Publishing takes patience. Patience is a virtue. Unfortunately, I lack most virtues.

—Rob Sanders

 

Got a favorite author? Why not write a fan letter today?

—Rob Sanders

These days I use a magnifying glass to read. I can testify to the fact that little things can make a big difference.

—Rob Sanders

Do you remember your favorite books from childhood? Go read them.

—Rob Sanders

 

Every child needs a book that makes him shed a tear, gives her a belly laugh, makes him think, or gives her something she wants to talk about.

—Rob Sanders

 

 

Remember when a quiet book had a place in the world? When quiet meant thoughtful, touching, tender? May quiet books never be totally out of style.

 

—Rob Sanders

All the world’s a stage, so act up today.

                         —Rob Sanders

The first thing kids I teach respond to is an illustration on a cover. The second thing, is a title. If the title sucks, they won’t bite.

—Rob Sanders

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If your goal is to be published, you may be setting your goals to low.

—Rob Sanders

If you don’t write it down, then it doesn’t exist.

—Rob Sanders

Rhyme’s not a crime. But some rhymers deserve prison time.

—Rob Sanders

If something comes easily to you, or naturally, you’re probably working on the wrong thing.

 

—Rob Sanders

Everything you write today prepares you for what you’re supposed to write tomorrow.

 

—Rob Sanders

YEE-HAW!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY COWBOY CHRISTMAS!

 

 

Dwight, Daryl, and Dub are celebrating their first birthday—or at least the first birthday of the release of Cowboy Christmas. And it’s been a busy birthday season. Below are some of the events I’ve been busy with.

Mintz Elementary, Barnes & Noble Book Fair

Brandon, Florida

(Mintz is the school where I teach creative writing.)

 

 

Skype visit with Norman Thomas Elementary School

Freer, Texas

(Here’s my office all set up for the visit.)

 

 

Children’s Author Panel at Discovery Night at

Barnes & Noble

Tampa, Florida

(From left to right are authors Nancy Cavanaugh, Augusta Scattergood, Shannon Hitchcock, and yours truly.)

 

 

Of course, the Cowboy Christmas Tree is making its annual appearance, too!

 

Upcoming Events:

Wednesday, December 4

St. John’s Episcopal Parish Day School, Author Visit and Book Fair

Tampa, Florida

Saturday, December 7

Barnes & Noble Educator Day Author Panel

Brandon, Florida

Friday-Sunday, January 17-19, 2014

SCBWI Florida Regional Conference

Miami, Florida

Friday-Sunday, May 29-June 1, 2014

Niagara Writing Retreat and Conference

Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada

Thanksgiving

12 Things Children’s Writers

Can Be Thankful For

T—Timing. In terms of writing journeys, each step seems to come along when and how it should. We just have to be patient enough to wait for it and work for it!

H—Hash and re-hash. We don’t have to be perfect the first time. We get do-overs (aka: chances to revise)!

A—Audience. Editors, agents, parents, teachers, book sellers, and kids make up the audiences we have the chance to impact and impress.

N—Nuts and bolts. Resources galore are available to help us learn the nuts and bolts of our craft.

K—Kids. They inspire us, and are our best critics!

S—SCBWI. Where would we be without it?

G—Groups. Critique groups to be specific!

I—Ideas. A new idea always seems to arrive just when we need it

V—Village. Yes, it does take a village to be a successful children's writer. Fortunately, we have a nice, big village (and it’s growing every day).

I—Imagination. We get to make stuff up every time we sit down at the computer!

N—Nerve. It takes guts to be a writer (and not the kind you get from eating too much pumpkin pie). That means you've got nerve, my friend!

G—Generosity. Everywhere I turn in my writing career, I meet people who are generous with their time, talents, ideas, and support.

Be thankful! Eat some turkey!

And keep on writing!