Survival Tips For New Writers

1)   Join the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI). You will find them on the web and they have local groups all over the world. Through them you will find the resources to not only strengthen your writing, but you will also meet editors and agents.

2)   Join or start a critique group. You must get feedback in order to move your writing forward.

3)   Writing Picture Books by Ann Whitford Paul is a must no matter what age you want to write for.

4)   Have conversations with your characters. You need to know them so well that you can anticipate their actions in any situation.

5)   Your story needs to start at the moment when something has changed from the ordinary.

6)   Rejection is part of the game. Develop a thick skin and keep sending your work out. Each manuscript is like a beautifully cared for antique car, you have to find the right fit, a person who is as passionate about it as you are.