Writing Group

Writing Group

Many writers regularly meet with other writers to discuss and critique each other's work. Since I don't go to a workplace filled with co-workers, I often feel somewhat isolated, working alone at home for long periods of time. Group meetings are a great way to get helpful feedback on my writing and artwork and to share news about the children's book publishing business.

It is my privilege to be part of an outstanding group of writers and illustrators living and working in western New York state.

Seated, left to right--Robin Pulver, Vivian Vande Velde, Bruce Coville, and Cynthia DeFelice. Standing, left to right--Mary Jane Auch, yours truly, and Ellen Stoll Walsh. In this photo taken shortly before Christmas, 1998, everyone is holding their Christmas gift from me, a little Huggly plush toy. Very silly.

Patience Brewster is also in our group but missed the meeting when the above photo was taken. She received her Huggly in January.

We've been meeting for more than eight years, gathering monthly at Cynthia's home on beautiful Seneca Lake. A typical meeting begins with coffee and catching up on everyone's news. Then we take turns presenting our work to the group. If it's something written, the author reads it aloud. If it's artwork, it is spread out on the table for all to see. Then everyone discusses what they've heard or seen--the good stuff and the not-so-good. We're always trying to help each other improve the work. Rarely do we sit and say, "Wow! That's great. Don't change a thing!" We've all been making books for many years, but still we need and want help to make our work better.

Since our meetings often go for six hours or more, we all bring food to share with the coffee or when we break for lunch. Can you imagine a day where some of the best writers in the country read aloud to you AND there's all the food you can eat? Heaven!

| About the author | Questions from kids | About the books |

| A step-by-step look at how I illustrate | Work in progress |

| Visit my writing group | A cat that loves reading??? |

| What's new? | To purchase books | Links |

| How to schedule an author appearance |

| Flat Stanley visits my web site | Kids' art gallery |

| Pictures to color! | New! Huggly bookmark |