Merrily Kutner - Writing Tip of the Day.

I met Merrily for the first time at this year's SCBWI National conference.  Pretty, kind, and fun, Merrily was a blast to hang out with. Not only is she a poet, she teaches writing classes at UCLA extension. I asked her to give us a writing tip of the day. She gave us two, one from her and one from our dear departed Sue Alexander.

The best tip I ever got was from Sue Alexander: Type out 5-10 pages of your favorite picture books in manuscript format. Now analyze what the artist chose to illustrate.  Check to see what actions or words were illustrated and what was told only in the pictures.

 
My tip: Always write in the active voice (not passive) with the best possible verb for stronger writing. If you get stuck on a sentence, read it and type it backwards to get unstuck.

You can sign up for Merrily's spring class at:

http://www.2.uclaextension.edu/writers 

 

MERRILY'S BIO

I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in dental hygiene from Columbia University when I lived in New York City. After a decade of practicing dental hygiene, I moved to California and began creating stories for my kids. Then I took writing courses and seminars and formed a writer’s critique group. In 2000, I attended the Highlight’s Foundation Writer’s Workshop in Chautauqua, New York. A long time member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, I taught a Writing in Rhyme workshop at an author’s retreat, and I have been a first reader for the Barbara Karlin grants. In 2003, I attended the training program and was accepted for a position as an instructor at The Institute of Children’s Literature. I participate in numerous author festivals throughout the Los Angeles and Orange County School Districts, where I read my books and works in progress. Currently, I’m serving as an Advisory Board Member to develop the California State University Fullerton Extended Education Writing for Children Curriculum. I’m scheduled to present a one-day workshop, Analyzing Structure in Picture Books.
 
 

Comments

[Maralee Burdick Knowlen]

Hi Merrilee. Thanks for your tip to type out a picture book. I'll do that. I'm currently expecting my agent to find a market for my first book very soon. Love from another Maralee who loves her name. Hope you do, too. My mom made up the spelling of my Maralee.

[Candace Ryan]

I can vouch for Tina-- Merrily is a blast to hang out with. What a fun author and person! This Halloween, my three year-old couldn't get enough rereads of her ZOMBIE NITE CAFE.