Writing for Children and Teens

Articles on Writing and the Business of Writing 

These will change out weekly so make sure you check back often!

20 Tips on Query Letters (from Agent Janet Reid)

Agent Janet Reid of FinePrint Literary Management gave an intensive workshop on queries at the South Carolina Writers Workshop. Here are 20 tips to writing an effective query, according to the Query Shark herself.

5 Ways to Start Your Memoir on the Right Foot

It's often said that there are a million ways to tell a story-and thus a million ways to start one. So how do you generate a good starting idea? First, you need to be aware of your choices.

Quick exercises and tips for working on specific aspects of your writing: Memoir Writing.

Evoke Emotions in Your Readers

Based on the amateur memoirs I've read, I think the most common mistake-the mistake most likely to damage the readability of your book-is becoming a slave to chronology. The success of your book depends on your ability to see your story as something more than a procession of events.

"Picturing History in Picture Books" with Pegi Deitz Shea

Picture books that illuminate a moment in history are still hot, so check out Pegi's tips and tales.

Pegi Deitz Shea has published many times and in many genres, for both children and adults. Pegi is the author of more than 200 stories, articles, poems and books. Her stories have appeared in such magazines as Highlights for Children and Ladybug. Pegi Deitz Shea's historical picture book, Liberty Rising, illustrated by Wade Zahares and telling the story of the construction of the Statue of Liberty, was published by Henry Holt and Company in September, 2005. In 2006, Pegi will see the publication of another picture book, the biographical Patience Wright: Wax Sculptor and Revolutionary Spy.

"The Motivated Writer" transcript with Simon Rose

Check out this discussion of motivation and pressing on.

Simon Rose is the author of The Heretic's Tomb, The Emerald Curse, The Alchemist's Portrait, The Sorcerer's Letterbox and The Clone Conspiracy. All continue to gather great reviews and The Sorcerer's Letterbox was nominated for the Silver Birch, Diamond Willow and Golden Eagle Book Awards in 2005. Simon is also an alum of the Institute of Children's Literature! To learn more about Simon and his work, visit http://www.simon-rose.com/

SFC Newsletter for Writers 

Voted one of the 101 Best Websites for Writers 2009 by Writer's Digest

SFC Newsletter for Writers -- Voted one of the 101 Best Websites for Writers by Writer's Digest 2009!

SFC Newsletter for Writers was created for children's writers or anyone who loves to write. Each newsletter contains tips on writing,how other writers started down the road to success through trial and error, success stories on being published, contest, and writing markets.

Here is what some of our readers had to say:

"I read the first two newsletters and you offer a nice selection of articles for writers of children's stories, as well as a great source of markets, contests, etc." --Marcia Berneger

"I truly appreciate the work you are doing. It's been incredibly insightful and helpful to me as I am just starting out in the children's writer world. I find the information invaluable. Thank You for all that you do!! It's much appreciated!" --Brenda Francis

"Your newsletters are sooooo much more informative than anything I've found to date on this side of--The Pond" --Paul

At SFC Newsletter for Writers, we believe writers naturally want to help along those starting out. I know you will enjoy this monthly newsletter loaded with helpful information, fun stories about the writing life, and the successes of fellow writers.

Manuscript Critiques & Editorial Services: 

Do you have a wonderful story, but need a second pair of eyes to look it over?

VS Grenier Critique & Editorial Services

Do you have a wonderful story, but need a second pair of eyes to look it over? VS Grenier will look for grammar, spelling, and so much more.

Not ready to have your manuscript edited for submission. Looking to get feed back from a professional on your overall manuscript? Critiques are designed to help us become better writers. We all need our stories looked at by others who have experience in the writing world. So have VS Grenier help you with setting, plot, character development, and much more to make those final revisions the best they can be.

Testimonials:

"Some time ago, you critiqued my children's picture book text, "Edward the Bear and the Willow Treasures" I am just writing to thank you for those comments and to let you know that the publisher I sent the story to liked the story. They have made some recommendations and have requested a rewrite. . . I am hoping that the publisher would not have taken the time to request a rewrite unless they were seriously considering the story for publication."~Jeff Doherty

"I'm very glad VS Grenier had the time to look at my story. She provided very valuable insights and provoked me to think deeper about my approach. All in all, this story, and any I may write in the future, will be benefited by her expertise. I am pleased and challenged by her feedback and would suggest her critique service to anyone. She's not about boosting your ego. She's about helping you. And that she does well."
-Dave Gregg

"Virginia has a keen eye for narrative flow. She caught some repetitive wordings that none of my other critiquers noticed. With her pointing them out, I was able to vary my phrasing, improving the pace and readability of the entire story." -Karina Fabian

Send VS Grenier an email for more information with "Critique" in the subject line at: mailto:vsgrenier@yahoo.com

Featured Guest Interviews at Stories for Children Magazine 

Author and Illustrator Interviews

Meet Author James Dashner

An accountant turned author, James Dashner is living the dream so many writers strive for. The mastermind behind The Maze Runner trilogy, Dashner continues to give back to the writing community by paying it forward. He is always willing to provide insights on his experiences in the publishing world, but be forewarned, his humorous style may have you forgetting what you asked in the first place. Come along for Dashner's amazing twist and turn journey.

Meet Author Debbie Dadey

Debbie Dadey, author and co-author of 145 books, including the critically acclaimed Keyholder series, recently chatted with us about the Adventures of the Bailey School Kids series and Keyholder series. Come along as she shares her world of writing, collaborating with co-author Marcia Thornton Jones, school visits, and speaking engagements. Each unique and exciting in their own right.

Please share your collaboration process with co-author Marcia Thornton Jones.

Marcia and I have written many books together, as well as separately. However we write, we always start with a plan or outline. We use that outline to frame the story, and pass it back and forth to each other over the Internet. We call it playing "hot potato."

New York Times Best-selling Author Brandon Mull

Step onto the pages of the brilliant and magical world of Brandon Mull. This best-selling NY Times author captivates the reader like none other. Mull lures the reader into the land of mythical creatures from the onset and takes you on an adventure you will not soon forget. Come along and experience for yourself.

Your "Fablehaven" series is a pure hit with children and adults. While writing, do you try to keep in a particular mindset of what would please both?

I try hard to write a book I would enjoy. The premise of secret wildlife parks for magical creatures seems to make most people curious. Since the main characters are kids, and we're dealing with high adventure and mythical creatures, that keeps the books really kid-friendly. And thankfully, like me, many adults like a smart story full of magical creatures and high adventure. Plus, I try to write my adult characters like adults, so I hope every reader will find relatable characters. Some of my happiest feedback is when I hear whole families have read and enjoyed the series.

Meet Children's Author Dan Gutman

Technology has certainly made the world a smaller place. And with the monthly featured guest interview here at Stories for Children Magazine, it is our hope to make the world slightly smaller. Come along for this astounding interview with children's author, Dan Gutman. He has an incredible 86 books to his credit, even though he has his own share of rejections. How is it possible to have so many books after receiving rejections? Read on to find out how.

Astounding! You have 86 books to your credit. In your experience what has changed the most in the publishing industry since publishing your first children's book in 1993?

I don't really follow the industry very closely. But I have heard that since 9/11 it is even harder to get published than it was before. Some publishers won't even open envelopes from strangers anymore. On the other hand, it is easier to self-publish. If I was starting out now, I would self-publish my first book. It's affordable, you have complete control of the product, and you are in charge of your own destiny.

My Websites 

Stories for Children Publishing, LLC

Stories for Children Publishing, LLC is here to help those who want to write for children find the resources and help they need. Come join us on an adventure into the World of Ink.

Stories for Children Magazine

A monthly on-line magazine for children ages 3 to 12.

VS Grenier's Author Website

Here you can learn more about me, sign up for my newsletter, and so much more.

VS Grenier on MySpace

MySpace Profile - V.S.Grenier
"Books choose their authors; the act of creation is not entirely a rational and conscious one."~VS Grenier

Virginia S Grenier's Page - Kids Read

Virginia S Grenier's Page on Kids Read

This network is for teachers, librarians, children's book authors, and children's literature lovers who believe that worlds open when kids read.

Stories for Children You Tube Channel

There has always been an enchantment about reading a good childrens story. Children take pleasure in having a story read to them anytime or anywhere whether it be around a campfire, under a starry night, in their beds wrapped up tight in snuggly blankets, beneath a shady tree on a hot summers day, or in front of a roaring fireplace on a cold winters day. Children love to listen to a story being read and this can go as far as adolescence. So sit back and let the authors and illustrators at Stories for Children Magazine take you and your child along with Stanley on a magical journey into the World of Ink!