Five Writing Lessons I’ve Relearned

What do you do when your ‘work in progress’ stops progressing?

I am currently writing a middle grade fantasy novel. Having published three novels and one novella already, you might think I’m just flying through this project with no hiccups. But here’s the thing: even experienced writers deal with barriers and […]

It’s New Year Resolution time again!

There is a slightly doom-laden quality to January 2nd. Not only do a lot of people go back to their daily routines after the holidays, but all the mass media images of tinsel, bubbly and celebration have already morphed into bright, hard-edged images of summer holidays, weight reduction and home improvement. After a couple of […]

Illustration Wednesday – The A-Z of Children’s Books with Fig Taylor

I don’t know whether the last week of August affects you the way it does me. I get excited in anticipation of the annual September buzz, the kind of buzz I should really be feeling on New Year’s Day but often don’t. That’s because years of schooling conditioned me to feel like September is the […]

By |2017-05-20T12:28:59+00:00August 26th, 2015|Advice for Writers and Illustrators, Events|Comments Off on Illustration Wednesday – The A-Z of Children’s Books with Fig Taylor

Creative Writing Resources for Young People

While I was signing books at the Leeds Book Awards, I had a chat with a pupil who asked me for tips on writing and illustrating stories and poems. I had an idea that the Scottish Book Trust website would have just the thing and promised the pupil I’d post links here.

Sure enough, the SBT […]

By |2017-05-20T12:29:05+00:00May 26th, 2011|Advice for Writers and Illustrators|Comments Off on Creative Writing Resources for Young People

SCBWI Scotland’s Summer Conference

Calling all aspiring children’s book writers and illustrators!

The Scottish chapter of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators has just published its schedule for the 2010 Summer Conference, featuring top authors and illustrators, including Jane Yolen, Bob Harris, Elizabeth Wein, Nicola Morgan, Sara Pinto, Gillian Philip, Keith […]

By |2010-04-05T13:43:34+00:00April 5th, 2010|Advice for Writers and Illustrators, Events, News|Comments Off on SCBWI Scotland’s Summer Conference

What I’m Working On Now #4

A new odyssey.

The sun is out. The 48 hour squall that passed over us, dropping snow, sleet and rain has moved out. Back to spring dreams.

I am ensconced in the Next Book and feeling how far I have come since I started writing The Blackhope Enigma. The learning curve was very steep but the rewards […]

By |2017-05-20T12:29:10+00:00April 1st, 2010|Advice for Writers and Illustrators, Books and Publishing, General Updates, Inspirations, My Current Projects, Writing|Comments Off on What I’m Working On Now #4

SCBWI Scotland presents Catherine Rayner

On March 25, the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators in Scotland is hosting award-winning author-illustrator, Catherine Rayner, in a day-long master class on illustrating children’s picture books.

If you are interested, click here for more information.

By |2010-02-22T15:52:17+00:00February 22nd, 2010|Advice for Writers and Illustrators, Books and Publishing, Events|Comments Off on SCBWI Scotland presents Catherine Rayner

Jane Yolen in Edinburgh

Your chance to participate in a picture book workshop with the award-winning American author of over 300 books.

The Scottish branch of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators has let me know that Jane Yolen will be leading an all-day workshop about children’s picture books on Sunday, October 4, from 9am […]

By |2009-09-01T17:26:48+00:00September 1st, 2009|Advice for Writers and Illustrators, Books and Publishing, Events|Comments Off on Jane Yolen in Edinburgh
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