Category Archives: Kidlit

Jan29

Creating Blogs People Want to Follow

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Creating Blogs People Want to Follow

I don’t know about you, but I follow some blogs that keep me both entertained and informed, so that I want to continue to follow them on a daily basis. It makes me want to analyze why I will spend the time following them and how to translate this to my personal blog. Some of the characteristics that they have in common, include:

  1. something valuable will be learned or gleaned from the post
  2. concise (short paragraphs) and well-written material with a personal, and often humorous voice
  3. entertaining and fun to read
  4. visual-pictures and videos (often crazy funny ones or those aesthetically appealing) are embedded in the post or images created in one’s mind. Video is also engaging on posts.
  5. regular
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Jan28

MEET the AUTHOR: Mary Laudien

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MEET the AUTHOR: Mary Laudien

photoFrenchie X2 Author PhotoMary's visit

After reading the article entitled Meet the Agent- Barbara Lowenstein in Writer’s Digest (Feb., 2013), it occurred to me it might be helpful for my blog readers to know more about Mary Laudien, the Middle Grade Author. I decided to follow Kara Gebhart’s simplified format to provide this info to my blog followers (All 3 of you, but I know there are many more of you who were just waiting for an invite to subscribe!). If you seek more detailed information, you can always go to my website: http://www.twocandobooks.com

Who is Mary Laudien? 

  • a retired innovative educator  (Known for successfully transforming the public schools she was principal of into International Baccalaureate World Schools)
  • a newly appointed International Baccalaureate
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Nov23

10 Reasons why MG and YA Authors Must Read: Writing Irresistible KIDLIT by Mary Kole

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10 Reasons why MG and YA Authors Must Read: Writing Irresistible KIDLIT by Mary Kole

Having recently wrapped up my third MG novel of my Frenchie series, Writer’s Digest’s promotion of Mary Kole’s book, “Writing Irresistible KIDLIT –The Ultimate Guide to Crafting Fiction for Young Adult and Middle Grade Readers” caught my attention.  All authors are interested in perfecting their skill set and craft.  It’s an invaluable aid challenging authors to go back into one’s manuscript, ask the hard questions, and revise, revise, revise!

10 reasons KIDLIT  writers should read Mary Kole’s guide:

1.  Mary Kole is well educated, knowledgeable, experienced and a published author herself. She has credence as a Senior Literary Manager, someone who teaches webinars on all aspects of children’s book craft and she blogs at kidlit.com.

2.  She … Read the rest