ocean with my children, nephews and niece!

Wednesday, August 1, 2007

Kid Magazine Writers

My article, "I'm Published: What Will It Be Today," has been published at http://www.kidmagwriters.com - click on "I'm Published" to view the article.

The article is first person account based on my first successful published article.

Perseverance and determination is key to a successful writing career!

Announcing This Week's CWCC Member in the Spotlight

I'm delighted to share with you that I am the featured "Member in the Spotlight" for the Children's Writers Coaching Club - scroll down to August 1st to view.

Surf on over and have a look. Plus, you will also learn about all the exciting information that CWCC has to offer!