Welcome to my new blog, which now includes content from many of the blogs I’ve created over the years. You can now also access content via category from this one page instead of having to search for my individual blogs, which were scattered over various platforms and websites.
I’ve always appreciated those who post “takeaways” after they attend conventions: nuggets of wisdom that they took away from the event. Everyone’s takeaways are different because everyone has different levels of experience and goals. I’m going to be sharing mine over the next little while, as well as linking to . . .
Many thanks to the SCBWI for the Illustrator Mentorship Awards; the six of us learned SO MUCH at our mentorship sessions on the weekend. We also had fun hanging out with each other, exchanging tips and advice, and we plan to keep in touch after we all go home. In fact, . . .
The image above was one of the pieces in my portfolio, and was displayed on the screen at the Golden Kites Luncheon, when the award winners were announced. [August 21, 2010 update: WOW, Simon & Schuster wants me to illustrate a book! Author: writer/actor/comedian Michael Ian Black. Tentative release date: . . .
I lack the time to do a SCBWI countdown comic for this year, but here are the comics I did for last year’s conference: Hope to see meet some of you at the conference! Debbie
Believe it or not, I think I’ve finally moved over most of the old site. Most recently revamped: The Writer’s Guide To Twitter. I’ll be gradually adding to this FAQ, so if you think of any questions you’d like me to answer or research, please let me know!
If you’re not already following Rachelle Gardner’s blog, you should go add her site to your RSS feed RIGHT NOW. Not only is her blog a great glimpse into how a literary agent operates, but Rachelle’s site is packed with fantastic advice for writers.
James Scott Bell has posted an excellent checklist to keep in mind as you revise, before you submit your manuscript. The list is based on a sidebar in the May/June issue of Writer’s Digest from YA editor, Anica Morse Rissi.
Hopefully, reading through SlushPile Hell will help new writers avoid making the same mistakes as the ones made in queries to this crusty lit agent. You can also find SlushPile Hell on Twitter at @SlushPileHell. I’m resurrecting my Golden Marmot Awards because I keep coming across sites and tweets that, while they may be a . . .
[Update: Since the news appeared yesterday in Publisher’s Marketplace, I figure I can announce it here — Congrats to Megan Crewe, who just signed for a THREE-book deal with Disney-Hyperion! Yay, Megan!] Megan Crewe, at the tweetupWent downtown yesterday for the monthly tweetup of the Toronto Middle Grade and Young Adult . . .