Thursday, May 3, 2012

Let's Ask - Question # 4

    Today is week four of my new series Let's Ask which will be featured every Thursday on my blog. Lately, I've had so many unanswered questions about getting published and marketing children's books I thought why not just ask the experts one question per week and then share their knowledge of the business with us. *Experts = most likely a friend/acquaintance with experience writing children's books or publishing them.

This week's Let's Ask question is for Stacy S. Jensen 
 (see below for her bio info):

Stacy S. Jensen

My question for Stacy:

If you were to pick two blogs that has helped you grow the most during your writer’s journey which two would they be and why? Also, if you wanted to share your most valuable experience about writing with us please do so.


Stacy's answer:

1) Writer Unboxed — http://writerunboxed.com/

Therese Walsh and Kathleen Bolton began this blog, which now includes bestselling authors and industry leaders among its monthly contributors. This blog deals with a wide variety of issues such as craft, social media/platform, the writer's life and funny videos or cartoons. For example, I like this video by Yuvi Zalkow http://writerunboxed.com/2012/04/21/10000-hours/.

The site also has a Facebook group. The questions, answers and support shared here are priceless.

2) Writing While the Rice Boils — http://writingwhilethericeboils.blogspot.com/

A blog by Debbie Maxwell Allen — Resources for writers with little time and even less money, who are on the journey to publication.

Debbie compiles a list of free resources on writing topics. I've searched her blog many times or filed away a link for future use. She does the work, so you don't have too.

A good sample is from this week — Pick a Flavor: Three Ways to Plot Your Novel http://writingwhilethericeboils.blogspot.com/2010/10/pick-flavor-three-ways-to-plot-your.html

Second part of my question for Stacy-

Also, if you wanted to share your most valuable experience about writing with us please do so.

Stacy writes:

When I seriously began writing, I read too many industry news, agent blogs, etc. Some posts drained me and others made my writing scattered as I attempted to follow all their tips. I discovered the really good posts bubble up on Facebook or Twitter. So, I unplugged from the agent blogs and some popular author sites. I catch the really good ones people share on social media sites. This saves me time and energy.

Stacy S. Jensen worked as a newspaper reporter and editor for two decades. Today, she mothers a toddler at home, children in her picture book manuscripts, and a memoir manuscript.
Stacy's blog is http://stacysjensen.blogspot.com
Tweet her at https://twitter.com/#!/StacySJensen
 
 
Feel free to leave any of your favorite writer websites in the comments below.
I'd love to check them all out. Thanks for visiting today!

22 comments:

  1. Fabulous job, girls! Stacy-I, too have gotten overwhelmed by agent blogs and the likes. They can be draining and counterproductive to one's writing at times. There is so much info out there, that I find it hard to stay on top of it all. I struggle with trying to stay current, work on my platform, network and such...it can be a huge distraction to my writing if I let it. Having said all of that, I will definitely be checking out the two blogs you mentioned...they sound great!

    Great post!

    Jenny Sulpizio

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  2. Stacy, I love your advice to "unplug." One of the joys and angsts of joining 12 x 12 has been reading SO. MANY. BLOGS. But, like you say, many of the best links show up on Facebook on the 12 x 12 and other groups. Perhaps it's time to take your advice! Thanks for featuring Stacy, Jen.

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    1. Thanks for stopping in Kirsten, I always love hearing your input.

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  3. I love both of those blogs too Stacy - great choices! I also like your strategy of letting great content "bubble up" on Twitter and saving the time of reading so many posts.

    Great job ladies!

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    1. Thank you Julie! I haven't heard about them before Stacy informed me. I'm off to check them out today!

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  4. Thanks for letting me stop by to answer Jennifer.

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    1. It was so great you helped me out last second with this. Thank you so much for sharing your resources with me.

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  5. Thanks Stacy - I think I began following "Unboxed" from your recommendations, and now I'll look at "Rice." I'm still addicted to the agency and industry blogs though...maybe someday I'll make the jump to Twitter!

    - Cathy Mealey

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    1. I'm still not Twitter savoy yet but hope to jump on the bandwagon soon. Thanks for your input :)

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  6. Stacy, I ove Writer Unboxed but was completely unaware of Writing while the rice boils - great resource. I think I too shall head your blog-followng advice. Thank you :-)

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    1. Thanks for your visit Joanna, glad you found Stacy advice helpful.

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  7. So glad you asked Stacy these questions. Since I'm living on a penny pinching budget, Writing While the Rice Boils sounds like a gem. Thanks so much, Jen.

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    1. Wonderful, nice to hear they will be useful to you too!

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  8. Great job, ladies!! Stacy- you're always so handy with blog information. I will check these out for sure!

    Thank you!!

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  9. Thank you Jen, for interviewing Stacy, and thank you Stacy for mentioning the blog! Finding things to help people out is a huge bright spot in my day.

    ~Debbie

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    1. You're welcome Debbie! I'm so glad she directed me to your blog. I look forward to your posts :)

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  10. I've heard of Writing While the Rice Boils, but must check into it again. Great to see you featuring Stacy, and getting such great tips from her (I wasn't surprised at all that she had good tips to share!)

    I'm like a broken record, but I love Emma Walton Hamilton's blog, although her blogging is sporadic (busy lady, that one). http://www.emmawaltonhamilton.com

    I also get a LOT of information, good advice, and laughter from Cheryl Reif's blog Cheryl Reif Writes. (And let's hope two links doesn't put me into your spam file!) http://www.cherylreif.com/

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    1. Ooo, thank you for your recommendations Beth! I haven't heard of Cheryl's Reif Writes yet! So glad for your visit and thanks again for sharing :)

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  11. Jenny - Thanks for having Stacy stop by! Stacy - Thanks for the great blog resources. I also love your advice to unplug!

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    1. Thanks for your visit Jennifer, glad you found the post helpful.

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  12. Unplugging is something I need to do once in awhile. My favourite site is The Other Side of the Story by Janice Hardy.

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Love to hear what you have to say!

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