FAMILY CONNECTION-- I know over the years members of the Nida/Niday family since Lewis Nida who wrote history books for schools have been writers/authors and after my accident I received a message from one asking for my uncle's book - The Niday Family House. Check out Ellie's website http://www.louellabryant.com She is the author of adult, teen and picture books.

Hi friends. I miss you all. I hope to start posting again soon. I had all my shoulder stitches remove last Wednesday. It feels better. Take care and stay well. Mary Nida

n c children's writers and illustrators has been canceled until further notice - no blogging workshop may 28

Janice will hold twin lakes writers meeting.

I have a spiral humerus fracture from falling on my left arm may 10th. I had surgery may 11 to place a rod in my arm.

sorry everyone
mary nida

my husband had surgery may 16 -replaced his heart pacer for another 5 years.

A new week, a new start to enjoy the moment and create. Mother's Day the sun was high in the sky bringing warmth to the earth. This morning the ever changing sky provided me with several changing scenes - from sunrise to storm clouds/beautiful! Check my facebook for a new photo I took on a foggy morning last week. Another fun morning walk.

David's new word "Promise" for the month of May. I have my poem "No Promise" up on ADULT "W.O.M." at http://davidlharrison.wordpress.com/adult-word-of-the-month-poem

SHORT SHORT STORY - up to 2,000words
SHORT STORY - 2,000-8,000 words
NOVELLA - 8,000-40,000 words
NOVELS - 50,000 and up
CHECK PUBLISHERS GUIDELINES.

Check out http://www.kidsreads.com Read kid's book in the genre you want to write.
Learn by reading. Write down the parts used in the books you read.
Title: Is it interesting and why did they chose this title?
Strong opening:
Setting:
Main Character profile:
Protagonist profile:
Secondary character profile:
Characters - think of them as actors in different setting on a stage or movie.
Point of view: Who is telling the story ?

• Third person is the narrator not a character in the story


• First person is a character in the story

What part does each character play in the story?
Voices -how each character has his own in dialogue.
What conflict is created to make this story interesting?
The writer creates mood through setting, characters, and descriptive details.
What did you like or dislike about the book/story?
How many words?
What grade or age group?
Who is the publisher?
If you like the way the book was written check out this author's website
for more helpful insight.
A very good book on this for beginners is "Extraordinary Short Story Writing" by
Steven Otfinoski

Information on self-publishing http://self-publishingresources.com

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

to the best mother
who loved
her nine kids
with all her heart.
She taught us love,
patience,
to dream,
to enjoy life,
and to smile.
Most of all
she introduced us
to God
who has been our strength
in troublesome times.
Heaven has been blessed
to add Mom as one of the
angels in heaven.

OZARKS WRITERS AND ILLUSTRATORS FOR CHILDREN meet May 7th in Springfield, Missouri. For more information go to http:///www.owaic.org I am a member of this group and I support it even if I am unable to be their because of our meeting " NC Children's Writers & Illustrators" in Mountain Home, AR., on that date. They have a great summer workshop coming up the last of July. If all goes well I'll be there with bells on.

A Pet for Miss Wright just released! Miss Wright is an author and it's a lonely job, so she seeks a pet to keep her company. She tries out several, but the pet she ends up with not only keeps her company, but also helps her through the writing process. I've attached information about it. Please forward this to all the teachers at your school as this would make a great addition to their classroom and individual libraries.

If you or your teachers are going to the IRA Conference in Orlando, stop my the Sleeping Bear Press exhibits. I'll be there signing A Pet for Miss Wright, as well as my other spring release A Book for Black-Eyed Susan.Enjoy A Pet for Miss Wright! Judy Young-- Judy Young Award-Winning Author of Children's Books For information about Books, School Visits and Teacher Workshops, go to:www.judyyoungpoetry.com6155 E. Farm Road 132Springfield, MO 65802(417) 866-1800
LOTS OF NEWS!!! TWO NEW SPRING TITLES!A Pet for Miss Wright released April 1st (no fooling!) A Book for Black-Eyed Susan released in February!
* The Hidden Bestiary of Marvelous, Mysterious, and (maybe even) Magical Creatures 2012 LA Young Readers Choice Award Nominee * The Lucky Star
2011 MO Show Me Award Nominee * Minnow and Rose
2012 NY Charlotte Award Suggested Reading List
2012 MO Show Me Readers Award Nominee
2011 PA Keystone to Reading Book Award Nominee
2011 AL Camillia Book Award Nominee
2011 DE Diamonds Book Award Nominee
2010 Storytelling World Award For Author Updates Become a Facebook Fan Judy Young Books