Jennifer Valentino

Using Dialogue and Taglines

Basic Tagline Rules When we write, especially with fiction, there will be taglines. Taglines clear up who is speaking in your manuscript, but if used poorly they can be a distraction to your reader. With this in mind, I’ve compiled several rules when using tags. First, choose the tag “said” first above any other tags.ContinueContinue reading “Using Dialogue and Taglines”

Picture Book Picks

I like to reflect on my past and current “reads”. For this post I’m thinking about my 5 favorite picture books. As I was making my list, I realized that I have much more than 5 favorites. So I’m changing the focus to Picture Book Picks instead so that it can be a regular feature.ContinueContinue reading “Picture Book Picks”

Meet Author Aaron McGinley

Please join me in welcoming author Aaron McGinley, the author of the beloved book Aiden McGee Gets a Case of the “Actuallys”. When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer? Children inspire you. I’ve always done professional writing, and my silly side always came out in my work with kids and atContinueContinue reading “Meet Author Aaron McGinley”

Book Review: Aiden McGee Gets a Case of the “Actuallys”

Aiden McGee Gets the Case of the “Actuallys”by Aaron McGinley This was an adorable book about Aiden who can’t seem to help himself in correcting other people. He becomes aware of this habit one Monday during a school trip. His mom, who is also a doctor, diagnoses Aiden with a “Case of the Actuallys”. DuringContinueContinue reading “Book Review: Aiden McGee Gets a Case of the “Actuallys””

Using Your Senses in Writing

“Describe a moment in time. Make me feel like I am there.” This was an English assignment I had in college. How do you do that? In a sense, we do it when we are “showing” in our writing verses “telling” the reader what to see. The key words in that English assignment was “MakeContinueContinue reading “Using Your Senses in Writing”