When my son, Josh, was about 9 months old, we went into the pediatrician for his well-check. We loved the well-checks, because it was fun to see how he was progressing, and to just be reassured that everything was okay. Josh was our first child, so everything he did as a baby felt amazing and... Continue Reading →
My daughter sang a solo in the school talent show this year. I was surprised, because lately, she doesn’t want to sing for us at all. Gone are the days of her belting out “Let it Go” for anyone who will listen. The preteen years have meant less living room performances, and more headphones and... Continue Reading →
First of all, congratulations to each and every writer out there who has stuck with Ye Olde Subb It Clubbe's series on how to critique. May your dedication be rewarded with a hefty contract. Today we discuss correcting the grammar and punctuation in your critique partner's manuscript. In general, don't. That is not what critiquing... Continue Reading →
I know. Your first reaction to the title of this blog post is: Let me explain.The middle of a story is important---after all, that's where everything happens. But the beginning and ending are even more critical. If the "bookends" of the story are lacking, the whole work is thrown awry. And so... BEGINNINGS---ENDINGS CHECKLIST Does... Continue Reading →
Oh, we're comin' around the bend, race fans. Today's installment of our series on critiquing considers the actual story. Here's your handy-dandy... PLOT CHECKLIST Problem--Can you define, clearly, what it is? When you read a manuscript, ask "What does the main character want?" If you don't know, that's a bad sign. Once you can identify... Continue Reading →
*phew* After a month of special guests and interviews and contests and frivolity, it's time to get back to what we're really here to encourage: Today, let's consider how to help your critique partner write realistic, unforgettable characters. CHARACTER CHECKLIST Point of View--Is it consistent? Whether it's first, second (boy, I'd like to see THAT... Continue Reading →
Sub It Club 