Going gaga!

What drives you gaga? Writing can make ME nuts! Read my poem/parody "Gaga Over Writing" in EXTRA INNINGS. This is a fun and informative newsletter about writing created and edited by Marshall J. Cook. My poem is on page 4, but be sure to check out the rest of the newsletter, too.

Goodness Graces!

Here's a new review of my book Goodness Graces - Ten Short Stories about the Sacraments:

A Sacrament Book That Kids Can Relate To

By

Sherry Ellis

Goodness Graces is a collection of short stories that takes a look at the sacraments in a way that's relevant to kids. Read more....

Thanks, Sherry!

A World Where Everyone Can Read!

 At least 793 million people worldwide are illiterate! Celebrate the power of words and support the right to read on World Read Aloud Day, March 7. You can do this by simply reading aloud to someone in your life or you can plan a special activity like a book swap, a classroom visit, a donation to a literacy organization, etc. Check out LitWorld for information. The Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators is participating. Members can go to their website for more ideas about how to participate. Read on!

Writing Plays for Kids

If you write for children, don't limit yourself to traditional fiction. Use your story-telling skills to create plays kids will love. For suggestions about how to do that, see my article "6 Tips on Writing Plays for Kids" on the Guide to Literary Agents Blog. For information about potential markets for your plays, check out the "Play Markets" tab on my website. Good luck, playwrights!

Catholic Mom Interview

Many thanks to Lisa Hendey for interviewing me for her wonderful blog -- Catholic Mom. Read the interview here. And be sure to check out the rest of Lisa's blog, too. You'll find all kinds of inspiring and interesting posts!

Resolutions I'm Going to Keep (Really!)

1.) Behave like a paragon of virtue.
2.) Keep my home spotless
3.) Cook gourmet meals
4.) Lose lots of weight anyway.
5.) Write a bestselling series of kids' books that appeal to children and adults alike and leave Harry Potter in the dust.
6.) Stick to projects until they are

The Incredible Shrinking Writer!

See? Diet and exercise do pay off! (I wish!) This humongous chair is at The Factory (a repurposed factory with antiques, shops, etc.) in Franklin, Tennessee. Sitting in it stirred up some thoughts about writing for kids. Climbing up there made me think about how important it is to remember that it's not easy being a kid today. The fun of sitting there reminded me to keep a sense of humor while writing. And the playful imaginings that came to me (I was a kid again, the chair belonged to a giant, I was the teensiest queen in the world, etc.) made me realize you have to let your mind wander freely in order to create!