Author Archives: Kourtney

Being Brave: Entering a Short Story Contest

Posted on September 12, 2012 by Kourtney

Entering a short story contest is like putting on a bikini (or speedo if your a guy) and walking onto a crowded beach. In your mind everyone is looking and critiquing. Some of them actually are. It’s a cringe-worthy, anxiety-ridden … Continue reading →

Posted in Contest, Uncategorized, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 36 Comments

Writing Girls and Writing Emotional Truth: SCBWI Highlights

Posted on September 5, 2012 by Kourtney

At the Summer SCBWI conference, I attended Sara Shepard’s workshop on Issues Writing Girls. One of the most interesting points she raised had to deal with dating your books. And not in the going out for coffee sense. But rather … Continue reading →

Posted in Conferences, Uncategorized, Writing | Tagged , , , , , | 21 Comments

Surprises and Suspense: SCBWI Highlights

Posted on August 29, 2012 by Kourtney

Karen Cushman spoke to us about the importance of courting surprises in our writing. One of her best tips is “Don’t fear surprise, welcome it.” Sometimes we have no idea why something comes unbidden. But it’s okay to stray from … Continue reading →

Posted in Conferences, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | 16 Comments

Book Review: Immortal Beloved

Posted on August 24, 2012 by Kourtney

Did you ever stumble upon a book that was exactly what you needed to read at that exact time? That’s what happened to me with Cate Tiernan’s  Immortal Beloved. At the LA SCBWI Summer Conference, there was a pizza party … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | 22 Comments

SCBWI Highlights: What Editors Do and First Page Dos and Don’ts

Posted on August 22, 2012 by Kourtney

This week, I thought I share some highlights from the workshops I attended at the 41 st Annual SCBWI Summer Conference in LA. Jordan Brown spoke to us about his list including what, how and why he publishes. Lately, I’ve … Continue reading →

Posted in Conferences, Uncategorized, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , | 10 Comments

Hendry Ranch Wines In Napa Valley

Posted on August 20, 2012 by Kourtney

J and I booked a tour of Hendry Ranch Wines because it was ranked #1 on TripAdvisor for activities in Napa. It had some of the best reviews ever. We decided this was our winery tour and tasting place. The … Continue reading →

Posted in Food and Cooking, Travel, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | 34 Comments

Requests for Revisions and Request for Manuscript

Posted on August 17, 2012 by Kourtney

So I’ve been sitting on two amazing piece of good news. Debating if I should share it or just wait and see what comes of it… But life is lots of moments that have to be shared or else the … Continue reading →

Posted in Querying, Uncategorized, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , | 51 Comments

SCBWI LA Conference Highlights: Timelessness and The Inner Child

Posted on August 15, 2012 by Kourtney

1,234 people were on hand for the SCBWI Summer Conference in LA August 3-6th. The biggest children’s book writers and illustrators conference of the year kicked off with some hilarious opening remarks by Lin Oliver and Stephen Mooser. Stephen regaled … Continue reading →

Posted in Conferences, Uncategorized, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , | 20 Comments

Book Review: 100 Ways to Improve Your Writing

Posted on August 13, 2012 by Kourtney

100 Ways to Improve Your Writing by Gary Provost was recommended reading from one of my writing workshops. It’s a super slim pocket sized volume that is the perfect take-off and landing read on a plane. In fact, that’s how … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | 16 Comments

Reblog of August McLaughlin’s Lessons from Acting

Posted on August 3, 2012 by Kourtney

Since I’m attending the SCBWI Summer Conference all day today, I thought you might appreciate a blast of brilliance from one of my favorite bloggers, August McLaughlin. Her post is brimming with insight, swirled with straight talk, and sprinkled with … Continue reading →

Posted in guest blogs, Uncategorized, Writing | Tagged , , , , , | 6 Comments