If you are a writer, you have five magic words: I am writing a book.

These simple words (or variations of them) can be used to do a variety of tricks:

Research. If you need research for your novel or your nonfiction words, you need help from experts. The Magic Words often open doors and encourages people to share resources, facts and time with you. You might think that people won’t want to share because THEY want to write about it. But most of the time, experts are experts in their field, but not in writing. Mention their names and they are happy to help.

Teaching. Unfortunately, the majority of writers don’t make a living with their writing. Instead, they need to supplement and teaching is a traditional way to do that. I do not have an English or Writing degree; my B.A. is in Speech Pathology and my M.A. is in Audiology (testing hearing). But I taught Freshman Composition for seven years. How did I get that job? Four magic words: I wrote this book.

Speaking or Platform. Another way to bring in extra income is by speaking. A book, even a fiction title, gives you a “platform,” some reason to be known, something to talk about. Speaking engagements are always easier when you can say, “I wrote this book.”

In-Laws. On a personal note, it helps to tell family and friends, “I am writing a book.” Then, when you appear spacey or forget a birthday, well, it’s not your fault, it’s the book’s fault.

Editors/Agents. The key words here are “I have written a book.” Editors and agents usually want a full mss to evaluate.

Use these magic words today and report back–what magic did they work?

Goodreads Book Giveaway

Wisdom, the Midway Albatross

by Darcy Pattison

Giveaway ends March 11, 2012.

See the giveaway details at Goodreads.

Enter to win

I’m just back from a Novel Revision Retreat in San Rafael, CA. What a great time. I always learn so much from other writers.

• My suite-mate wasn’t taking my class, but I watched her hunker down for a weekend of writing and learned that sometimes solitude is just as helpful as working in a group.



• I learned all over again, that critique groups can be more honest and more helpful than anyone expects.
• I learned that continuing a group after a retreat like this means commitment to common goals. We talked about how to extend those goals by creating rituals (For example, a Friday check-in to see how you did that week, as the Summer Revision Smackdown has done.)
• I learned that it is San Ra-FELL, not San RA-fey-ELL. And that is in ma-WREN County, not MARE-in County.
• I learned that young men liked to read Tom Sawyer because they fell in love with Becky Thatcher. (Thanks, Howie, for a great laugh!)
• I learned that we all need to do a better job of sharing information about advances. If you’ve sold a picture book in the last five years, I urge you to fill out Barbara’s Kanninen’s survey. If you do, she will send you a copy of the most recent results of that survey.

Goodreads Book Giveaway

Wisdom, the Midway Albatross

by Darcy Pattison

Giveaway ends March 11, 2012.

See the giveaway details at Goodreads.

Enter to win

BACK TO SCHOOL with Great K-3 Literature — FREE Lesson Plans

Back to School With Literature Units That Integrate Other Subjects

• Over 100 Student Activities for the Classroom
• Teacher resources for study units in Literature, Writing Letters, Art, Science, Geography, Map Work, Social Studies, Math and more
• FAQ by Children’s Book Author, Darcy Pattison about writing her picture books

BACK TO SCHOOL with Picture Books by Children’s Book Author, Darcy Pattison

• 19 Girls and Me (Philomel/Penguin)

  This is a story about friendship in a kindergarten class with 19 girls and one lone boy.
  

  • “Readers will have almost as much fun with this title as these 20 energetic and happy classmates have together.” School Library Journal
  • “Adept and amusing depiction of this early battle between the sexes and her harmonious solution is ideal for readers of any gender.” Kirkus Reviews
  • “The brightly colored illustrations depicting the adventures and the rich, descriptive text will encourage imaginary play.” Childhood Education
• The Journey of Oliver K. Woodman (Harcourt)

  A wooden man travels across the family to connect a family.

  • “A fresh, unusual tale.” School Library Journal
  • “. . . whimsical and imaginative. . .” Booklist
  • “. . . a warm tale. . .” Publisher’s Weekly
  • “All geography lessons should be this much fun.” Kirkus Reviews
• Searching for Oliver K. Woodman (Harcourt)
  When Oliver is lost, a Private Eye a wooden woman goes out to find him.
  
  • “. . .this whimsical cross-country jaunt. Young readers will eagerly await more exciting travels from the wooden duo. . .Publishers Weekly
  • “. . .understatement and ambiguity are everything. . .” Kirkus Reviews

Back to School With the BEST. . .

• Of Children’s Literature – The Journey of Oliver K. Woodman
  has received many recognitions of excellence including:
  • Starred Reviews in The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books and Kirkus Reviews
  • Child magazine Best Books of the Year
  • Nick Jr. Family Magazine Best Books of the Year
  • Irma S. and James H. Black Picture Book Award Honor.
• Read Alouds – 19 Girls and Me.
  The 2008 Read Aloud America Book List
  places 19 Girls and Me at the Top of their K-1 Reading List
• Humor – Searching for Oliver K. Woodman
  “Small details, such as clever license plates (the clown’s plate reads “EEEHA”), add to the book’s subtle humor.” Publisher’s Weekly

Back to School – Download FREE Lesson Plans now!

• Download free Lesson Plans for Darcy’s books. Included are Lesson Plans for The Journey of Oliver K. Woodman, Searching for Oliver K. Woodman and 19 Girls and Me. These Lesson Plans are FREE and may be distributed as needed.

• Answers to Frequently Asked Questions about the writing process for the books
• Easy to Use–Just photocopy and go!
• This is a 6374 KB zipped pdf file. It may take a couple minutes to download. Please be patient!

Download FREE Lesson Plans

Goodreads Book Giveaway

Wisdom, the Midway Albatross

by Darcy Pattison

Giveaway ends March 11, 2012.

See the giveaway details at Goodreads.

Enter to win