Jon checks in with some ideas about how to bypass a huge pothole that often engulfs writing careers.
Getting honest feedback for your writing is absolutely vital — but necessarily a whole lot of fun if you don't have a thick skin. Jon's here with some thoughts on how to get unbiased input, and how to deal with criticism in a positive way
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You’ve finished the first draft of your novel. Congratulations! Completing that all-important first draft is truly an accomplishment. But at the same time, it’s only the beginning, because taking a manuscript from good to great requires countless hours of revision. But before you dive in, you need some honest, objective
Let's continue our series of quick videos about developing a success-oriented mindset with a chat about the way successful writers approach their careers. The key: avoiding the "all or nothing" syndrome.
In this video, Jon explains why knowing the difference between being a writer and an author is vital – and which label newcomers should embrace.
Form a writers’ group. Find other writers who are also working on children’s books and critique each other’s work. You can network at local conferences or classes (go to www.scbwi.org for your region’s Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators), post an announcement at your library or local book
Your first step as a writer, before you ever type those first words of your manuscript, is to discover what you love. Only then can you begin incorporating that passion into a book idea. So how will you find your passion? Read. I know this sounds almost too simple to work, but reading children’s books is one