DAYNA'S CONNECTIONS
Springfield Writers' Guild (SWG)
A diverse community of writers (Springfield, Missouri area), providing a positive experience through mentoring members in achieving their individual writing goals.
Monthly meetings, genre groups, critiques, education, and events that foster friendships and connections within the writing community.
Lit4Kids Genre Group where we critique our work, share marketing tips, and learn from each other. Led by “yours truly.”
Sponsored by the Springfield Writers’ Guild, created to help readers find great reads by Springfield, Missouri area writers and authors.
Springfield, MO Writing Groups
Online Writing Groups
The 90 Day Way (previously Self Publishing Made Simple)
by April Cox
SPMS includes courses, workgroups, author events, resources and one-on-one coaching with self-publishing expert, April Cox.
April's super-power is making hard things simple, helping authors navigate the often complex world of self-publishing and saving authors from making costly mistakes.
I published my book, who Made This Mess with the SPMS 12-week course, and I cannot stress enough, how helpful it was.
April gives her students the tools for success. Thonk you, April!
Children's Book Insider Clubhouse (CBI)
CBI has an online Children's Writing Knowledge Base, special Insider Perks, a Monthly magazine and courses to help you on your writing journey.
CBI is especially focused on the traditional publishing path, providing specials for their members to jump the slush pile straight onto the editor's desk.
Though I have not continued this year with CBI (because I hope to try out some new programs) I highly recommend them for the children's author just getting started, or those interested in traditional publishing. Their knowledge base is massive and very helpful.
Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI)
The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators provides the resources, professional networking, and community-building opportunities that support writers, illustrators, and translators throughout their careers.
If you are serious about writing and illustrating for children’s books, this is the #1 resource.
Provides virtual conferences, panels, trainings, awards & grants, regional chapters, and more!
TOOLS FOR WRITING
This is an amazing tool for writers of every genre. Just paste your pages into this program, and watch it find your misspelled words, your grammar faux pas and your punctuation errors.
It also suggests style improvements and vocabulary enhancers. Learn through live trainings and beat your own score as you apply better writing techniques.
Choose your genre and use the grace scale to discover what grade level your writing falls into.
Your editor will thank you for using ProwritingAid, before you press "SUBMIT."
Most self-publishing authors use this program to help choose the best keywords and categories for their books on Amazon.
Having the right key words is critical to getting your book in front of readers. Publisher Rocket is the best program I have found for this task.
If you wish to find book awards for your book, I highly suggest checking out Book Award Pro. It is a great way to become an award-winning author. It might be worth the cost of the paid version if you are writing two or more books per year. They also list review services.
These mini-courses are put out by Children's Book Insider CBI, which has a yearly fee. If you sign up, these courses are affordable for most, and the offerings are impressive.
Find courses for almost any Kidlit writing scenario: Improve your craft, write for a certain genre, and learn from professionals in the market.
I consider this product a “must-have.”
Perfect for those who can’t afford the high-priced design products—Canva lets you make everything from cards to banners and from documents to social media posts. Use it to make lead magnets to grow your email list! The options are endless. I use Canva almost every day.
A FREE version is available, but Canva Pro provides the most usability.
This is the best program I have used for organizing my thoughts, chapters, and research for larger projects
Better than sticky notes that get lost, fall off the wall, or take up space.
Though it has a bit of a learning curve, it is well worth the effort.
Great for longer books such as middle-grade or young adult.
BOOKS ON WRITING
by Jonathan Milligan
Jonathan's book is life-changing for the author who is trying to decide how best to get their message into the world.
by Tim Grahl
This is THE book to help you develop and grow your email list and market your book effectively.
Every author should read this book, to get a handle on this important marketing technique.
Children's Writer's WORD BOOK 2nd Edition
by Alijandra Mogilner, Writer’s Digest
My entire children's writing critique group has purchased this book. It provides a quick guide to help you stay within the vocabulary of the age group you are writing for.
Search vocabulary list by grade level or by word.
Essential resource to assist children's writers in reaching their target reader.
Note: This page contains a few affiliate links.
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Includes assessments and guides to help you launch your personal message in your own way.
Jonathan gives this book away for FREE (you pay postage). When you join his community, you will get insider updates on other projects Jonathan has up his sleeve. He is always looking for new ways to serve his community.
Even children's authors need to get his book and read it at least once a year.
By Jessica Brody
This book gives you the tools you need to be able to create a book that readers will love. From the opening hook to the satisfying ending, and all the action in-between, you will be ready to start crafting your next novel with this book!
Writing a YA novel ? Save the Cat Writes A Young Adult Novel provides the same training, including the important differences with YA versus adult literature. The Save the Cat books should be on your “must read” list.
