Blogs, Favorites, Old and New!

Eh, now where should I start? What makes a great blog? I’ve been reading a ton and Boy, are there a lot out there! However, I do have a few favs.

An old favorite is one I’m sure many of you know about already is Margot Finke’s blog and website. She covers just about anything and everything you need to know about writing and if you can’t find it on her page you can be sure there is a link to direct you to where you will find it. Her Musings column featured on Harold Underdown’s Purple Crayon must not be missed! http://www.underdown.org/finke.htm

She is quite the computer savvy lady, too! Loads of links, widgets and feeds cover her sites. She has thoughtfully put down the directions on how to include these on your site. Thanks Margot!

Be sure to check her sites at http://margotfinke.blogspot.com/ and

http://www.margotfinke.com/ You won’t be sorry!



A blog I’ve run across and quite like is Writer’s Block by Susan Humphreys. Susan has a very eclectic site with some very interesting articles like the double nosed dog called an Andean Tiger Hound but she also includes lots of writing news, too. Her most recent is letting us know of a writing competition, The Commenwealth Short Story Competition and an article on the book, Young Bond. She also directs us to a poll by Bloomsbury asking us Who is the best villain in children’s books? There also a review of Writer’s Forum magazine and announcing Writer’s Advice Centre Competition for 2008. Susan won the competition last year! WhoHoos for Susan!

I think it’s a very clever and informative site. She’s great at using news to inspire her in her writing. She has inspired me to open my eyes and see what I can find to spark a story. I can’t wait to what she what will pop out of her hat for my next visit.

Take a look you won’t regret it. Here is the link, http://www.writersblock.merseyblogs.co.uk/


Smiles, Charlotte

Where Have I Been?

Ok, I've not been so hot at posting but I have a good excuse. I've been very busy working on the SCBWI Scotland website and on the up-coming Logo Contest. Whew, it's a lot of work! Claira Jo and I are still trying to find a venue. We are a new chapter so we have very little money and the venue must come cheap or even free. (sigh) We hope to make this a big success so this won't be a problem in the future.

We were worried about prizes but no worries now. Here is a list of some brilliant authors and illustrators who have generously donated books, magazines or artwork for our contest. Their kindness will make this contest a wonderful success; without them we would be struggling! Please take the time to view this list and perhaps if a book title catches your interest, why not wander over to an on-line bookstore and support one of these lovely people.

Jane Clarke - picture book- Gilbert in Deep and Knight Time, Random House, Gerry O'Brian- Picture Books- Bubba Begonia, You'll Be Sorry from Acorn Press PEI, 2006 and Bubba Begonia and The Mudmen of The Koola Boola,2007, Bev Cooke- Middle Grade/Young Adult Novel- Feral from Orca Book Publishers, April 2008, Vanda Lavar- illustrator, Christine M. Irvin - Craft Books- The Mania craft series from Children's Press, Anna Myers- Middle Grade/Young Adult Book, Vicki Sansum- Illustrator, April Robbins- Picture Book-Zachary Goes Treasure Hunting, Tekla White - Historical fiction for kids, Kelly Milner Halls- Science-non fiction for kids, Annette Sheldon- picture book- Big Sister Now, Bernice Magee- children’s magazines- FACES, APPLESEEDS, and ODYSSEY, Janet S. Fox - Get Organized Without Losing It from Free Spirit Publishing, 2006, an award-winning book for kids, ages 9-14, Kay Millward- MG/YA Wobbly Witch & Kiki, Janet Foxley – MG/YA- Midsummer Legend, Radhika Meganathan- THE VILLAGE FAIR from Tulikabooks, Verna Harps Morrow- My Mommy Wears Army Boots

I have one more request. I had a list of blogs to put up on this site and I lost them. WHOOPS! If you are a children's writer, illustrator, publisher or editor and you have a blog or website please send me your link and I will be happy to include it on this site.

Have a great day!