Creative Leaps

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Above All, Happy Writing, JJ Diversity Is Not Enough: Race, Power, Publishing “The publishing industry looks a lot like these best-selling teenage dystopias: white and full of people destroying each other to survive.” Click link:  Read article here  before my discussion: I agree that this is apparently so.   Also, I do think the conversation requires more finesse and maturity if we are to break the vicious cycles that enforce limitations. Everything is subject to change including any glass ceiling, especially if we loosen our mass belief in it. Let's narrow this discussion down. It is in being specific that we may be most likely to access universally accurate assessments and solutions. And I will quote the article itself in fact to underscore my point: "By blaming an intangible force, the (publishing industry) absolves itself of any responsibility…" brackets are mine Exchange the words in  brackets and it is easy to see that this sentence ...

I've had a number of requests to review Caribbean books. As a matter of sifting quality through the quantity, I will review only traditionally published books that have gone through the editors' mill. If your self-published book has had significant sales, send a query letter first. Above All, Happy Writing, JJ Synopsis: Anna fetches water from the spring every day, but she can’t carry it on her head like her older brothers and sisters can. In this charming and poetic family story set in Jamaica, Commonwealth Prize-winning author Olive Senior shows young readers the power of determination, as Anna achieves her goal and overcomes her fear.  I Review: Anna Carries Water  (Amazon link): Anna Carries Water is an attractive picture book for adults to read aloud to under fives anywhere, especially those who are ready to dip into the wider, multi-cultural world. Some Caribbean readers (the illustrations place Anna in rural Jamaica) may find the text more stilted t...

Thanks for this tip from Marsha Gomes, new Regional Advisor for SCBWI Caribbean South. Join today to keep abreast of all things in children's book publishing. ("children's" includes YA and teens).  SCBWI Membership Benefits Above All, Happy Writing, JJ "No Agent", Unsolicited Submissions Accepted at new imprint, Bloomsbury Spark   (click link for more Bloomsbury Spark FAQs) What type of books is Bloomsbury Spark acquiring? We are acquiring teen, young adult, and new adult fiction across all genres, including but not limited to romance, paranormal, contemporary, dystopian, science fiction, mystery, thriller, historical fiction, and more—from writers all over the world. Do I need an agent to submit? No, you do not need an agent for your manuscript to be considered by Bloomsbury Spark. How can I submit? What are the submission guidelines? We are currently accepting English language manuscripts between 25,000 and 60,000 words. Please send your manuscrip...