Picture Book Cliffhangers. Have you ever thought about cliffhangers in picture books? I hadn’t until I read the post on Chris Eboch’s blog on the craft of writing. She writes: “Again, a question acts as a cliffhanger. We turn the page to find out the answer…” Pretty interesting stuff.

If you’re into writing middle-grade and YA fantasy novels, here’s an opportunity to submit. Carolrhoda Publishers is putting out a call to all unagented authors to send in your middle-grade or young adult fantasy manuscripts. Visit their website for further details. The deadline: August 4 through September 1, 2017, so hurry.

Shadow Mountain Publishing is also accepting submissions. According to their website: “We publish general fiction and nonfiction for all ages, all genres. We have a strong interest in middle grade fantasy and clean romance. We also publish a limited number of manuscripts in specialized genres including children’s picture books, family and parenting, and self-help.”

You know how it happens? Page by Page. Scene by Scene. That’s How It Happens. – Judy Blume

JUDY BLUME AND AUTHOR

GARDEN IN SAN ANTONIO

Writers: Stay Healthy. I write children’s books, but I also freelance for a national magazine. I found these great tips on staying healthy, which applies not only to writers but to those who work from home as well. “How to be a Healthy, Happy Freelancer/Writer,” is the title of the post on the blog, wordybirdstudio.com. It starts with (1) Setting Up Your Day, (2) The List, (3) Emails/Phone Calls, (4) Social Media, (5) Deadlines, (6) Staying Motivated, plus a few more. I found this post most helpful.

And speaking of bookshelves, here’s a post on Bustle.com of 12 unique bookshelves you might enjoy viewing.

If you’re aspiring to be a writer and you’re looking for books on the subject, this blogpost on the BookRiot blog has a list of excellent books on this topic. I have a few of these myself on my bookshelf.

A good book is the best of friends, the same today and forever. – Martin Farquhar Tupper