Rx for Writers

Writer's Support Room - Getting Started


March 11, 2010

"THE WRITE WORDS TO READ"

The Institute of Children's Literature
http://www.institutechildrenslit.com


"I want my own writing to surprise me, the way someone else’s book does."
-- Jane Yolen, on her website


CONTENTS OF THIS ISSUE

*NEW* Check out the New Improved Student Center

1. LOOKING FOR SOMETHING? CHECK OUT THE TOPICAL SITE INDEX
2. WHAT'S NEW THIS WEEK: "Becoming A Puzzle Master"
3. VINTAGE GOODIE
4. GUEST WORKSHOP EVENT - Researching Historical Fiction
5. CHAT
6. WHAT'S NEW AT KRISTI'S
7. MARKET NEWS
8. REMINDERS


Hello Students!

Check out the STUDENT CENTER
You can access it from the left side navigation links from all over the site now -- No more disappearing Student Center! Plus, it's been updated and packed with new goodies. All students from any of the classes from the Institute can use their student ID number to access the Student Center.
This gives you access to

If you're a student and you haven't checked out this terrific resource -- check in today!



Many of our enews issues are being blocked from getting to all of our subscribers. It can be difficult to convince your email provider that you truly want to receive this enews. Therefore we've created a list of directions to make it easier for you find the exact steps to ensure the enews always makes it to your inbox. Please, check out this link http://institutechildrenslit.com/email_whitelist_instructions.htm for specific directions to ensure you get every issue of the Children's Writers eNews.

1. LOOKING FOR SOMETHING?
A Full Site Topical Index
http://www.institutechildrenslit.com/rx/ws01/webindex.shtml

Are you interested in knowing more about "educational markets?" How about "historical fiction?"
There is a perfect topic for everyone and all of the Rx content is listed -- all the articles, all the guest chat transcripts, all the topical open forums. Check it OUT.





2. WHAT'S NEW AT ICL THIS WEEK?
--------------------------

In Rx
"Becoming A Puzzle Master" by Ev Christensen
http://www.institutechildrenslit.com/rx/tr01/evchristensen.shtml
Learn a ton about different puzzles, how to make some, and how to approach selling them to publishers -- totally packed with info.
--------------------------

3. OTHER GOODIES

"First Person Fabulous" by Jan Fields
http://www.institutechildrenslit.com/rx/wt07/fabulous.shtml
Learn what first person viewpoint is and all the things you can do with it.

---------------------

4. WORKSHOP IN THE WRITER'S RETREAT

Researching Historical Fiction
April 7-9, 2010
-- with Kim Delmar Cory


Historical fiction (and even "alternate history" where the writer takes real historical people and events and gives them a hard twist) depend upon strong research. Author and ICL instructor Kim Cory gives us help in tracking down those sources that make history live for us, so we can make it live for our readers.

Kim Delmar Cory was born in Muskegon Michigan and frequently writes about Michigan history. She developed a passion for teaching after her Master's degree and started teaching Writing classes part-time at Lansing Community College where she still teaches and advises part-time today. She also enjoys school visits where she can share her love of Michigan history and writing with young people. To learn more about Kim and her super books, check out http://www.kdelmarcory.com/

Remember, if you totally don't want to figure out the Writer's Retreat, you can still send questions, just drop an email to jan.fields@forums.institutechildrenslit.com or WebEditor@institutechildrenslit.com. And, check out the new article on using the cool features of the Writer's Retreat -- http://www.institutechildrenslit.com/rx/ws01/retreat.shtml

NOTE: All transcripts are archived! The archive contains more than six years' worth of full-length interview transcripts

--------------------------

5.GOT CHAT?


Our Next Casual Tuesday Forum will be Tuesday March 16
http://institutechildrenslit.net/entry.htm
3-4PM Atlantic
2-3PM Eastern
1-2PM Central
Noon -1PM Mountain
11AM - Noon Pacific

Hang out with us on Tuesdays!
http://institutechildrenslit.net/entry.htm

The Institute Chat is open again and flashier than other. This is a much smoother easier to use chat, but for those who are new to chatting or just want some help with all the nifty bells and whistles, we have a new article.
How To Chat
http://www.institutechildrenslit.com/rx/ws01/howchat.shtml

Come Hang With Us Every Tuesday
Talk Writing, Socialize, Make new friends

http://institutechildrenslit.net/entry.htm
We'll be waiting for you
3-4PM Atlantic
2-3PM Eastern
1-2PM Central
Noon -1PM Mountain
11AM - Noon Pacific
Come on in and let's chat!

Next NIGHT Forum -- come ask your writing questions
One Hour --March 26-- Fully Fun

http://institutechildrenslit.net/entry.htm
We'll be waiting for you
10-11PM Atlantic
9-10PM Eastern
8-9PM Central
7-8PM Mountain
6-7PM Pacific

And be sure to visit theWriters Retreat if you haven't checked in yet -- I visit daily and I'll be happy to pontificate right there if you have any writing questions. We have over 200 members now!
And, check out the new article on using the cool features of the Writer's Retreat --
http://www.institutechildrenslit.com/rx/ws01/retreat.shtml

--------------------------

6. What's New At Kristi's

Kristi Holl's Writer's First Aid is so good, the Institute has decided to highlight the goodies she has to offer every week --
it's like getting extra special writing advice in every visit.

http://institutechildrenslit.net/Writers-First-Aid-blog/

Fri., Mar. 5: “Beware! Burnout Ahead”
“Writing is not everything,” says Lisa Shearin in the April, 2010 WRITER MAGAZINE. “And if you want longevity in this business, play isn’t just important–it’s critical. We get so intensely focused on having achieved the dream and working so hard to keep the dream going, that we’re blind to the signs that if we keep going down that road at a fast pace, that dream could quickly turn into a nightmare.”

Mon., Mar. 8: “Should You Quit or Forge Ahead?”
A week doesn’t go by without a question from someone about whether to continue to write–or give it up and do something else. I’m no longer as comfortable jumping up and down, rah-rahing and chanting, “Don’t quit! Don’t quit!” Each writer is different, and I can’t predict someone’s future success, but there are things you can ask yourself when making this decision. Over the weekend, I read two good articles that asked some hard-hitting questions designed to help you decide if you should quit or forge ahead with your writing career plans and goals.

Wed., March 10: “Where’s My Time Go?”
Do you feel as if you’re forever running to catch up and keep up? Is finding any time at all to write a challenge for you? If so, you’ll need to simplify your life—choose what really matters—and slow your pace. But *HOW*?

--------------------------

7.I Wrote A Novel
http://stephenparrish.blogspot.com/2010/03/i-wrote-novel.html

A realistic look at why determination and hard work are the dynamic duo that lead to publication.

------------------------

8. POCKETS Fiction Contest
http://pockets.upperroom.org/annual-fiction-contest/
After skipping last year, the POCKETS Fiction Contest is back. Entries should be 750-1000, and sent by August 15th. Cash prize of $500.

---------------------

8. REMINDERS

The CHAT ROOM is up and available at http://institutechildrenslit.net/entry.htm -- for extra help, check out "How To Chat."

Our WRITER'S RETREAT, ICL's discussion board is up and available at http://institutechildrenslit.net/index.php. For tips on using the discussion board, check out "Using the New Writer's Retreat."

----------------------

To Unsubscribe from the email version of Childrens Writer eNews, go to the following URL (or paste it into your browser): http://www.institutechildrenslit.com/rx/email_updates_unsubscribe.shtml

Return to Getting Started

93 Long Ridge Road, West Redding, CT 06896
Phone: (203) 792-8600 (800) 243-9645
Fax: (203) 792-8406
E-Mail:
WebEditor@institutechildrenslit.com

Home | Writing Course | Short Story  | Full Story | Aptitude Test 
 
Send Me Info | EnrollOur Instructors | Our Credentials | Sample Lesson
College Credits |
Tax Deductibility | From Overseas | Writer's Bookstore 
Newsletter | Writing Contests | Write for Adults | Free Writer's News
 
Rx for Writers | Chat Room | Open Forum | Writing Tips  | Scheduled Events | Transcripts
Writer's Retreat | Writer's Support  | Student  Center |  Privacy Policy | Web Editor | Comments

Copyright © The Institute, Inc., 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008
No part of the electronic transmission to which this notice is appended may be reproduced or redistributed in any form or manner without the express written permission of The Institute, Inc.