Sunday, June 7, 2015

Winner of May's Book Giveaway and Some Tips From the Conference

The winner of the book, "How to Write a Children's Book and Get it Published" is Evelyn!


The winner of the book, "The Island of Dr. Libris" is Mary Ann.
Please send me the addresses you would like the book mailed to Sheila_renfro@cox.net.




What I learned yesterday:
Yesterday I attended the Florida SCBWI Mid Year conference.
As always I learn a tidbit or two to improve my WIP.


I learned I still need work on understanding POV.
Before the car rolled to a stop, Jaxon threw open the door and raced across the field, his sneakers sank into the red clay dirt, sending puffs of red dust up behind him.


Even though I was in third person POV I wasn't in omniscient, so in other words Jaxon couldn't see the puffs of dirt. (even though it was a nice visual). This was the fist line in my WIP and I could tell it immediately turned the editor, Erin Clarke and author, Sara Pennypacker off. But the good news is I could start later and avoid the whole thing!


My online critique partner was also in the same workshop and we both learned where her story should start. Which is much later. So there is that problem of knowing where to start. We as writers want to describe the setting, where we are and why, but usually this could be filled in later. Get to the action!


For this month I'll be giving away "Where Do You Get Your Ideas?" by Fred White and the fiction book I'll be giving away is Sara Pennypacker's "Clementine and the Spring Trip".


Please leave a comment to be eligible to win.


Happy writing see you next week!
Sheila



5 comments:

Evelyn said...

Wow! Thank you, Sheila!! I'll email you my address. I'm excited to win the writing book. Best wishes to you, Ev

Catch My Words said...

I've heard that tip before. It's a good one. Thanks for the contest.

http://joycelansky.blogspot.com/

C. R. Bailey said...

Funny how those little POV slips can be so hard to spot! I hope you'll give more tips from the conference about finding the right place to start the story.

Empty Nest Insider said...

I agree that it's important to jump right in with an enticing opening paragraph, though it's easier said than done. It's great that you're hosting so many contests, Sheila!

Julie

Mary Ann said...

Thank you very much! I'll email you right now.