I'll start off…
I begin each day with the edits to my current W-I-P, which I'm determined to hire an editor for by the end of August.
I have been reaching out to children's book festivals in the tri-state area (NY, NJ and CT) to participate in. So far I'm lined up for Collingswood Book Festival with potential prospects in 2015 for Hudson Children's Book Festival and Children's Book Festival Hillsborough Public Library. Also, a few others for possibly this fall, but not at the liberty to reveal at this time.
Research magazine markets to submit short stories and articles to.
Research and register for children's book conferences and writing conferences. I'm attending the Muse Online Writer's Conference in October and will be attending SCBWI Metro NY Tuesday Professional Seminars in NYC.
Read, read, and read some more in the genre I write for.
This is just the tip of the iceberg, I don't want to bore you with my writing life!
Looking forward to your responses.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Multi Award-winning Children's Author
Connect with Donna McDine on Google+
A Sandy Grave ~ January 2014 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2014 Purple Dragonfly 1st Place Picture Books 6+, Story Monster Approved, Beach Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014, Reader's Favorite Five Star Review
Powder Monkey ~ May 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ Reader's Favorite Five Star Review
Hockey Agony ~ January 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ Reader's Farvorite Five Star Review
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
~ Literary Classics Silver Award and Seal of Approval, Readers Favorite 2012 International Book Awards Honorable Mention and Dan Poynter's Global e-Book Awards Finalist
On a daily basis, I say the following…
ReplyDelete“Write a story that you will care about. Create characters that you will love and a few that you will love to hate. You should care about them, feel their pain when things do not go their way, but most of all tell your story in such a way that it does not stay on the page. Your story is alive, but you must provide the oxygen.”
Hi Mila,
DeleteTerrific advice. Without caring about our characters and loving them through and through would make it difficult to continue to write about them.
Thanks for visiting!
Best,
Donna
Thanks Donna for sharing. Working on WIPs is a constant . I like the book festival itinerary. You can bore me with your writing life any time. The last editor I used, was Nancy Carti Lepri, and I loved working with her. Well that's my two cents. Write on, and hugs to you Donna.
ReplyDeleteHi Susan,
DeleteThanks for stopping by and joining in on the conversation. I will have to research Nancy Carti Lepri for a possibility of hiring her as my editor for my W-I-P. Thanks!
Best,
Donna
Donna
ReplyDeleteBeing an illustrator my day is not at all like a writer .( I am now working on a new book ). The first thing I illustrate is the book cover . I don't know about the other artist but for me I work most every day . starting about Noon and working to about 5:00pm I take brakes . I may go back to work later in the evening . The min. I read the story I form what I think the characters look like after I read the story . Be it a child,a rabbit , a teddy bear , a horse they all have there own character. This is the fun of being an illustrator . KC:)
Hi KC,
DeleteHaving the honor of you illustrating two of my children's books, I'm tickled pink you joined in on the chat. I adore how you make each character have their own unique traits!
Best,
Donna
I'll be curious to find out how it goes at Children's Book Festivals. I've backed off the magazine market, but that might be a good thing to pursue in between books. Thanks for sharing and inspiring!
ReplyDeleteHi Donna,
DeleteI'm participating in my first children's book festival in October. Will keep you posted on how it goes. If you wish I can provide you with the link I use for researching festivals by state.
Best,
Donna
Hi Donna,
ReplyDeleteAlways good to hear of other writers' lives and process. Thanks for sharing. You gave me the idea to look into Children's Book Festivals, too. Keep us updated! Wishing you lots of success.
http://penelopeannecole.blogspot.com
Hi Penny,
DeleteI'm glad my post got your creative marketing juices flowing. Will keep you posted how I make out at the children's book festival in October. I received your email for your latest release and I'm looking forward to reviewing the e-Book. Just got back from our vacation celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary and I'll be back in the writing saddle tomorrow.
Best,
Donna
Ladies and Gentleman, Margot Finke the Aussie from down under is having technology problems posting her comments (those darn gremlins… Carolyn Howard Johnson's famous statement from her The Frugal Editor book) is preventing her from doing so… Please find Margot's emailed comment into the conversation…
ReplyDeleteCould you add this for me:
Donna, you are a powerhouse of great writing and terrific ideas. Thanks for the great info. With 13 books already published, my day often begins with how and what to promote today. Like fun and intriguing ways to interest new readers in my books. I love making book logos that POP! If you are young and energetic, fairs and book festivals could be a winner. I have found that going to my reader base all around the country, and even overseas if the time zones mesh well, works nicely for me. Skype Makes it Happen! http://virtualschoolvisits.blogspot.com/ So I am always tracking down teachers and librarian lists, and groups that might be interested in me Flying in on my Magic Carpet of Books to HOOK their classes on reading and writing. OH. . . I almost forgot, I am also working with an illustrator to illustrate 3 new picture books - "Dreamtime Man," a tale about the Aussie aboriginals being the first.
Books for Kids - Manuscript Critiques
http://www.margotfinke.com
Margot,
DeleteAww shucks, you make me blush. I absolutely love your idea of Skype visits and Julie Hammond, illustrator of two of my children's book will be "Skyping" our book A Sandy Grave in September. I can hardly wait! Julie will be in-person and I will be Skyped in. This will be my first time with this forum! Margot, you inspire me continually!
Best,
Donna
Donna, as I am focusing on YA these days, I read the genre, attend my critique groups, both in person and on-line, attend and speak at conferences on a regular basis, write at least four hours a day when home always with the intent of honing and increasing my skill in the craft. Lots of work and lots of fun in the doing.
ReplyDeleteHi Nancy,
DeleteI had an in-person critique group, but it folded. I'm still active in an online critique group. You are certainly building a terrific platform with your conference speaking engagements. Terrific!
Best,
Donna
I wish there were more festivals and conferences in my area. I'm not sure why NC is so devoid of them.
ReplyDeleteHi Diane,
DeleteA terrific resource for researching book fairs is…
http://www.read.gov/resources/statefairs.php
Best,
Donna