Writing Tips & Techniques

For your own story idea:

Identify your main character, and answer these four questions:

What does your character want?
Why does he/she want this?
What’s standing in his/her way?
What are the consequences of your character getting what he/she wants?

Brainstorm many possibilities for each question and mix and

Video: Write for Success! 7 Tips For Children’s Book Writers

In this video, we share 7 things you can start doing right now to improve your chances of children's writing success!

VIDEO – Great Technique to Help You Think Like a Kid

Trying to figure out what today's kids want to read? Check out this simple way to uncover some inside info!

Meet Your Audience: How to Learn What Kids Want in a Book

As a volunteer tutor, Fightin’ Bookworm Debby Johnson has learned what young readers like. Here’s what she’s discovered….

Writing Exercises for Developing Story Ideas

Two fun writing exercises. Do these privately, or with your critique group.

VIDEO – Ramp Up the Tension In Your Story

A book without tension is just plain boring. Here’s how to ratchet up your writing!

PODCAST – Create Believable Middle Grade and YA Characters

How to reach older readers with characters that are believable, bold and memorable.

VIDEO – Should I Follow Trends?

It’s tempting for writers to jump on board the latest publishing trends. But is it a good idea? Watch this video and find out!

PODCAST – Dianne de las Casas on Storytelling and Career Building

Acclaimed author and award-winning storyteller Dianne de las Casas talks with Laura about how authors can become good marketers, how to treat your career as a business and why it’s important to strive for excellence.

PODCAST – Interview with Author Jeff Stone

Laura goes beyond the interview in May’s CBI in this in-depth discussion with Jeff Stone, bestselling author of "The Five Ancestors" series.

Open with a Bang! Crafting Great Beginnings

You've Got 10 Seconds to Grab an Editor's Attention. Here's How…

When an editor opens up the envelope containing your manuscript and begins to read, you have 10 seconds to get her attention. If she’s not captivated by the end of the first page (or maybe the second page if

Understanding Point of View

Mastering point of view is one of the trickiest — and one of the most important — aspects of writing.

VIDEO – Is it OK to Switch Point of View?

In this video, Laura answers one of the trickier questions a writer can face: Is it acceptable to change points of view mid-story?

PODCAST – Interview with Jay Asher on Making a Splash as a First-Time Author

In this podcast, go beyond the feature interview in this month’s CBI to learn more about bestselling author Jay Asher’s fast rise to success.

First time author Jay Asher has made a huge splash with his young adult novel Thirteen Reasons Why. Seventeen weeks on the New York

Backstory: Giving Readers More Than Meets the Eye

Add depth and power to your story with this too-often overlooked technique.

PODCAST – Interview with Author J.H. Everett

Author, illustrator and historian J.H. Everett on making books educational (and fun), how to get a children’s writing career off the ground and much, much more!

Eliminating Lazy Writing

Two quick and easy ways to sharpen your writing instantly.

Interview with Chris Crutcher: “If you see the writer in the story, it’s not publishable.”

Groundbreaking young adult author Chris Crutcher shares his thoughts about writing for teens.

Building a Story, Chapter by Chapter

Writing middle grade or young adult books? This article is an absolute must!

Free eBook: Robert Louis Stevenson on the Art of Writing

This delightful eBook opens a window into the writing process of a true master.

Essays in the Art of Writing includes Robert Louis Stevenson's insights into the creation of Treasure Island, details the books that most influenced him and discusses the moral obligation of putting pen to paper.

David Harrison On His Journey To Success

Laura chats with David Harrison, author of more than 70 books, about his fascinating career.

David’s recent titles include: Paul Bunyan: My Story (Random House BFYR) Pirates (Wordsong) Johnny Appleseed: My Story (Random House BFYR) Cave Detectives: Unraveling the Mystery of an Ice Age Cave (Chronicle) David lives