Monday, June 24, 2013

debut the WriteTime blog

I have been meaning to do one of these things for a long while. Some time has freed up and with inspiration from the wonderful people at WIFYR, it is the write time.

I am a writer and I would like to share what I've learned about writing.

Got the bug a few years ago. I actually had an idea for a story a long time ago. I sat down at it but it didn't go anywhere. The I gave it another try and think I did a fairly good job on it. Shared it with a teacher friend and she said go to WIFYR. WIFYR is the Writing and Illustrating For Young Readers conference.

I workshopped the story there and discovered I didn't know how to write. I worked on it and went the next year and learned I still didn't have the writing thing figured out. I've gone back each year, six times in all. Some are just slow learners. I'm still not sure I've got it, but it feels like I'm getting closer.

So, whatever I understand of writing, I think it is the write time to share.

And I would like to invite an open discourse on the craft.

Look, we're addicted, let's admit. Therapy involves talking this thing out. For the last week, we talked about what a novel really takes. I starts with a character and a want, that much we know. You have to figure out your character and try to understand what they want in life. But there's more. The word at wifyr was you've got to get an antagonist, then torture those sweet people you created. Nobody said writing is easy.

We are writers. Let's share what we know and help each other get better. As my good friend Ann would say, we are all writing a book that someone will want to read.

It's the write time to share our authoring experience.

The week at the conference was wonderful. The sessions were amazing. Morning critique workshops are an intense five days with your kind of people. Your craft grows in so many ways there. You have got to do a WIFYR.

What other good conferences are there for children's literature writers?

8 comments:

  1. Not sure about other writing conferences, but I know WIFYR has turned my writing around. I enjoy the fantastic learning atmosphere it offers.

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  2. SCBWI the Society for Children's Writing and Illustrating has a conference or two every year. You just have to find your chapter and they will let you know the details.

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  3. I would love to do the SCBWI. LA or New York, either would work. WIFYR is affordable.

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  4. I talked to someone last week who is going to SCBWI LA. I'm looking forward to hearing how it goes for her. But yes, considering that conference is shorter and there's a flight or 10 hour drive involved, WIFYR is a great deal for the $.

    Great post. I'm similarly tired but inspired after WIFYR. I'm off to figure out better ways to torture my mc.

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  5. LDStorymakers got me motivated to sit and write. Welcome to the world of blogging!

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  6. Thanks. I want to do LDStorymakers. I quit my day job and may go for it next time around.

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  7. Good job on your new blog, Bruce. And you're right, wifyr was greater than ever this year. The nicest agents and editor yet.
    As for other conferences, don't miss Writing for Charity. It's only one day and toward the end of April with lots of local writers sharing great ideas.
    And don't miss LDStorymakers. Sign up early to get into their wonderful sessions.

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