Oceanside, Oregon
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Today we continued our learning journey. We started our morning with a presentation from Noa Wheeler, an editor with Henry Holt Books for Young Readers. She shared tips to make our writing better with a focus on revision of writing. She began by reminding us what we have heard several times this week - revision requires distance. She recommended putting our writing away for awhile and then returning to it. Upon return, ask yourself, "Is there anything I've said that can be shown instead of told?" Or ask, "Is everything that's in my head in my reader's head?" Another important question she encouraged us to ask was is the word choice appropriate for the audience. All of these teaching points will be great to use with students when teaching revision! After another round of first page critiques and individual consults about our own writing, Elizabeth Rusch, a freelance magazine writer and published author, talked with us about breaking into the Children's and Young Adult Magazine Market
. It was so interesting to learn the hierarchy of the publishing industry in this market. Our final presenter of the day was Pamela Smith Hill, published children's author. Her presentation focused on how we, as authors, can seamlessly weave plot, character, and setting together to create a memorable story.
Tonight we will work to fine tune our plans for a publishing center and author's celebration at our school this year.
I think our brains are tired! We've learned so much and it's only day two of the workshop.
Comments
Jen,
Thanks for the up-date and marvelous pictures. Say hi to everyone for me. Enjoy!
Bill
Beautiful sunset - enjoyed best with a glass of wine...