Instititute of Children's Literature

Rx for Writers

Writer's Support Room - Satisfying Editors

Christine E. Collier has completed two courses at ICL and been published in many children's magazines including Hopscotch, Boys' Quest, Fun for Kidz, Kid Zone, Jakes, Wee Ones, Bible Pathways for Kids, Brio and Brio & Beyond, On the Line and Shine Brightly. She is the author The Writer's Club mystery series, A Holiday Sampler, and two children's books: Adventure on Apple Orchard Road and Twelve Months of Mystery.

"Reminder: Connect the Dots"

by Christine E. Collier

Remember when you were a child and received a book of connect the dots puzzles? I always loved them especially when completing the puzzle required many numbers and went to thirty or above. Sometimes you could tell what the picture was even before you started connecting the dots with your pencil line. Though you could tell, you still connected each dot. However, on rare occasions, it was a complete surprise. In a way writing is like connecting the dots. Some stories start out with an obvious story line from the beginning. In fact, so obvious it's ridiculous. Other stories take twists and turns and pull us into unknown territory with endings that amaze us.

Number 1 is Important!

The number 1 and the first dot is usually larger in size in connect the dots puzzles than the other numbers; the beginning dot is the most important point of the entire puzzle. Without a proper beginning the puzzle is ruined. How true this is of our story or article as well. If our beginning doesn't have a hook, snappy title or something to catch our attention quickly it will go unread. An extremely important part of our writing is the title. This is the writer's big number 1. It needs to grab the interest of the reader immediately or you won't have to worry about getting to number 2. Are you trying to convince your reader to do something, buy something or read something? Consider the purpose when crafting your title.

How's Your Ending?

Does your ending tie together all loose details? I usually finish my articles with a sentence or paragraph that ties together my beginning thoughts, the title of my piece and the ending.

Got Milk?

Are you looking for freelance work to bring in a little extra milk money? Are you familiar with all the writing newsletters available to us as writers? This seems obvious but even though I receive many writing newsletters weekly, in doing this article I found several more I've decided to try. I've noticed that some newsletters consistently have markets I sell to while others never produce a sale. Writers have to decide which ones will become their favorites. If you don't pick and choose you'll be reading newsletters all day long! Most arrive promptly each week in your email. It's fast, easy and free to sign up! How many things can we say that about? I must add a note here. While I'm concentrating on free writing newsletters in this article there are a host of paid subscription markets offered as well. They offer even more opportunities for the writer and are often hot off the press! You might want to consider them.

What Could You Lose?

The following newsletters are packed with fiction markets, non-fiction, anthologies, contest and grant information, workshops, writing courses, and publishing news or places to earn some much needed extra money. I promise you'll be glad you signed up!

Writing 101

Do you need tips on how to avoid common writing errors? Articles about writing for the web or good fiction? Do you like short vocabulary quizzes? Check out the following:

Mama Knew Best

Whether its connecting the dots in a mysterious picture or filling in a story outline like you used to do in your coloring book with crayon in hand. Writing is your personal creation. Don't forget the advice your mama always gave you- try and stay within the lines and connect those dots!

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