Books on Writing can Entertain and Inform

James Scott Bell has written a bookcase full of action packed fiction as well as craft books for writers. In THE ART OF WAR, I read bite size chapters filled with advice and quotes.

Bell divides THE ART OF WAR into three parts: Reconnaissance, Tactics, and Strategy. 

1. Reconnaissance: Bell covers the mental side of writing. Like most writers, I fight off that voice in my head that pokes me with negative critiques. 

2. Tactics: Bell covers the craft of writing.
In chapter 48, Bell discusses a problem that I have noticed in peer critiques. The writer begins a scene with action - showing what happens. Then the action is stopped by an explanation of the character's action. Resist the Urge to Explain (RUE) or in other words just show, don't tell.

3. Strategy: Bell covers the business side of writing. 
"Put heart into everything you write." Don't allow your passion to create a barrier from understanding the business of publishing. 

In chapter 72, Bell shares tips on attending a writers' conference. Here's my favorite tip - "Always remember the two cardinal rules for the writers' conference attendee: Don't be dull and don't be desperate."

The book ends by highlighting five words from Sun Tzu: "wisdom, sincerity, benevolence, courage, and strictness." Bell writes, "You have it inside you to fight this fight. Write, think about what you write, then write some more."

Let the battle continue . . . .

Dear Robin Williams

Molding your Story for Readers

During a recent visit to the Children's Museum in Indianapolis, I was told an incredible story. Terra Cotta Warriors: The Emperor’s Painted Army.  

According to ancient writings, Qin Shi Huang became the first Emperor of China at the age of 13. He commanded the creation of over 8,000 warriors along with hundreds of horse drawn chariots and cavalry horses. When Emperor Qin died, the Terra Cotta Army was buried with him. The clay army was meant to protect the emperor in his afterlife.

The Children's Museum exhibit shared the Terra Cotta Warriors story through a video, research, pictures, recovered life-size warriors and horses. The story was also told in clay. I studied each step of the process of designing the army in 246 BCE.


As I strolled through the exhibit, I was amazed by both the message and the medium. There are so many ways to share a story.

How does creating a clay army relate to writing a story? Both mean molding, cutting, creating details and smoothing out the rough spots.

Writers mold their main character until the reader is able to imagine him or her as real.

Writers create the setting. All stories require some level of world building.

Writers conjure up the conflicts and what's at stake.

And like an artist molding clay, writers may choose to remold a character, scene or entire story.

So feel free to create and imagine!

Where does your manuscript fit in?

Fitting in. That's a concern all of us face throughout our lives. From finding a place to sit in the cafeteria for lunch, in an office or holiday party.

As writers of children's literature, finding your place might be tricky. Recently, I have critiqued fellow writers who are unsure where their story fits in. Questions range from - Does my manuscript fall into young adult instead of middle grade due to violence? Does the sentence structure read like a middle grade or chapter book? Is there too much dialogue in my manuscript to consider it a picture book?

You Can Write Children's Books by Tracey E. Dils clearly describes each category.
Picture Books
Beginning Readers
Chapter Books
Middle Grade Novels
Young Adult Novels
Nonfiction

Check it out!