Sunday, February 20, 2011

Tidbits from Cinda Williams Chima, Paul Zelinsky, and Robin Wasserman

SCBWI Miami, January 2011

Fantasy Writers: Cinda Williams Chima said her life and her books are all about transformation. Her website has helpful links and tips, many geared toward fantasy writers. One tip is sort of discouraging, but I agree with it anyway, "Don't be a writer unless you have to...there are easier, more reliable ways of making money." Cinda's latest book THE GRAY WOLF THRONE will be released on September 20, 2011. THE EXILED QUEEN is in stores now.

Illustrators: Caldecott winner, Paul Zelinsky, broadened my view of fantasy. He said fantasy today is "a world that is not bound only by our laws." He challenged us to ask the question: "What if our world is more than it seems?" To view some of Paul's wonderful illustrations check out his website.

YA Writers: YA author, Robin Wasserman offered the following tips:

  1. Use the software Scrivener to organize research notes. More about Scrivener here.
  2. Watch the television series "Friday Night Lights" to better understand teens.
  3. Google Scott Westerfeld's presentation "Slanguage: Teen Voices and Teen Vernaculars."
  4. Google Patricia Wrede's article about "Worldbuilding."

You can read more about Robin Wasserman at her website.


If anybody has actually tried Scrivener, I'd love to hear about your experience. How difficult is it to use? Pros and cons.

Posted by Shannon Hitchcock ~ Children's Writer at 6:59 PM
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4 comments:

  1. Cynthia Chapman WillisFebruary 23, 2011 at 12:21 PM

    I am curious about Scrivener, too. I've heard lots of writers say they love it, but I think I'd have to try it myself.

    Also, Scott Westerfeld's "Slanguage: Teen Voices and Teen Vernaculars" is really great.

    Thanks for a great post, Shannon!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Shannon Hitchcock ~ Children's WriterFebruary 23, 2011 at 12:54 PM

    I am planning to give Scrivener a try. I'm hoping to talk my buddy Augusta Scattergood into meeting me for a private training session.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Michelle JulianFebruary 23, 2011 at 2:36 PM

    I'm actually still waiting for the Word version of Scrivener to be released. My husband owes me the program for my birthday back in January. Thank you for all the great tips you've been sharing. I've been following your posts over the past week.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Shannon HitchcockFebruary 24, 2011 at 8:51 AM

    Please drop by when you try the Word version of Scrivener and let me know what you think.

    ReplyDelete

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