I feel lucky to be writing in a time of unprecedented kibitzing among writers, on their blogs and on Twitter. I can see agents and editors trading insider barbs, writers being themselves on their blogs and reviews and profiles galore on blogs such as http://www.thedebutanteball.com/

Writers also help each other with the craft. There is a real feeling of enthusiasm and support out there on the internet which is refreshing in such a competitive milieu. Recently shared by Greg P. on SCBWI socal are the following blog posts offering tips from children’s book writers, including Laurie Halse Anderson, whose book “Speak” I’m currently reading. Laurie is also represented by Writers House.

Michael Stearns (once editor, currently Upstart Crow Literary agent) wrote about picture books on the Upstart Crow blog. He covers everything from the art of writing one to the economics of them:

http://upstartcrowliterary.com/blog/?p=921

Laurie Halse Anderson had a good post with her Revision Tip #3. I hope to follow this advice so that I can write as well as she does .

http://halseanderson.livejournal.com/273868.html

And then from Rebecca Ryals Russell was a post with 50 useful sites for writers. It’s not children’s book specific, so some links might not be of interest, but there’s a ton of info to be found:

http://rebeccaryalsrussell.wordpress.com/2009/12/01/50-awesome-resources-for-writers/

These helpful voices are out there, cheering us on. It’s a great time to be a writer, despite frightening transitions in publishing. I choose to believe that the world of books is just morphing. Writers have always been a scrappy lot, and I trust that, as a community, we will find a way to adapt.