Hello! My name is Peggy Archer, and I am a children’s author. I belong to the Indiana Writers’ Consortium (IWC) and have enjoyed connecting to writers of all genres here in northwest Indiana through IWC. You can find out more about me and my books on my website at www.peggyarcher.com.
Are you a children’s writer? Just getting started, or looking for a way to jumpstart your writing in the new year? Here’s a list of things you can do to keep yourself on track.
1—Read Children’s Books. Which ones did you like, and why? Read picture books out loud. Feel the rhythm of the words. Taste the language.
2—Set realistic goals. Writing 15 minutes a day, or a couple hours a week is better than waiting for a whole day that’s free before you sit down to write. Break your goals down into small steps that can be accomplished weekly or monthly on your way to reaching your long-term goals.
3—Write as often as you can. The more you write the better you will become. Don’t stress if you can’t write as much as you like. You can always think about ideas, and first lines, sitting in the car or waiting for an appointment. Keep a notebook with you, or a tape recorder, for times when you need to write those words down.
4—Learn all you can about writing for children. Read books and publications for children’s writers, look at websites and blogs, and talk to other children’s writers.
5—Join a critique group with other children’s writers. It helps to get feedback from others who understand the genre. It also gives you a deadline to have something written.
6—Attend conferences for children’s writers. This is a wonderful way to network with other children’s writers, meet editors, expand your marketing possibilities, and get professional critiques on your work.
7—Join SCBWI (the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators). This is an immense resource for children’s writers. Check their website at www.scbwi.org.
8—Research the markets. Read the current Children’s Writers & Illustrators Market Book. Read newsletters and magazines for children’s writers. Check out publishers’ catalogs and guidelines, on line or at your library. Read children’s books and look to see who publishes them.
9—Submit. Once you’ve written your story as best as it can be and researched the markets, submit your work. Submit to children’s magazines, too. Acceptances there are rewarding and encouraging.
10—Enter contests; apply for grants. Remember, there are other benefits besides winning. Beware of those charging a fee and check them out thoroughly first.
Staying on the right track can bring you closer to reaching your goals as a children’s writer. I hope you enjoy the ride!
Peggy Archer
www.peggyarcher.com
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Monday, November 16, 2009
2009 IWC "Business of Writing" Progam/Banquet Sells Out
INDIANA WRITERS’ CONSORTIUM’S “THE BUSINESS OF WRITING” DINNER
SELLS OUT
Networking Dinner to Become an Annual Event
From graduate students to internationally acclaimed novelists, they came from Lake, Porter and as far as Jasper counties to attend the “The Business of Writing.” The event, hosted by Indiana Writers’ Consortium, Inc., focused on its mission, to unite, network, inspire and support Indiana’s creative writers, at its 1st annual networking dinner, held at Strongbow Inn, Valparaiso, Indiana, on Thursday, October 22nd.
"I knew that this would be a good dinner and friendly networking event, but I didn't realize how much I would learn from the presentations," [name of book] author Priscilla Herochik [name of city] said.
The evening’s speakers included Sharon Palmeri, freelance writer and writing instructor, who discussed publishing trends via means both tradition and electronic; and Kathryn Page Camp, attorney and freelance writer, who addressed legalities in relation to incorporated writers and income taxes. The keynote speech, delivered by Kate Collins, author of the Flower Shop Mystery Series, offered numerous means to promote published works. Publication tables were filled with books from local authors, ranging from memoirs and literary journals to mysteries and children’s.
“It was hard to close the event but we simply ran out of seating space,” said Secretary/Treasurer Gordon Stamper. “We had not anticipated such a great turnout, but next year we will get a bigger room.”
Monday, August 17, 2009
The Indiana Writers’ Consortium proudly presents its 1st Annual Networking/Business Dinner for Indiana Writers
Business/Networking Dinner
The Indiana Writers’ Consortium proudly presents its 1st Annual Networking/Business Dinner
“The Business of Writing.”
To be held at:
Strongbow Inn
2405 East U.S. Hwy. 30
Valparaiso, IN 46383
Family Style Dinner includes: Sliced Roast Beef Au Jus, Sliced roast Pork, and Sautéed breast of Turkey with Dijon Pecan Sauce, Roasted New Potatoes, and Green Beans Almondine. Individual mixed greens salad with two homemade dressings, coffee, tea and water, and dessert are also included.
Date: Thursday, October 22, 2009
Time: 6 to 10 PM
Reservations:
Members: $25.00
Non-Members: $30.00
Deadline: October 1st
Beginning October 2nd: Members $30.00
Non-Members: $35.00
Book Table: For an additional $5.00 writers may exhibit and sell their current work.
Please register by contacting Gordon Stamper at: glsfiction@sbcglobal.net
Speakers:
Publishing:
Sharon Palmeri has taught in all areas of writing for 20 years, and has had many stories published in magazines and newspapers. Palmeri has freelanced as a ghost writer, editor, book doctor, publicist, and publication consultant. She also has worked as content editor, advisor and layout designer.
Legalities:
Kathryn Page Camp has been a licensed attorney for over thirty years. She is the author of In God We Trust: How the Supreme Court’s First Amendment Decisions Affect Organized Religion (FaithWalk Publishing, 2006) and numerous articles.
Keynote Address:
Advertising & Promotion
Indiana native Kate Collins is the author of the best-selling Flower Shop Mysteries. Her books have made mystery best-seller lists and are available in large print editions in the U.S. and the U.K. SLEEPING WITH ANEMONE, ninth in the series, will be a Penguin February 2010, release. Visit Kate at: www.katecollinsbooks.com.
The Indiana Writers’ Consortium proudly presents its 1st Annual Networking/Business Dinner
“The Business of Writing.”
To be held at:
Strongbow Inn
2405 East U.S. Hwy. 30
Valparaiso, IN 46383
Family Style Dinner includes: Sliced Roast Beef Au Jus, Sliced roast Pork, and Sautéed breast of Turkey with Dijon Pecan Sauce, Roasted New Potatoes, and Green Beans Almondine. Individual mixed greens salad with two homemade dressings, coffee, tea and water, and dessert are also included.
Date: Thursday, October 22, 2009
Time: 6 to 10 PM
Reservations:
Members: $25.00
Non-Members: $30.00
Deadline: October 1st
Beginning October 2nd: Members $30.00
Non-Members: $35.00
Book Table: For an additional $5.00 writers may exhibit and sell their current work.
Please register by contacting Gordon Stamper at: glsfiction@sbcglobal.net
Speakers:
Publishing:
Sharon Palmeri has taught in all areas of writing for 20 years, and has had many stories published in magazines and newspapers. Palmeri has freelanced as a ghost writer, editor, book doctor, publicist, and publication consultant. She also has worked as content editor, advisor and layout designer.
Legalities:
Kathryn Page Camp has been a licensed attorney for over thirty years. She is the author of In God We Trust: How the Supreme Court’s First Amendment Decisions Affect Organized Religion (FaithWalk Publishing, 2006) and numerous articles.
Keynote Address:
Advertising & Promotion
Indiana native Kate Collins is the author of the best-selling Flower Shop Mysteries. Her books have made mystery best-seller lists and are available in large print editions in the U.S. and the U.K. SLEEPING WITH ANEMONE, ninth in the series, will be a Penguin February 2010, release. Visit Kate at: www.katecollinsbooks.com.
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