On my mind this week:
Take me back! I had a wonderfully recharging and relaxing weekend writing retreat with my critique partners, Vicky and Faith. We rented a cabin in the woods and each room was so cozy and perfect for writing in.
For an 8 second snippet of what our retreat was like, take a look at my video on TikTok or Instagram. And if you’re interested in organizing your own retreat, take a look at the (free) post I wrote for Kidlit Survival Guide.
I recently entered a flash fiction writing competition and placed fifth in my category which sent me through to the next round. In the first round I was assigned horror as my genre, and in the second round I got historical fiction. Both of those genres were waaaay outside my comfort zone but it was a good reminder to try something new and stretch the creative muscles. If you’re interested in entering future contests, take a look at https://www.nycmidnight.com
Stephanie Lucianovic released her latest book this week, a middle grade novel in verse about the pandemic, California fires, hummingbirds and hope. Check out Hummingbird Season if that sounds like a good addition to your class or home library.
I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about community again so that’s the subject of my next post on Kidlit Survival Guide on Monday. This week, Vicky talked Submission Strategy with Elizabeth Bennett. You can see what we have planned the next few months here.
Tip of the Week
The flash fiction contest inspired me to think about writing constraints. Choose a genre (preferably one you don’t usually write in), an action, and a word. Maybe come up with a bunch, write them on slips of paper, and draw them randomly. Write a story in 100 words containing your genre, action, and word. This could also be a fun challenge to use in a classroom setting.
Some ideas to get you started:
horror, leaving a house, drink
mystery, breaking a nail, pillow
historical fiction, mailing a letter, acorn
Let me know if you try it!
Happy writing,
Christine