I always look forward to my regional SCBWI conference. This year it's especially exciting because I'll be giving a workshop myself. My topic: revision. I used to dread revisions. I loved drafting; I loved polishing; but I loathed the grunt work in between the two. I spent the past year revising a middle-grade animal adventure… Continue reading The Art of Story: SCBWI Canada East Conference
Tag: critiques
SCBWI Spring Conference in Ottawa
There are still a few spaces left for Ottawa's SCBWI Art of Story Conference scheduled for the end of the month. For two days, guest speakers will offer workshops and presentations to everyone interested in writing or illustrating children's books, from aspiring picture book illustrators to established YA novelists. There's something for every level of experience. The conference will offer presentations, workshops, one-on-one critique… Continue reading SCBWI Spring Conference in Ottawa
Friday Fable: The Writer and the Word Limit
You may have heard the old story, The Crow and the Pitcher: A crow was nearly dead of thirst when he spied a pitcher of water on a picnic table just beside the dried-up river bed. He flew over and tried to take a sip but, alas, the pitcher was close to empty. Only an inch… Continue reading Friday Fable: The Writer and the Word Limit
Friday Fable: The Writers’ Group Driver and his Three Passengers
You may have heard the classic fable, "The Lion and his Three Councillors:" A lion caught a whiff of his own rancid breath and thought, "Maybe I'm not as kingly as I ought to be. I better check." He called to a sheep and asked, "Say, does my breath stink?" "Yes it stinks terribly," said… Continue reading Friday Fable: The Writers’ Group Driver and his Three Passengers
Friday Fable: A Writer, her Delete Key, and their Story
You may know the old fable, A Man, his Son, and their Donkey: A man set out on a trip with his son and their donkey. His son sat up on the donkey while the man walked beside them. They were happy on their way. As they passed through town, a man said: “That healthy… Continue reading Friday Fable: A Writer, her Delete Key, and their Story
Catherine Austen 