Resources for Writers

Here are some links to writing resources that I have found useful over the years.

Organizations:
Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators - A professional organization for authors and illustrators of books for young people. There are regional chapters as well, with opportunities for meet-ups, critique groups and conferences.

Authors Guild does work to advocate for the working author.

The 12x12 Challenge is a challenge for a monthly draft and revision. It includes discussion forums and critique opportunities.

Children's Book Council

American Library Association

The Craft:
Ann Whitford Paul's Writing Picture Books was the book that I found the most helpful as I started writing and then a gleaned so much more from it when I went back and re-read it later.

Stephen King's On Writing is geared toward writing for adults but I found much of it useful, inspiring and fun.

A list of books about writing for children would be incomplete without a mention of Jane Yolen and  Take Joy

Writing with Pictures by Uri Shulevitz is also a great read.

Tara Lazar's Storystorm

Reading for Research Month

KidLit 411

Harold Underdown

Twitter:
Lately there have been more and more ways to connect with other kidlit folks via Twitter. Some of my current favorites to follow are:

#PBChat was started by Justin Colon. There are Wednesday night Twitter chats on craft from 9-10pm and a mentorship program

#WWTS- Writing with the Stars started by Tara Luebbe

#PitMad-Pitch Wars

Debbi Ridpath Ohi @inkyelbows


Rhyme resources:
Josh Funk 

Renee Latulippe

Rhyme Zone

Querying:
Sub It Club blog and Facebook page

Jennifer Laughran gives and agent's point of view on Twitter also @literaticat

Jennifer March Soloway gives helpful writing tips on Twitter @marchsoloway

BookEnds Literary has a great blog full of pointers

Query Tracker

Nonfiction:
Melissa Stewart


School/Library/Author connections:
Blogs are listed here, but they are all active on Twitter also.

Alexis O'Neill
Michelle Cusolito
Kate Messner
Mr. Schu
All the Wonders
Children's Book Podcast by  Matthew Winner

Classes/Workshops
Falling Leaves and Whispering Pines through SCBWI
Highlights Foundation
The Writers Loft
The Writing Barn