Writers’ Critique Groups – As I’ve mentioned numerous times, I belong to two writers’ critique groups. I find them invaluable in helping me with my stories. So, here is a post on Jennifer Blanchard’s blog, “How to Get the Most Out of a Writing Critique.” If you’re interested in setting up such a group, visit her blog on how to get started.

Here’s an interesting post, “Adding a Stance,” on the KidLit blog about emotion in writing. Mary Kole, the author, writes:

You can add an emotional stance to almost everything. How does your character see the world? How they react to stuff will be a very good guide. Don’t just settle for describing something or someone. It’s in how you describe them that the reader will be able to read the narrator’s attitude and emotion toward them. It’s all about context, folks!

She shows examples of how to do it as well. Visit the post at the above link for more info.

Here’s a novel contest you might want to enter. But hurry, because the deadline is June 15, 2016. And if you have stories that are ready to submit, here is another publisher who is accepting submissions: PeachTree. Visit their website for submission guidelines. Best of luck!

Two pictures by students at Galindo Elementary after a school visit. First one is for my book, The Woodcutter’s Gift, and the second one is for The Battle of the Snow Cones.  Neat, huh?

The Woodcutter’s Gift

Battle of the Snow Cones

“When I write, I forget that it’s not real, I’m living the story.” – Stephenie Meyer