Resources for Authors and Illustrators

Thursday 25 June 2015

http://taniamccartney.blogspot.com/2015/06/resources-for-authors-and-illustrators.html

I really do believe that sharing is caring, most especially when it comes to books. As a very busy professional and mum, I'm not, however, able to give 'individualised advice' on how to write, illustrate or publish. 

Following you will find links to many and varied resources that will help you on your way, but the most important advice I could possibly give you is threefold.

First: do not expect to progress your journey rapidly and without having to do the work, the research, and to go through the experiences yourself. Everyone's journey is unique and there are no shortcuts or quick answers. It takes time. Oftentimes, a long time. Get industry involved and get to know people. Join associations with boundless resources and information, like the SCBWI, the CBCA, the ASA, Illustrators Australia, and your local writers centre.

Second: Don't forget to thank. Even when you don't get what you want. Kindness, gratitude and real relationships are everything in this business. No one wants to feel used and everyone wants to work with warm, generous people.

Third: Be a doer not a talker. Write write write. Draw draw draw. Ever expand and grow yourself and your skillset. Get involved in your industry and develop real relationships--it will exponentially fast forward your journey, and you'll have endless support and resources at your fingertips.

But wait--there's more!

On my blog and via some external links, you'll find many and varied resources to help you on your writing or illustrating journey--and even if you don't write or illustrate (and are just a creative person trying to forge your ideal path), there's plenty here for you, too.

Listed below are several resources for you to enjoy and learn from. Most are free and the KBR eBooks are just $4.95.

There are articles, experiences, questions answered, and even an e-book crammed with almost 30 years of writing, editing and publishing experience.

I hope they help you shine, you clever thing.


https://taniamccartney.blogspot.com/2019/01/the-happy-book-childrens-book-podcast.html

With The Happy Book, I aim to share with you over thirty years of writing and publishing experience. This is where you'll find insights, insider info, interviews and inspiration to take with you on your kids' book journey. I’ll be discussing the publication journey in all its incarnations—from baby books to young adult literature—from emerging status right through to taking your career up a level.

I’ll share with you my own journey and experience, and will also regularly pick the brains of some amazing people—authors, illustrators, editors, publishers, booksellers, librarians and other industry professionals. Click the image above for more.

http://taniamccartney.blogspot.com.au/2014/11/the-fantastic-flying-creator-e-workshop.html
A PDF e-book to complete at your leisure, with over 300 pages and more than 70 exercises to hone your skills and send you flying into the stratosphere. Learn more (and view a free sample) here.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvYx572i3n-i5WUhC7RpJpA
I have a series of videos for kids and adults, ranging from book readings to taking kids through the pages of my books. I also have videos for creators, showing my creative and book production processes. New videos added all the time.

http://www.taniamccartney.blogspot.com.au/2014/02/ask-tania.html
Answers to an impressive line-up of questions on writing, publishing, illustrating, rights, school visits, and much more. See the entire list here.
 
www.kids-bookreview.com
KBR has been providing reviews and phenomenal resources for creators and teachers since 2009. Check it out here.

http://illo52weeks.blogspot.com.au/2014/01/about-this-challenge.html
The Challenge, founded in 2014 and closing in January 2018, honed and supported the artistic skills of people from all over the world. The group exhibited for Arts Brookfield in Perth in May 2015, and  achieved countless opportunities for its members including magazine appearances, book contracts and more. See the archived blog here.


WRITING

Podcast: Writing and Illustrating for Children for the Your Creative Life series

Video: Talking shop with Jen Storer of Girl and Duck

Reading Suggestions for Picture Book Writers with Gus Gordon

Reading Suggestions for Middle Grade Fiction with Jen Storer

My Grammar Rant

Kids' Book Review: eBook: Picture Book Writing Tips

Kids' Book Review: Awards, Festivals and Events

Picture Book Writing Tips on DeeScribe 

Picture Book Collaboration Tips on DeeScribe

More Picture Book Collaboration Tips on DeeScribe

Five Writing Tips on DeeScribe

The Research Process on DeeScribe

The Types of Author You Don't Want to Be 

Letting Go {in Order to Follow Your Heart}

A Crash Course in Grammar and Punctuation

Career Evolvement

Coping with the Low Points

The magic of Uncontracted Works in Progress

ILLUSTRATING

Podcast: Writing and Illustrating for Children for the Your Creative Life series

Finding Your Illustration Style

Happy [Illustration] Accidents

Illustration for Different Types of Books--and Dot Eyes!

Over 80 Favourite Illustrator websites 

PRESENTING

Presenting Brilliant Sessions at Writers' Festivals and Schools

How to Be a Successful Writing Festival or Conference Delegate

PUBLISHING

Publisher's Insider series with Anouska Jones, Senior Editor, Kids' Book Review

MARKETING

Kids' Book Review: eBook: Social Networking for Authors

Kids' Book Review: eBook: How to Get Your Book Reviewed

The Trials and Tribulations of Putting Yourself Out There

My Top Writing and Marketing Tips on DeeScribe

How NOT to Market Your Book

Photographing your Books

READING + LITERACY

Speechie's Couch series with Jo Burnell, Editor, Kids' Book Review

Librarian's Shelf series with Sarah Steed Consultant Librarian, Kids' Book Review

The Power of the Picture Book

Visual Literacy

Encouraging Children to Read for Pleasure, Part 1

Encouraging Children to Read for Pleasure, Part 2

Exploring Time and Place Through Children's Literature

More Ways to Encourage Reading in Kids 

SUGGESTED LINKS

For more fabulous resources...

DeeScribe
Writing Classes for Kids and Adults
My Little Bookcase
Tristan Bancks
The Book Chook
Ellen Brock, Structuring and Editing Advice
Children's Books Daily
Delilah S Dawson, Writing Advice
The Book Designer
Pikaland
Soup Blog
KidLit411
Natasha Lester, Writing and Publishing Advice



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