June 29, 2018
Do you know what writing can do for you? You may not fully understand why writing matters, how writing helps, or how writing can be so important. Prepare to have your mind blown! Here are 5 reasons why you must develop your writing skills if you ever hope to be remembered as a success on this planet.
June 27, 2018
Curious how authors create incredible leading characters from out of nowhere? Well, be curious no more! After reading these techniques, you will be able to create brilliantly believable characters your readers and listeners will love. In fact, you will want to re-visit some of your old characters and give them a new paint job. Leave the boring, one-dimensional characters to your competition.
June 26, 2018
Teaching through stories has been around since the dawn of communication. Although when that dawn occurred is hotly contested, what isn't contested is that stories are excellent methods to communicate a message. They are so excellent, in fact, writers often abuse them by being too preachy. What this really means is that the lesson or purpose in a story, especially in children's books and even more so if it's a picture book, should be subtle. Does this come natural to you? Probably not. But it can, if you implement these 5 techniques.
June 25, 2018
You and I fight for many things. Life. Love. Liberty. Happiness. Leftover pizza. At the heart of it all, is communication. And not just any communication. Effective communication. Do you understand the power of words? Do you fully grasp the importance of communicating your thoughts effectively? Take a walk with me for just a few minutes and find how you can become a master of communicating effectively.
June 22, 2018
Are you an aspiring picture book author? Perhaps you are an author / illustrator with a passion for children's books. In either case, if you don't know your audience or how to target them, you won't win any love from agents, editors, buyers, readers, or listeners! Read on below so you know who you're writing that picture book for.
June 21, 2018
Do you type slowly with two fingers? Do you agonize over large amounts of copy editing? Do you try to delegate long typing tasks? You're not alone. The vast majority of people I've come across, even in our technologically advanced world, are slowpokes. The last time I tested my typing speed, it was 120-130 words per minute. Want to know how you can do the same? Implement these 3 strategies below and you'll be blazing trails in no time.
June 20, 2018
Without a shadow of a doubt, there is no single mental capability that can have a greater impact on you reaching goals than mental toughness. Things happen. Things are always happening. Rarely do those things that happen come only in a form of blissful wonder and amazement. Most often, the things that happen to and through us are full of difficulty, challenge, and unexpected outcomes. People are complex and the world, full of people, takes complexity to new heights. If you want to stand out and be in a high percentile of people who can set, reach, and exceed personal goals, you must increase your mental toughness. Here's 5 ways you can become a mental obelisk.
June 18, 2018
Search the topic and you'll find countless tips, tricks, and strategies to catapult your writing to the stars. But like you, you'll find yourself scratching your head wondering which technique, if improved, would have the most effective impact. Let me clear up your confusion right now. If you continue reading this post, you will know without a shadow of a doubt how to become an excellent writer. This is the single, most important principle you need to focus on to step up your writing game. Are you ready for it?
June 15, 2018
Do you enjoy being involved in tense situations? Probably not. In fact, human biology instinctively seeks to reduce or eliminate tension. Think about how you feel walking into a stressful job environment or how blood rushes to your palms in traffic when someone cuts you off. How about walking into that final test for class and feeling unprepared, knowing you'll pass or fail based on the outcome? All of this is tension. In life, it's no fun. But in stories, tension is where the magic happens.
June 13, 2018
What a wonderful opportunity all of us have to learn from one of the most genuine authors in the book business, Rhonda Gowler Greene. She is the author of over two dozen picture books. Her books have received honors such as School Library Journal Best Book, ILA Children’s Choice Book, Bank Street College Best Book, and starred reviews. Rhonda is a former elementary teacher, but for over twenty years now has devoted her time to writing and also speaking at schools and conferences. You can learn more about Rhonda on her Instagram @rhondagowlergreene and Twitter @rgowgreene. Although she maintains a Facebook @rhondagowlergreene, she needs all of you to encourage her to keep it up to date! And without further adieu...