"I was sure that I was going to write stories myself when I grew up. It's important to put it like that: not 'I am a writer,' but rather 'I write stories.' If you put the emphasis on yourself rather than your work, you're in danger of thinking that you're the most important thing. But you're not. The story is what matters, and you're only the servant, and your job is to get it out on time and in good order." –Philip Pullman, author of His Dark Materials trilogy

Ehhh!  So I couldn't help myself! I had to post this quote for you! I figure this is pretty good stuff to read just before you sit down to write. 

Also don't forget Query Tracker is hosting a pitch contest for PB/MG/YA only. Here is the link. It ends tomorrow morning! Today is the last day to enter! 

A Wee Little Notice

Wow! Thanks to all who read the blog! I've reached 100!

I have to take a break. I can't seem to get out from under the weather! The medicine I took for a respiratory infection had some side effects (which I won't mention here). So hopefully it will all be over this week and I can get back to blogging next week.

I'm going to have to do something a bit different once PiBoIdMo starts. I'm thinking my posts will be centered around that event and less around my agenda or usual topics/themed posts.

I have two awards I still need to give away and I've been thinking long and hard about who they will go to. I'll reveal that when I get back.

Also, please do comment on what kind of fun prizes you would like here. I really would love to know what gets you excited. I have something fun in store for you--a little surprise.

So do enjoy your Halloween or maybe even Dia de los Muertos!

Here is a fun draw your own Jack-o-Lantern website to keep you busy.

Fanatic Friday

Here are some of my great finds from all over the web--things I've been focusing on learning and mastering:

Cynthia Leitich Smith put out an interview with Gayle Brandeis who is the author of My Life With The Lincolns. You can read the interview at her blog Cynsations. Brandeis answers questions about being an author and a mother. She also speaks about her research process, etc.

Observe:

Now this is the kind of librarian we all need! This is one determined librarian! I certainly wish all libraries had enough dinero for all the wonderful programs that they provide the public, especially those that are for children.

I sometimes still have a bit of trouble classifying my WIP. Do you? Well, have no fear! The Big Ol' Genre Glossary is here to help--brought to you by Jennifer Laughran, a literary agent specializing in children's and YA fiction. This is a moment you should have full clarity on--a defining moment for any author as they realize what it is they truly love to write!

Ever wonder about those confusing paragraph/chapter breaks? Sometimes they can be a kick in the rear...unless you understand them. Not Enough Words certainly cleared it up for me!

I've been watching the SF Giants baseball games with my DH and I have to say that not only is their pitcher Tim Lincecum quite handsome, but he is also extremely talented! I'd like to be able to say I'm just as good a pitcher myself. I'm hoping you feel the same. So here's a head start on that. Here and here are some more wonderful links to help out. I hope it helps!

Also, If you haven't checked out who my wonderful fellow crusaders are, please do so by clicking the badge to the right!


What aspect(s) of the craft have you been focusing on in your writing? Post the link if you have it!