Tidbits from Cinda Williams Chima, Paul Zelinsky, and Robin Wasserman

SCBWI Miami, January 2011

Fantasy Writers: Cinda Williams Chima said her life and her books are all about transformation. Her website has helpful links and tips, many geared toward fantasy writers. One tip is sort of discouraging, but I agree with it anyway, “Don’t be a writer unless you have to…there are easier, more reliable ways of making money.” Cinda’s latest book THE GRAY WOLF THRONE will be released on September 20, 2011. THE EXILED QUEEN is in stores now.

Illustrators: Caldecott winner, Paul Zelinsky, broadened my view of fantasy. He said fantasy today is “a world that is not bound only by our laws.” He challenged us to ask the question: “What if our world is more than it seems?” To view some of Paul’s wonderful illustrations check out his website.

YA Writers: YA author, Robin Wasserman offered the following tips:

1. Use the software Scrivener to organize research notes. More about Scrivener here.
2. Watch the television series “Friday Night Lights” to better understand teens.
3. Google Scott Westerfeld’s presentation “Slanguage: Teen Voices and Teen Vernaculars.”
4. Google Patricia Wrede’s article about “Worldbuilding.”

You can read more about Robin Wasserman at her website.

If anybody has actually tried Scrivener, I’d love to hear about your experience. How difficult is it to use? Pros and cons.