Part I. It’s about the Kids … Write and Publish a Children’s Book

Whether you are currently writing books for kids … or you hadn’t thought about it … January will kick off our Author Year of Possibilities. And why not start with books for kids? If you write for the adult reader, did you know that the book you have already written speaks to all ages when presented in another format?

• What message is in your book that children need to hear?

• • Fantasy can be changed to be appropriate for all ages.
  • Villains and Heroes softened for younger audiences.
  • The plot and theme can be used to share life lessons

• Because words change the world, you have an opportunity to change the lives of children. Changing your audience is simply talking to short people without big words.

• • The Giving Tree- teaches about selfishness and selflessness
  • Historical novels- teach about history (which our kids are not getting)
  • Oh the Places You Will Go- Can your novel teach about challenges

• Your characters are already developed. By changing them to animals, dragons, trolls, or children- the novel takes a different approach

• • Trolls are grumpy
  • Butterflies are freedom
  • An older child is a good mentor for the younger one reading

• Stories for the younger crowd are from one point of view

• • The cast of characters are fewer
  • Much will be shown in action
  • Shorter pieces of dialogue

• Scenes you have written can be shortened and enhanced with illustrations.
• Children’s books have the same conflict, climax, and resolution that your novel has.

• • The length of the conflict is sorter
  • The black moment will be midway through
  • The resolution is longer because you will explain more at the ending

• Most people think that you are dumbing down the story to write for children, but you are actually going to crank it up a notch.

• • You have to fit more content in fewer words.
  • Every word has to work harder to get the meaning across.
  • Be conscientious about word choice

Show up, have fun, and learn with the guidance of multi-bestselling, award-winning children’s and adult author, Lisa Reinicke.

Part II: We will explore marketing strategies for the New Year.

It’s true 50% of book marketing works—most likely you don’t know which 50% it was. Judith Briles is going to increase your odds and identify a number of tips, tricks, and strategies to kickstart the year.

Who should attend the January 4^th program? Authors who are already writing for kids. Authors who have been thinking about writing for kids. Authors who didn’t think they could or just hadn’t thought about it beyond their current book. Authors who want marketing tips and authors who just need to jet some “juice” to get back on track or get started in the first place.

When: Saturday, January 4, 2020
Where: Smokey Hill Library, 5430 S Biscay Circle, Centennial, CO  80015
Time: 9 am to Noon
Cost:  $25 for AuthorYOU members, $35 for NonMembers. Price increases $ 10 on December 31^st.

AuthorYOU Members $25 (Only Register here if you are a paid VIP AuthorYOU Member)

Creative Juice for Writers and Authors

Feeling stifled? Uninspired? Tired of the blank page?

Feeling as if writer’s block is an unwelcome houseguest that never leaves and eats all the ice cream?

It’s time for a little creative juice!

In this webinar, Melody Jones, Writing and Creativity Coach, will help you move past the writing blahs by tapping more deeply into that creative core we all have.

Tuesday, April 26 at 4 p.m. MT … REGISTER: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/2465273717260940558

What we’ll talk about and you will learn:

• What is creativity – exactly?
• A dog’s life, and what that has to do with creativity.
• Artistic expression, and no, being able to draw a stick figure is not a prerequisite
• Your body as a creative tool.
• Valuing creative energy in the ordinary.
• Structure as a framework for creativity.

You’ll leave with a refreshed mind and new ideas and tools for moving past the writer’s doldrums.

Interaction and questions are encouraged!

Melody will send all participants handouts, and everyone who attends this special AuthorYOU webinar hosted by Judith Briles qualifies for a special discount on an upcoming creativity event. Join us!

REGISTER: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/2465273717260940558

Melody Jones is a published author and poet and loves all things creative. She was an early adopter of Etsy, selling numerous handcrafted paper and jewelry items. Melody has worked with hundreds of writers and authors since 2011 as a social media consultant. After 30 years in the Denver metro area, she moved back home to Colorado’s Western Slope last year and is now the President of the Western Colorado Writers’ Forum. Visit her website at www.MelodyJonesAuthor.com.