Greeting;
If you’re writing fantasy, play fair. If you want your main character to escape some horrific happening, plant information for possibilities of super-human strengths in your plot before the conflicts occur. In fantasy, you CAN make up your own rules, but then you must stay with them. Give the reader clues; let them wonder what will happen and how your hero might prevail over evil. If the bad guy is a vampire, you can’t have him running around during the day. Let your young reader suspect someone’s a vampire because he’s ONLY out at night. Children like solving problems on their own—no adult needed.
Write so your reader becomes concerned with the main character’s safety, and avoid making him or her a loner. He or she will need friends to achieve success in the end because that’s real life, even in fantasy, and editors like it. There’s been enough written about magic rings and the like. What’s your original theme? In today’s publishing world, it must be unique to make it to an editor’s desk.
Keep in mind when writing for teens, their usual reaction in those years is to rebel against parents, instructors, and such. Adolescence gives birth to sexual concerns, power struggles, and a need to become independent of “Kids’ rules”. If writing about emotional attraction, kissing is considered the limit there by current editors.
When it comes to language, be sure to “listen in” on the age group you hope to target with your writing. Young people often see their world as black or white—seldom any consideration for the middle road. Words like never, always, right and wrong are frequently used. “He never listens to me.” “I’m always wrong in her eyes.” The need for independence and becoming responsible for one’s own actions is blossoming, but there are still regression points when anger or frustration over-powers logic. Also in play can be the main character’s religious beliefs. When the child is young, it can be simply demonstrated by writing in a Bible or Koran on the child’s desk.
When it comes to settings in fantasy, the world is yours to imagine, but the characters’ attitudes, reactions, and methods for solving dilemmas must be based on realistic decisions to be believable. For adolescents, they generally prefer to be anywhere their parents aren’t, so work on having the young people think for themselves, right or wrong. Of course, the wrongs are what conjures conflict, and every good story, fantasy or not, must contain that magic element to succeed. Wherever your characters are in your fantasy, be sure to show your reader “where” they came from so readers can understand the “why” of their reasoning, reactions to stress, and their methods for solving problems as they arise.
Finally, have fun with your fantasy writings. Don’t be afraid to use your creative mind, God bestowed on you. Write your first draft without thought of grammar, spelling, or chapter sequences. That comes with your re-writes–the reality of all good prose. When blended, it can become a work of art. Good luck.
Until next Wednesday, be well. Linda

Greetings;
Tuesday was quite a day. The National Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) opened its registration for writers and illustrators to apply for private, fifteen-minute critique sessions with editors and agents. The date was important because there are limited spots available. It was not a day for one’s older computer to freeze, and (in my case) to be in a Manhattan hotel without a printer. I contacted the hotel’s business desk, who offered for a $1.00 fee/page to make copies of whatever—good to know for travelers. I also discovered the trains are equipped for plugging in computers at individual seats now, and the hotel rooms have hook-ups free-of-charge.
The individual sessions will take place, May14-16, Friday through Sunday, at SCBWI’s annual New England Conference in Fitchburg, MA. (If interested in attending, check out www.scbwi.org The first year’s fee for joining SCBWI is $90; renewals-$70) With myriad workshops and conferences available, attending writers and illustrators can expand their knowledge of the children’s publishing industry. New writers are welcomed. Non-members can attend at slightly higher rates. For information on the national conferences, contact SCBWI at the website above. The 2011 CHILDREN’S WRITER’S & ILLUSTRATOR’S MARKET notes the conference is limited to 450.
For those of you who were successful in setting your private sessions, congratulations and good luck. I shall keep working on it. It was stressful when I couldn’t do what was needed to apply, but all things in perspective. This afternoon, I was told my dear cousin Brian Kiernan died this morning of lung cancer. Every minute on this earth is precious for me, so when a situation arises that is beyond my control, no matter how important or trivial, I work on something else (or go to a movie) understanding that stress can be a killer in its own right.
Today, the toy fair in New York ends for another year, and my husband, our son Jeff, who has joined forces with Jack, and I are heading home. It will feel good to be back in my office with my printer handy. Hopefully, I’ll then be able to obtain the application form needed to apply for a critique session in May.
Isn’t progress amazing. I’m finishing this blog while traveling on an Amtrac train from Manhattan to Providence. Some of my best ideas occur while riding on these comfortable, Amtrac trains. Hmm. Sounds like an ad.
Until next week, work at keeping your stressful situations to a minimum.
Be well. Linda

Note: Borders is going to close. If you have gift certtificates, please cash them in now.  How sad to be losing another friend of writers.

Greetings;
Fiction writing takes place in a writer’s mind, but it originates from everywhere and is triggered by real happenings. It might have been something witnessed, heard, or felt, in the moment or in long-ago memories, or someone noticed or personally encountered.
If a group of writers observes an older man coaching a young people’s baseball team, each writer “sees” the same scene, but one’s personal experiences evoke positive or negative thoughts, determining in some way how the story will evolve and who will emerge as the main (point-of-view) character. (in a children’s story, the POV should be a child or a child creature) Conflict can occur through the team’s problem or one member’s dilemma about playing ball with one whom he or she dislikes. If using that point, however, please give it a unique twist.
The seeds of a good story germinate best into unique characters, scenes, ideas, and time-lines when formulated in a relaxed setting like lying in bed at night (alone) or soaking in a warm tub. (also alone because creating a story is a solitary business) A writer’s mind needs to relax from the day’s responsibilities in order to create. Taking a walk or going to see a movie does wonders for clearing a cluttered mind
Some new writers have difficulty understanding what is meant by the theme of a story. If it’s true for you, think of your story’s theme as an integral tool that binds the plot and its purpose around a central point, like a baseball park discussed in the first paragraph,
During one workshop on fiction writing, a student inquired, “Why is research needed when writing fiction?” She didn’t realize how much research she’d already done by simply living and observing how people around her deal with their problems and other people. A POV character often takes on characteristics and idiosyncrasies of someone the writer has encountered or observed. Those facets are recorded in our brain-computer, whether consciously or unconsciously, and can be drawn upon when imagining characteristics of people in our story; it’s what makes fiction characters seem “real.” Research is also important when writing about real places, happenings, and time-lines because when a reader discovers a discrepancy, credibility will suffer concerning whatever else is written.
At a writers’ conference, Author Gary Provosts suggested reading SHORT STORIES THAT SELL by Louise Boggess and CREATING SHORT FICTION by Damon Knight. Librarians are also a valuable asset. You’re not imposing by asking questions. It’s their job to know how to guide you to references you need. If they don’t have an immediate answer, I’ve always found they will know where to find an answer.
As for stressing about the how, where, and what of a story’s sequences, I can’t stress enough not to stress during the first draft. After a few pages, the plot begins to take shape, sometimes, seemingly, of its own accord, and sometimes the one imagined as the POV character is replaced by a character who arrives in the scene unannounced. That’s the fun part of being a creative writer, always wondering what the creative side of my brain will do next.
Although I normally post on Wednesday, the day was spent re-locating to Manhattan for eight days to attend the national Toy Fair. My husband, Jack, and I have been there together for over thirty years, and it never ceases to be exciting. Our son, Jeff, has joined Jack’s company as a toy rep (they represent domestic and international toy factories for clients like Toys-R-Us, CVS, Walmart, and the like) so it’s doubly exciting, because he lives in New Jersey and we don’t often see him. They just returned from China on business, and are re-connecting here in Manhattan with the stores’ buyers and factory reps from across the country, all gathering to decide what toys will be marketed and shown for next Christmas. In a sense, it’s the same for writers, who must submit holiday stories and poetry a good nine months before the holiday arrives in order to be published.
Finally, if the time taken to write these words helps ease the way for a new writer to publish, I’m happy. Have a fun week and be well. Linda

Greetings;
I’ve asked my author-friend, Julie Millington, to list some important tips for writers interested in become self-published authors. Thanks, Julie.

If you have further questions, you may e-mail Julie.  Juliemill@verizon.net

Self Publishing Insight
Didn’t submit your manuscript for fear of rejection? Tired of waiting for an acceptance letter? Are you considering self-publishing?
Hopefully, this will help provide insight into self-publishing.
If you decide to self publish…PLEASE do your homework. Call several publishers and ask lots of questions.
Following is a list of information you need to know:
How long have they been in the self-publishing business?
1) Do they have offset printing and POD (print on demand) ability?
2) Do they have a professional copy editor and proof-reader?
3) Will they recommend an illustrator if needed?
4) Do they accept all genres, i.e. fiction, non-fiction, children’s books, cook books, memoirs, etc.?
5) Will they provide copyright, IBSN number, and bar code numbers?
6) What time frame is normal for the book to be published?
7) How will they promote your book?
8) How are royalties split? Your percent? Their percent? Mass retail book store percent?
9) Do they offer storage or distribution? If not, who do they recommend?
10) Do they have a payment plan? If so, what amount of down payment is needed?
I just went through this process and can share my experience with you. My publisher, Sweet Dreams Publishing of Massachusetts, was terrific to work with.
I met personally with the owner and we discussed my book, my needs and my budget. I was offered three different plans. The plan I chose (and contract I signed) included a soft covered 7” x 10” book with 34 pages, (the printing of books are priced according to the number of pages and the actual size of the book and whether it’s in black /white or colored), professional copy editing, proof reading, copyright, ISBN number, LCCN and EAN bar codes, on line marketing set up through Amazom.com and Barnes and Noble.com, on line bookstore web page, one author bound book copy, printer set-up fees and the book would be listed in Ingram’s catalog.
I received support from my publisher with the handling of customer support and inquiries, manuscript preparation, cover, interior design and art preparation,(different than art work), formatting the distributing of commissions and fulfillment of orders that came through the website. I was given four illustrators names with contact information and samples of their work, PR and marketing company choices and third party distribution information. Each had different plans, prices, contracts and payment plans. I chose one who fit my needs and budget, which for me was somewhere in the middle price ranges.
If you use an illustrator, make sure you own the artwork when all is said and done. They usually charge a set amount per interior drawing then another amount for front and back covers. Check to see if they charge for changes you request or any tweaking you’d like done.
If you use a distributor, there will be an inventory expense, in and out expenses and a set up fee. Atas is a well known distributor that the major retailers use.
A PR group should present you with a press/media kit that they send to hundreds of bookstores. Different plans may include working to get your book on the best seller list, setting up book signing events, contacting your local media-newspapers, TV and radio just to name a few. They can also offer to design your website after you’ve purchased the host site and domain name.
Not to scare anyone, but it can be expensive. I spent just under $8000.00 for all the above services and the printing of 500 books. It was worth every penny! I have a great relationship with my publisher and speak to her quite often. I felt comfortable calling her with even the smallest question. Her insight was tremendous; she shared her knowledge freely with me.
Just remember one thing….it’s YOUR book. Do it your way with their guidance.
The best part after all is said and done- you’ll be a published author!
Julia Millington

Greetings;
Writing a fantasy story is a labor of love and perseverance. First, your writing mechanics should be in place because the imagination and research skills required for fantasy are extensive. The word fantasy (phantasy) evokes a unique mental image or representation, much like a composition, which doesn’t conform to normal rules of music. Derivatives include words like fantastic, fanciful, and even the movie title, FANTASIA.
“Fantasy Fiction” relies on strangeness of setting, characters, (supernatural or unnatural beings) and mood, where one’s frame of mind can run the gamut from anger to whimsical. It involves creating unrealistic or improbable happenings of previously perceived persons, objects, and events. Such fantastic ideas, behavior, and even climate descriptions must scale far beyond normal limits.
In years past, so much bad fantasy was sent to editors that many finally declared in the annual market guides, “no fantasy.” The trend is changing since the amazing success of books like the Harry Potter series. Editors still don’t want redone classics and fairy tales, but they are yearning to discover an original idea. They expect the writer to have developed a well-researched plot. (One can’t write about a flying machine or “original” bird without researched knowledge of flying skills.)
If the spelling, grammar, and story sequences are a mess, the editor will surmise the writer isn’t sincere enough about writing to have mastered those essential writing tools. There’s simply too much work needed to correct numerous errors.
If you still feel a need to write a fantasy story, visit your library and read the newly released books. If you don’t know a title, ask the children’s librarian for they are knowledgeable in specific genres. Also, check the publisher of each book and make notes of who has accepted fantasy stories.
When writing for children, keep in mind they are very aware of smells, colors, sounds, tastes, and the texture of things. Use those senses when describing characters, settings, and feelings, and please, write only words young children can understand. I know one writer who reads her stories backwards to catch errors so she won’t get too involved in reading the story. Whatever works.
Keep in mind children like moving through a story that contains some rhythm to the thoughts. Whether you show sounds like “…howling in his head,” or “…rain drip, drip, dripping on his head”, those word sensations can provide a clue to what is happening IN his head– that all-important “showing” skill. Children love finding clues to what might happen next.
Building illusions of reality, while making the plot believable, is necessary for the genre of Fantasy. Those enduring stories read and re-read over the generations were and are those where characters, plot sequences and places are realistically presented. Parents do mourn when children are away from home, day does follow night (unless specifically changed within the story), and strange things do and can happen without notice.
Fantasy stories should contain some periods of real happenings so children can relate, but in a story written for young children, wrongs are finally righted, main characters survive, and a new day of happiness emerges. (Shakespeare’s “All’s well that ends well.”)
Until next Wednesday, be well and share a smile. Linda