If you are a writer there are many reasons to love the computer. It does make writing easier. But it also makes books bigger, as in more words and more pages. Books are longer these days, despite the fact that it is just as simple to remove text as to add it. Easier, actually. But
In discussions about writing there is often talk of a writer’s “Voice,” the voice of the narrator, be it the author’s voice or the character who is relating the tale. Not often mentioned is the rhythm or cadence of a narrative. What I am writing about here is close to poetic usage, but not quite.
Jacob, from Los Angeles, asked me if I have written any mysteries. Actually, Jacob, I have written quite a few. My very first novel was No More Magic, a mystery, which was a runner-up for an Edgar Award, best mystery of the year, when it was first published. Then there were these: Who Stole The Wizard of Oz?
If one writes professionally—that is, making a living at writing—reviews are important. One writes a book spending x number of years writing, rewriting, editing, fretting … the book is published and then there are the … reviews. And now I have been reviewed for my latest book, Catch You Later, Traitor. I know some highly successful writers
Walter Dean Myers’ memorial (3/9/15, in NYC) was unlike any I’ve been too before. Christopher Myers (his son) did a wonderful job did as master of ceremonies. He was witty, engaging, soulful, and charming. Masterful. In homage to Walter he assembled a roster of artists; poets, musicians, writers, who performed their work. There were songs,
There is an aspect of book writing and publishing that folks don’t talk about much, but is actually quite important: what is called flap copy. Flap copy is the brief description of the book that appears on the inside flap of the book cover. There is also the bio. And there is copy on the
I’ve often been asked, what’s the difference between books for adults, and books for young people? I’ve come to believe it has much to do with the way kids and adults read the books. When adults read a book they encounter a situation, a character, a detail, which enables them to say, “That’s something I
Catch You Later, Traitor, my new noir detective novel, will be available on March 10th. From now until midnight on that day, you can enter to receive one of four signed, hardcover, first edition copies of this book. Good luck! Catch You Later, Traitor is published by Algonquin Books for Young Readers and available at booksellers throughout
Gillian writes: “You’ve said [of writing] ‘It’s never done.’ I’m stuck in the perfectionism sand trap. I’ve rewritten countless times. Friends and family urge me to send it off. That’s a paralyzing thought. Any advice?” The easiest part of writing is when you are done with a project. I recall my friend Natalie Babbitt saying
A reader here asks: “I would love to hear more about your tips for students on how to start the research process and lessons you have learned on how to sift through the vast amount of information on the internet.” Research is a puzzle for many people, I think, because they approach a subject without