A Creative Life: Book Recommendations for Writers

by Suzy Leopold

When something makes you want to do something and when something gives you an idea about what to create, this is inspiration. Writers need inspiration. Clever ideas create sparks in a writer's mind along with feelings of emotion.

And this book does just that.

BIG MAGIC: CREATIVE LIVING BEYOND FEAR
by Elizabeth Gilbert

Riverhead Books
2016

The instant #1 NEW YORK TIMES bestseller

BIG MAGIC: CREATIVE LIVING
BEYOND FEAR
by Elizabeth Gilbert

Many may recognize Elizabeth Gilbert as the author of EAT PRAY LOVE.

In BIG MAGIC: CREATIVE LIVING BEYOND FEAR, Elizabeth Gilbert "digs deep into her own generative process to share her wisdom and unique perspective on creativity, offering potent insights into the mysterious nature of inspiration".

Inspiration is needed to be a writer. This book is inspiring.

Elizabeth Gilbert writes about the mysterious nature of inspiration. She offers attitudes, habits, and ideas for living a creative life. She encourages creatives to look within for the strange jewels.

The book is divided into six sections and includes:
Part I     Courage
Part II    Enchantment
Part III   Permission
Part IV  Persistence
Part V   Trust
Part VI  Divinity

Enjoy listening to the first chapter, Hidden Treasure pages 3-7 of Part I, Courage.

And if you want more, here's more to read as a pdf.

Discover what you were meant to do. Hope you feel curious, encouraged, and most of all inspired to live a creative life.

Writers will find inspiration in this book, too.

THE MAGIC WORDS: WRITING GREAT BOOKS FOR CHILDREN AND YOUNG ADULTS
by Cheryl B. Klein

2016
W. W. Norton & Company

THE MAGIC WORDS: WRITING GREAT BOOKS
FOR CHILDREN AND ADULTS
by Cheryl B. Klein

Perhaps you recognize Cheryl B. Klein as the Editor Lee & Low Books.

"Insightful, enlightening, and practical, The Magic Words is a book that belongs on every writer's shelf. Loaded with concrete examples and specific strategies, it's likely to end up dog-eared and well worn--that favorite book on craft that writers revisit again and again with each new project."
Kate Messner, author

Do you note my many Post-its?

It's like a master class inside a book. It's like a handbook with useful tools for writing children's and YA fiction.

The author guides writers on a practical writing journey from writing principles, crafting a strong story, and publishing.

Take a few moments to check out her excellent web site, blog, and many resources. You'll note additional book titles Cheryl authored along with two picture books.

WINGS made its debut in March 2019 and is illustrated by Caldecott winner, Tomie de Paola. Read more about this book in a dual interview with Cheryl and Tomie. The book is written with one dozen rhyming words: wings, clings, flings, stings, wrings, dings, things, brings, springs, sings, rings, and zings.

WINGS
by Cheryl B. Klein
Illustrated by Tomie de Paola

In September 2019, look for THUNDER TRUCKS. Cheryl partnered up with Katy Beebe are the a dual author team of this book. The bright, bold illustrations are by Mike Boldt.

THUNDER TRUCKS
by Cheryl Klein & Katy Beebe
Illustrated by Mike Boldt

While we know creating a picture book is a team effort between author and illustrator, have you ever considered writing a book with a writerly friend? The idea is something to consider.

"If you have a writer friend whose strengths complement yours,
AND you can manage your respective writerly egos,
consider drafting a book together to use both of your types of genius."
~Cheryl Klein

The idea is something to consider. Just ask fellow GROGgers Christy Mihaly and Sue Heavenrich. Together they wrote and co-authored DIET FOR A CHANGING CLIMATE: FOOD FOR THOUGHT.

DIET FOR A CHANGING CLIAMTE
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
by Christy Mihaly and
Sue Heavenrich

May these books inspire and encourage your writing journey.

Read, write, and create
Every day

###

From the desk of Sherri Jones Rivers:

Jillanne Hoffman

is the winner of:

NO BEARS ALLOWED 

By Lydia Lukidis

Illustrated by Tara J. Hannon

From the desk of Kathy Halsey:

Whispering Pines' Writing Retreat

A Working Retreat

October 25-27, 2019

For more information click here and on the New England SCBWI site.

Tips for Beginning Writers ~Suzy Leopold

Please note: 
While the title indicates beginning writers, I consider these Tips for All Writers. Even if you feel you are a writer who has moved beyond the beginning stages, I encourage you to continue to read. 

Perhaps you are a published author. Please proceed. Hopefully, you will feel affirmed in what you know as a writer and/or be reminded of what works for you, while reading this blog post. 

For the beginning writer, I do hope you will discover some new ideas to further your interest in writing.

1. Say it out loud: "I am a writer."

When can you start calling yourself a writer?
     Now.
          Right now.
Don't be shy. 
     Doing so makes it real.

A writer can be unpublished, prepublished or published.

Look in the mirror and say, "I am a writer."
Say it again until you believe it.

"When can you start calling 

yourself a writer?

Now."

~Chuck Sambuchino

2. Read, read, read.

• Read in the genre that you write.
• Read across genres, including books for children and adults.
• Read newspapers and magazines.
• Read poetry.
• Read recently published books at the library and bookstore.
• Linda Sue Park, a Newbery Medal winning author, encourages aspiring children's authors to read at least five hundred books in the genre and age group that you desire to write.

Reading numerous books helps define what a good story is to you and from there you will write the stories you like to read.

Each year a committee of the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC), creates a list of worthy and notable books. 

Click on the link ALSC Notable Children's Books for more information.

Every time you read a book that you like, study it further. Analyze it. Study the techniques the writer used. Ask questions:

• What do you like about this story or article?
• How did the author hook you as a reader?
• Figure out what works with the beginning and the ending of the story.
• Analyze the word count.
• How did the author use the right word in the right place?
• Think about character development---How are the characters authentic with their action and dialogue?

3. Write, write, write.

• Practice, Write, Revise and Repeat.
• Most writers feel that writing every day is best. However, you need to cultivate a process that works for you. Create a writing and revision process that helps you do your best work.
• Set a timer. Begin writing for 10 to 30 minutes. Over time, you will build your writing stamina to write for longer periods of time.
• Perseverance + Discipline + Time = A Story
• Do write in your voice with your individual strengths and uniqueness. 
• Get everything out of your head and onto paper or in a word document.

4. Keep a writing journal.

• Write down favorite quotes and words of wisdom.
• Doodle and draw characters, settings, and book cover ideas. You don't have to be artistic---stick figures work to give you a better layout that includes page turns.
• Jot down both positive and negative thoughts, along with your ups and downs during your writing journey.
• Brainstorm lists of words.
• Keep your ideas and inspiration inside your journal.
• Create a checklist of goals.
• Write an outline for a book idea.
• Record highlights of information you learned to a conference, workshop, and/or webinar.

Create a journal filled with information you can refer as a resource to refer to. In time, look back at your journal entries. I'm certain you will note how you have grown as a writer.

5. Reach out to writers.

• If you aren't already a member, become a member of SCBWI.
• Participate in writing challenges, Facebook groups and discussions, critique groups---in-person and online.
• Discuss the process of writing with trusted friends. Together through encouragement, critique partners should give you courage to be daring, to make mistakes and learn and grow.

I picked these flowers for YOU from my garden.

Every one has a story to tell. Know why you want to share this story. Why does it matter? Why is it important for it to be told? 

Be brave. Believe.