Even when I was growing up and getting published was just a dream, I always loved reading what writers had to say about writing. I remember hoping that if I paid careful enough attention, I'd figureout the secrets that would turn me into a writer.
In the end, it was mostly hard work and determination that led to my first book contract. But even so, I still love it when writers write about writing.
That could be why I asked students in my Writing for Children class to choose a children's author and find something wise that author had to say about the writing process. Today, one of my students, Leila, shared one of Dr. Seuss' writing tips: "The writer who breeds more words than he needs/ Is making a chore for the reader who reads." Here in his characteristically playful and poetic style, Dr. Seuss (whose real name was Theodor Seuss Geisel) is making a plea for conciseness. As I'm always telling my students: don't go wasting words!!
Today, my friend John just happened to send me a link to a terrific piece that appeared in last weekend's The Guardian -- it's an article full of writing tips from famous writers. Have a look and be inspired!
Tomorrow morning, I'm off to Toronto to attend the Ontario Library Association's super-conference. And on Monday and Tuesday next week, I'll be presenting here in Montreal at the Young Authors' Workshops taking place at the Jewish Public Library. Something tells me I'll have plenty to blog about!
It's nearly March break for many of us in Montreal... a good time to get a little work done ... and take a deep breath! Whatever you do, wherever you go, have a great break -- and don't you dare breed more words than you need!!!
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