Resources to Help Improve Writing
Money-Saving Guide for Authors and Writers
This site offers tips on how to get started in writing. Check out creative ways to hone skills and find writing awards and scholarships. Thanks so much to Hannah from Alabama for finding this site and sharing it with me! Keep at it! Your hard work is paying off.
https://couponfollow.com/research/money-saving-guide-authors-writers/
Hand Hobbies: A Resource Guide to Writing Basics
Here is a resource guide for writing basics. Thanks so much to Shana and her awesome Junior Scouts for sharing it with me, so I can post it here! I love all the handy links on this site.
https://www.wristbandexpress.com/content/hand-hobbies-a-resource-guide-to-writing-basics/
Zen Business
Thank you to Margaret from Youth Writing Club for sharing this awesome resource with me. Get a feel for the skills you need to be an author and what to expect when working with an editor.
The business behind becoming an author
Get newsletters and updates on what’s happening in kidlit.
This website by Kristi Holl offers sound advice to ease the pains of the writing life.
The Purple Crayon
Features helpful articles and information on becoming a children’s book author.
Writing, Illustrating, and Publishing Children’s Books: The Purple Crayon
Harvard College Writing Center
A brief guide to writing in the disciplines. Scroll through English, psychology, sociology, philosophy, and history. See how the writing focus shifts depending on the discipline.
https://writingcenter.fas.harvard.edu/pages/brief-guides-writing-disciplines
Classroom Authors
Kids make real books for free.
https://www.classroomauthors.com/
Edudemic
Create books with apps on the iPad
http://www.edudemic.com/8-powerful-apps-to-help-you-create-books-on-the-ipad/
Writing Contests for Kids at PBSkids.org
Get kids motivated to write with contests.
http://pbskids.org/writerscontest/
APA Reference Guide
Many schools want your papers formatted a certain way. This guide shows you how to format your project according to the American Psychology Association.
Society of
Children’s Book Writers
and Illustrators
This organization offers classes and workshops to connect you with other writers. Find a writing group to help you edit and revise your manuscript.
Writer’s Digest
They have a magazine they publish and online resources to help you with everything from writing query letters to basic industry standards for submitting your work. There are many classes and workshops available for you to enroll in.
Purdue Owl
The Online Writing Lab (OWL) at Purdue University is a trusted source offering assistance with your writing projects. Plug in your question and they will respond with a slew of rules and examples.
https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/purdue_owl.html
Institute for Writers
I’ve had good experiences taking these courses. They helped steer me in the right direction to get work published.
https://www.instituteforwriters.com/about/institute-of-childrens-literature/
https://www.instituteforwriters.com/
Some Books Teachers of Writing/Writers Should Own
A Fresh Look at Writing by: Donald Graves
Graves is a best selling author of books covering writing research in children’s education. He was involved in writing research for decades.
https://www.heinemann.com/authors/998.aspx
Bird by Bird by: Anne Lamott
Anne Lamott writes about issues that are uncomfortable for most like alcoholism and losing a loved one. She teaches at workshops around the country.
https://www.heinemann.com/authors/998.aspx
On Writing by: Stephen King
On Writing is a textbook for writers and a memoir of King’s life. Learn how he became a writer and his struggles.
Save the Cat by: Blake Snyder
Learn about beat sheets for your manuscript.
The Art of Teaching Writing by: Lucy Calkins
Learn about the Reading and Writing Workshop. Many schools teach through workshops like these.
https://www.heinemann.com/authors/430.aspx
The Emotional Craft of Fiction by: Donald Maass
Maass is a literary agent and writer himself. He offers advice on how to write what sells.
The Revision Toolbox by: Georgia Heard
Heard writes about how to help students create authentic writing.
The Writer’s Journey by: Christopher Vogler
Volger’s writing manual explores mythical elements. The second link has a PDF of parts of the book.
https://www.amazon.com/Writers-Journey-Mythic-Structure-3rd/dp/193290736X
https://www.slideshare.net/TheHerosJourney/christopher-vogler-the-writers-journey-best-pdf-61829067
Writing Picture Books by: Ann Whitford Paul
One of my favorites on writing picture books. I refer to it constantly.
https://www.harpercollins.com/author/cr-107847/ann-whitford-paul/
Online Writing Conferences
Picture Book Summit
I stumbled on this conference a few years ago. Since it is online, you can attend virtually and have access to today’s outstanding authors and also agents and publishers. It takes place in October. I’ve seen Tomie dePaola, Matt de la Pena, Jane Yolan, and many others speak here.
Masterclass
I’ve seen Judy Blume’s Masterclass. You can choose from many writers.
A Little Writing Nook 