on writing

I've been writing for some time. Still have yet to make any real money off the gig, but I've been blessed to have various articles published in magazines and newsletters over the past decade. I've written as long as I can remember, whether it was in journals, blogging, or letters. There has always been a compelling need inside me to get the words out somehow. As I'm starting to get a bit more focused about putting more time and serious thought into writing, I've been talking to some author friends that I'm blessed to know, and I've come across some resources that I wanted to share.

Writer's First Aid This site has a ton of resources and encouragement for aspiring writers. I have barely scratched the surface of all that is here and look forward to reading more. Sample: "If your dream is to be a full-time writer someday, you’ll need to develop the habit of writing every day." Simple truth and good encouragement and categories covering everything from beginning through getting published.

This one had some good points about putting in your "apprenticeship", and I would say this applies to so much more than writing--really anything you want to be a success at. "Career Killers"--Skipping the Apprenticeship. You have to be willing to put in the time and develop persistence, even in the face of rejection. It's amazing to read the stories of successful authors who seemingly burst on the scene, only to find out they spent literally years honing their craft before that.

My Word Playground is a fun website that showcases current picture book writers, and gives some fun writing prompts.

This is my friend Pam Calvert's website. She is a published children's book author, and her latest book is Princess Peepers. We were neighbors with Pam and her family in California, and I recently got to spend some time with her again when we were both dropping off our oldest children at the same college! Go to her 'for writers' tab. I especially enjoyed seeing the rejection letters and her sense of humor about them! It's interesting to note that published authors still get rejection letters!

So there you go...we'll see what happens. I am starting an intensive online writing course soon, and I'll recommend it (or not) once I complete that. I know I need some more discipline and experience before I can 'make it', but for now, you'll find me tapping away at my computer, completing my daily exercises. I may share one now and then.
Happy Writing!