‘Done is good’

One of my first editors a had a few catch phrases that were part of his everyday conversation. One he offered frequently was, “Done is good.” It was his reminder to meet deadlines. Jane Morrissey has put together a wonderful little post on finishing the first draft of your book (or poem or play).

Finish Your First Draft: 7 Ways to Overcome Writer’s Block. 
http://www.janemorrissey.com/finish-your-first-draft/

Tips for self-publishing

Do you want to write to make money? Is writing your hobby? Or are you interested in publishing one book, perhaps a memoir to give to family members? If you’ve decided self-publishing is your best option, regardless of your long-term goals, consider these tips from Ryan Lanz.

How to Tell Which Self-Publishing Company is Right For You | A Writer’s Path.
http://ryanlanz.com/2015/06/20/how-to-tell-which-self-publishing-company-is-right-for-you/

Stories of loss and survival

The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy is not something I think of as a children’s book, but it clearly involves a refugee. But I could concede the point. And with recent UN reports of at least 60 million refugees in the world today, the topic is well worth a few more books. And not just for children. Do any of these inspire you?

Jon Walter’s top 10 refugee heroes in children’s fiction | Children’s books | The Guardian.
http://www.theguardian.com/childrens-books-site/2015/jun/18/jon-walters-top-10-refugee-heroes-in-childrens-fiction