Author Steve Swinburne on Writing Humor, Nonfiction, Mysteries & More!

May 6th, 2010 | By Jon Bard | Category: Brand New on the CBI Clubhouse!, Genre Specific Tips

Listen in as Laura chats with multi-talented children’s author and photographer Steve Swinburne.

Steve is the author of more than 25 books, including Wiff and Dirty George – The Z.E.B.R.A. Incident (wiffanddirtygeorge.com), Ocean Soup: Tide Pool Poems
(oceansoupbook.com) A Butterfly Trail and Saving Manatees.

For much more about Steve and his work, visit http://www.steveswinburne.com

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

To Download, Right-Click and select "Save As"

You’re Not a Member Yet?

shock

Become a Fightin' Bookworm
now and you'll get:

► A new issue of the famous Children's Book Insider, the Newsletter for Children's Writers every month, packed with market news, hot tips and expert advice

► Total access to our step-by-step children's writing course, The CBI Challenge

► Full access to our huge library of instructional articles, videos, podcasts, ebooks & more on the CBI Clubhouse

► Access to our exclusive sidebar chatbox, where you can ask questions, get help and share your latest triumphs

...and much more!

Click Here to Join the Fightin' Bookworms!

Click Here to Tour the Clubhouse!

Check Out Our Special Resources
for Beginners!

What Our Members Are Saying

Simply Outstanding. This is the most complete site I have ever seen on the topic of writing for children. This is truly a blessing. Thank you!

Anita

We ♥ Beginners!

The CBI Clubhouse is the perfect place to begin your children's writing career.

Click Here to Check Out Our Special Resources for Beginners!

Login Status

Chat With Other Fightin' Bookworms in Real Time!

Last Message

0 minute

ago

Sandra Downey : HI I am new and just listening to the video
Sherri Carpenter : Thank you Caroline, Peggy and Jon. I will update as things progress.
Shirley Manis : That is...writing as work! LOL!
Shirley Manis : Thanks for the new great issue, Jon! Off to work now!
Taurean Watkins : I'm glad you survived the experience, Jon, someone in my writer's group had jury duty last year and she also survived, but it took awhile to recover.
Carol Bender : Thanks - once again, you are there for me with the info I need to know.
Jon Bard : Your September issue of CBI is online! «link»
Jon Bard : Way to go Sherri! And the Sept issue goes up today -- promise! Taurean, jury duty was pretty intense. Great experience overall, but having someone's fate in your hands is no fun at all.
Peggy Clement : Great news, Sherri !
Judy Thompson : Hello everyone! I am new to CBI and have been checking it out the past few days...great site....tons of information. I have what I believe to be a great idea for a picture book (4-8 year olds). I just summed up my idea into 3 sentences and I need some feedback. (____) my pet chihuahua is a very unusual dog. He is unusual in every way you could possibly imagine. But you'll never guess what it is that makes this little dog the most unusual little dog you've ever met. I am still working on it - i
Caroline McCaskey : Congrats Sherri! That's wonderful news!
Patricia Intriago : Hello! Does anyone know where I can find a list of the TOP children's book publicists in the U.S.?
Sherri Carpenter : Hi everyone, I just wanted to share my good news. I just received 2 contracts for my 2 holiday books that I wrote. I will update as things move along. Best wishes to all and never give up.
Taurean Watkins : I'll pray for your sanity Jon, you're a braver man than I when it comes to courtrooms in this capacity.
Jon Bard : Hey Fightin' Bookworms -- Thanks to jury duty, I can't get the September newsletter online for another day or so. Thanks for your patience...but justice gotta get served!
Mya Benson : Hi everyone! Just joined CBI today. Just wrote what I hope would be my first picture book. Also looking for a critique.
William Fu : I'm new to CBI and had been surfing for days now..I love this site, but just too shy to post some replies.
Caroline McCaskey : I'd hate to have to rely on my memory. Love the site!
Caroline McCaskey : Hi guys - Great site! Two questions - I've been lurking about for months now, and have a picture book manuscript ready to go (I hope!). Do I need to send a query letter for a picture book, or can I send it with a cover letter? Can authors send a query to publishers which are not accepting unsolicited manuscripts? You get all kinds of advice on the internet. My other question is: I'd like to continue to subscribe to CBI - will I get an email telling me to renew my membership when it's time? I'd h
Laura Backes : Lisa: These days, publishers take anywhere from 1-6 months to respond, with about 4 months being the average time. So be patient!
Laura Backes : Cynthia: You can be successful self-publishing if you're willing to spend a few hours each week marketing your book. Also, if you can identify a specific audience (parents of adopted children, for example, as opposed to everyone who might want to buy a general fiction picture book), then you stand a much better chance of making money on your book.
Laura Backes : Lynelle: I wouldn't put a synopsis of a book you're trying to sell on your web site. The synopsis should contain details that make your idea unique, and you want to protect that. As for your other question, yes, that sounds like a good focus for your book.
Lisa Clark : Jon, I sent manuscripts to accepting publishers from the July and August CBI newsletter..how long should it take to hear from them??
Cynthia David : Hi, what do you say about self-publishing? There are a bunch of opportunities and websites to self-publish, but is there greater degree of success just finding someone who is willing and able to publish your book?
Evelyn Mayo : Hi John- I need the same information regarding access to the back issues. Thanks.
John Peed : THANKS! I love it already!
Jon Bard : John - just e-mailed you w/info
John Peed : Hey Jon - it's good to be here - it was my understanding that access to the back issue archives came as a bonus with a year's membership. So, how do I take advantage of that? Thanks!
Lynelle Mason : I meant Mr. Grump in the PB question
Lynelle Mason : Laura: concerning Cleo's Second Chance which you have worked with me on: can I make the thrurst of my pb Cleo's desire and the stratigies she tries to get his attention?
Lynelle Mason : Is it safe to put a synopsis of a manuscript you hope to sell to a publisher on your web site?
Lynelle Mason : FOR LAURA: is it safe to put a synopsis of a manuscript you hope to sell on your web page?
SHOBA NAIDU : I have just published an adventure story set in the Himalayas for tweens. How do i get children in the US to read it?
Jon Bard : Christie - e-mail your picture to me at «email» and I'll see what I can do.
Jon Bard : Module 16 of the CBI Challenge Writing Course in Online! «link»

Overwhelmed? Don’t Be! Here’s Where To Look For The Info You Need!

The CBI Challenge - Our Step-by-Step Journey to Success

Latest Additions to the Clubhouse

Getting Started / Researching & Developing a Story Idea

The Writing Process

Submitting Your Story To Publishers & Building Your Career

Tips for Beginners

Author Interview Podcasts

Genre-Specific Tips

The 21st Century Writer – Using Today’s Technology to Succeed

Writing Exercises

Downloads, eBooks & Extras

Download This Month’s Children’s Book Insider!

The September, 2010 edition of Children's Book Insider, The Newsletter for Children's Writers is waiting for you.

Click here and grab it now!

This month's highlights include:

► Major Prize for First Young Adult Novel
► Two Agents Accepting Older Fiction Submissions
► Resource Publisher Seeks Books for Educators and Counselors
► Middle Grade Magazine Accepting Submissions
► Publisher Seeks Books with Southern Slant or Unique Hook
► Eight Things Picture Book Editors *Don't* Want to See
► Introducing the Fightin' Bookworm Mindset
► The CBI Challenge - Let's Get Ready to Submit!
► Publicize Yourself By Being a Journalist
► How To Pick the Perfect Character Name

Welcome to the Clubhouse!

Welcome to The CBI Clubhouse! We're so glad you're here.

Founded in 1990, Children's Book Insider is a family business based in beautiful Fort Collins, Colorado.

CBI Publisher Laura Backes has served as an editor and literary agent, and has been published herself by Random House, Writer's Digest and The Writer, among many others. She was Technical Editor of Writing Children's Books for Dummies and is the co-founder of the acclaimed Children's Author's Bootcamp workshops.

Jon Bard owned a New York-based public relations firm and was one of the field's top copywriters before joining Laura in making Children's Book Insider a full-time family effort. He is responsible for the development of The CBI Clubhouse and oversees the day to day operation of the site.

So that's a little about us. But, of course, this site is really all about you -- and all the Fightin' Bookworms!

If you have any questions at all, just use the "Contact Us" link at the top of the page to drop us a line.

Enjoy your stay!