How to Write a Manuscript That Succeeds This is a survey of published authors that I did on here (mumbles) over a year ago. But now I finally have a beautiful infographic to share on how to write a manuscript that succeeds. The key takeaway, I think, is that so many of you have written … The post How to Write a Manuscript That Succeeds appeared first on Kidlit ..read more

It’s that time again! Many of you have asked whether you should get a creative writing MFA. I have one. I also have opinions about it. That’s why I created Story Mastermind: an online writing workshop, taught over six months, in the comfort of home. Applications for cohort five are open until April 8! Six-Month … The post Story Mastermind Online Writing Workshop appeared first on Kidlit ..read more

By very, very, very popular demand, here’s a PDF download of a novel outline template. You have been asking for one for years, but the closest I’ve ever written is this short article on a novel synopsis. Well, I’ve rectified that! You can also grab it directly via this Google Drive link. (To use the … The post Novel Outline Template appeared first on Kidlit ..read more

Not every part of the year is made equal in terms of manuscript submission timing. Of course, it’s true that agents and publishers sometimes go “open” to submission and then wink “closed” on their own schedules. That’s why doing rigorous research is so important—you will want to check everyone’s submission guidelines before you send your … The post Manuscript Submission Timing appeared first on Kidlit ..read more

I wanted to share a really cool video made by my old pal and partner in crime (and fabulous writer in his own right!), J. C. Geiger, whose book THE GREAT BIG ONE is out now! This is a downright intriguing, indie-bookstore-boosting project that about from a desire to make the ultimate mixtape. Scavenger hunt. … The post Unusual Marketing: The Great Big One by J. C. Geiger appeared first on Kidlit ..read more

Hello everyone! As you potentially embark on a NaNoWriMo adventure today, I wanted to share my interview with the founder of NaNoWriMo, Chris Baty himself. Take a listen! Show notes and transcript can be found here: Good Story Podcast Chris Baty Interview The post Happy NaNoWriMo! appeared first on Kidlit ..read more

This is a post about Story Mastermind, my small group writing workshop, taught over six months, in the comfort of home. I realize that not everyone here has heard of it, and so I wanted to let you know that applications for cohort four are now open! Six-Month Intensive Small Group Writing Workshop As many … The post Story Mastermind Small Group Writing Workshop appeared first on Kidlit ..read more

One of the questions I find myself discussing all the time is the issue of character backstory. When do we add it? How much do we add? How much is too much? Too little? Are flashbacks okay? How Much Character Backstory to Use The bare minimum of backstory that you should include in your novel … The post How to Work With Character Backstory appeared first on Kidlit ..read more

I’m always thinking of how to help writers get exactly what they need to accomplish their writing goals. It’s in this spirit that my team over at Good Story Company has created Pubdeets:, a daily, digestible newsletter of publishing industry information geared for the creative writer. Examples of deets include opportunities for grants and to … The post Get Your Daily Publishing Deets appeared first on Kidlit ..read more

One of the questions I find myself discussing all the time is the issue of character backstory. When do we add it? How much do we add? How much is too much? Too little? Are flashbacks okay? How Much Character Backstory to Use The bare minimum of backstory that you should include in your novel … The post How to Work With Character Backstory appeared first on Kidlit ..read more