By Maggie Lauren Brown My absolute favorite season is upon us—fall! Fall means sweater weather, crunchy leaves underfoot, spiced beverages, Halloween, and… SPOOKY STORIES! Here are some ideas to get the creepy writing juices flowing. 1. Think about what scared you as a kid. For me, it was a life-sized Halloween vampire cutout that my mom stored under our basement stairs. No matter how many times she showed me it wasn’t real, I was positive he would lurch through the slats and bite my ankles every time I used those stairs. That could make a great creepy kidlit story. 2. Browse creepy-but-cute images online. Talented kidlit illustrators post their work on Instagram and Twitter regularly. Scroll through hashtags to check out their images, or Google search something specific you’d like to see. When you see an image you like, can you think of a backstory that goes along with it? Obviously you don’t want to rip off anyone’s characters, but let the images help your mind wander. I love this adorable ghost illustration from Fia Kilbourn’s Instagram and this bat-baby from Kaz Windness’. 3. Check out seasonal contests. SCBWI is currently hosting a contest searching for stories that will be published in book of fifty-two scary stories—one from each state—by Macmillan. If you’re an active SCBWI member, check out the Haunted States of America submission form here. Fall Writing Frenzy is another seasonal contest for kidlit writers. The entry deadline is closed, but you can read all of the short, fall-inspired entries here for inspiration, and submit next year. 4. Get into the spooky spirit. Luckily, there are many fall outdoor activities that can be done while social distancing. Explore a pumpkin patch, tell scary stories around a bonfire, maybe take a stroll through a graveyard. What do you see, smell, feel? Take in your surroundings the way a kid would, and the spark of an idea might fly. The great thing about writing spooky picture books or horror MG or YA is that kids like to be creeped out year-round. Even though Halloween is almost here, it’s okay to keep exploring spooky ideas throughout the year. I know I will, and I hope to meet a ghost friend or two along the way. Happy writing and Happy Halloween! Maggie's Story: Once upon a time, Maggie Lauren Brown performed as a synchronized swimmer, mermaid-for-hire, and high school English teacher. Now, she writes about her adventures in children’s books. Maggie is an SCBWI and 12x12 member, a Children's Book Academy course assistant, and is represented by Adria Goetz of Martin Literary Management. Maggie's debut picture book, JOY THE PANDACORN, releases next year with Clear Fork Publishing. Connect: Preorder JOY THE PANDACORN www.MaggieLaurenBrown.com www.twitter.com/ByMaggieBrown 12/7/2021 08:00:02 am
Thanks for sharing these tips and this great post. The truth is that all these little tips come back to me. 7/18/2023 02:58:14 am
As our understanding of magic mushrooms deepens and societal attitudes continue to evolve, we may unlock even greater insights into their therapeutic and transformative potential. 7/18/2023 03:04:48 am
In contrast to the old times, getting your furniture redone at home by a prepared craftsman isn't the very thing you might want to go for, and visiting every furniture store in your city for the best items and limits aren't reasonable arrangements. 7/18/2023 03:10:53 am
An assessment for the window is promoted for the homes. Such element of the site is filed for the scores. Option is met for the targeted element for the official items for the citizens. 7/18/2023 03:33:03 am
You're actually on the hallowed fairways the simulator's user-friendly interface makes setting up your preferred course and adjusting settings a breeze, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience for all skill levels. 7/24/2023 03:20:55 am
In the entertainment industry this software has become an indispensable tool in my daily workflow. Its advanced features, such as AI powered video analysis and intelligent object recognition have streamlined the process organizing large amounts of footage. 9/19/2023 06:29:18 am
Dat Sweet Heat coffee rub comes in a sweet and delicious package. innocent, it's like a magical dragon puffs in and knocks off your chair. Be cautious that the habanero may appear on your doorstep if you're not prepared ;) It's a great mix of Rampage Coffee, spices, sweet and spicy it's a mix you'll want to use year round. 9/25/2023 03:21:03 am
Burgers are the ideal summer barbecue, party food. They're easy to transport, and endlessly delicious. barbecue guests can customize their personal burgers and... the burgers are suitable for anyone's diet! One of the things we've learned from this roundup is the amount of juice you can add to beef hamburgers by mixing them with ground pork. Get creative and add some flavor from the world to your seasonings. Go to town with your toppings and make the most of Burger evening! 10/7/2023 04:26:50 am
We source our beans directly from artisanal farms around Jamaica, ensuring they are grown with care while still maintaining their unique identity as one of the best coffees on Earth! We roast our coffee in small batches using proprietary roasting techniques that result in rich flavors you'll never forget! Our roasts are also available for sale online through our website or as part of our weekly newsletter called "The Roastbag." 1/25/2024 05:37:32 am
Embark on a customized and incredible coffee adventure with Chronicle Coffee's private label coffee roasting offerings. Elevate your logo and make a completely unique assertion with the aid of way of partnering with us to create a bespoke coffee blend that shows the essence of your enterprise. Our private label espresso roasting carrier is crafted for those looking for exclusivity, allowing you to offer a signature espresso experience that units your emblem aside. 1/30/2024 12:45:34 am
cheap assignment writers is the right place to buy assignments online or get academic help. Our writers are trained to provide you with case study help at an affordable price. Comments are closed.
|
We are so excited to be mixing things up at CBA, beginning with some delicious additions to the Blogfish. Meet our awesome bloggers!!
Here's our lineup: 1st Mondays begin with former school psychologist Dr. Debra Collins who will be writing about Social emotional Learning in kidlit and behind the scenes as well as Jewish children's books. 2nd Mondays will feature super smart Melissa Stoller whose career is taking off with several new books. 3rd Mondays will feature our new blogger coming soon. 4th Mondays features new blogger, the fabulous Brentom Jackson, who has a beautiful approach to blogging. And 5th Mondays we'll be taking a break Archives
April 2024
|