Nathan Bransford - The Forums

Just finished HEIR OF MYSTERY: THE SECOND UNLIKELY EXPLOIT (crazy, funny kids story; unique voice). Book before that, LOVELY BONES (don't usually read murder mysteries, but such an interesting point of view/premise, I couldn't put it down). Tonight will start AS YOU WISH (bought it for my 14-yr-old ...

I like it too; a big improvement over using your character's name, and it just might work. Though it's hard to say without knowing more about your book and the mood you want to create with your title. A KEY IN THE SHADOWS feels eerie yet optimistic. It tells the reader there will be a happy ending a...

Hello, When submitting a short/partial manuscript that has been copied and pasted into an e-mail (not as an attachment), all formatting is lost. The text often looks far different from the original, depending on the recipient's system/settings. Without double spacing, indents, etc., I worry that the...

I belong to two. The first I formed by going to SCBWI and searching for writers in my area. Then I sent each one an invite to a meeting, "If you are serious about improving your craft...". Surprised that a 7 mile radius generated over 15 positive replies (yikes!), about 10 came to the firs...

I agree with Terry. Draw from a jewel of a line from your book. Verbs can be interesting titles too.

You know it's good enough when you get the contract! And great critique partners will help you through the rough patches. Don't give up if you enjoy what you're doing. Good luck!

Both. It depends what I'm writing. When writing picture/chapter books, it's pure ecstasy. Well, not quite pure, but 90% is close enough. Right? Although when I sit down to work on my very personal adult, nonfiction piece, it's so utterly painful I have to step away from it for weeks--sometimes month...

Looks like either way is publishable, although I prefer the verb to follow the noun. It feels more natural. "Sam wept/ran" works, but "wept/ran Sam" doesn't. And since I write picture books, consistency adds to the rhythm. Happy New Year! Diane