It depends on you and on the listserve.

There are usually several types of people on a listserve: posters and lurkers. Posters are the ones that keep a listserve alive. They ask questions. They share information of interest to the group. They answer other people's questions. They encourage others. They share ideas. Lurkers are the people who are reading, but not participating in the conversation. They don't comment, nor start new topics, nor share good and bad news. Does this mean they can't get anything out of the posts? Of course not. They can glean lots of information from what others are saying. But...if they have a question and don't ask it on the listserve, how will they get it answered?

One of my friends had been lurking on a listserve and because I "out"ed that she was there (she had invited me to it), she decided she'd better introduce herself. Nervously, she wrote a post of intro and commented on a topic that the group had been discussing. She asked me to look over her post before she sent it. "Is it okay?" she asked. "Definitely," I told her. "Go ahead and post." She did, and guess who commented?! Andy Boyles of Highlights. Just by making an intelligent comment on a listserve she had a short conversation with an editor.

By chatting with others, I've also made friends on listserves. This Saturday I get to meet one friend face-to-face for the first time. Is that cool or what?

Listserves come in a variety of kinds: regional, topic or genre, general writing, organizational. What's the right group for me, may not be the right one for you. I like trying out a listserve. It's like going to a club meeting. If you enjoy the people you meet and the topics of conversation, you'll come back. If not, you won't. If your focus changes, you may need a new listserve and may let an old one go.

They can become timewasters if you are involved either in ones that are very busy with many many conversations, or if you're involved in too many listserves. I like getting my listserves in digest format versus individual emails. I can scan the topic headers and skip any that aren't of interest to me. It also helps me limit the time spent.

So how do you find listserves? Most of the ones I participate in were by invitation or through a writing organization. But you can also find them by searching yahoo or google groups. Here are some I found that way:

childrensbookandarticlecritiquing - the title says it all

Childrens-FandSF-Writers - the F stands for fantasy and obviously SF is Science Fiction

childrens-writers - a discussion group

childrenswriterstoday - a forum for writers, poets, illustrators, editors and publishers of all genres in the juvenile to teen market to announce their latest news, reviews, columns, books and publication works

fantasyweavers - an online critique group for writers of middle-grade and young-adult fantasy and science fiction

internetchildrensstories - this is a club devoted to writers of children's stories and their readers

Northwest Independent Writers Association - for writers of any kind

When searching make sure you check the statistics (latest activity; members; and if it is important to you, whether the group is moderated or not). Some groups will be open and others closed. Some groups may want to know something about you before adding you; others have no vetting process.

If you've never tried one, ask other writers or illustrators what listserves they like. Then join one or two. Lurking at first is okay, but remember you'll get more out of it, if you post, too.


image courtesy of morguefile.com

It was exciting to become one of eCollegeFinder's Top 75 Writing blogs! My website is listed on their site as a student resource on this page. I don't know how they found the nominees for this award. One day I just received notice that my site had been nominated. Each of the nominees was asked to describe the blog and answer this question: "What advice can you offer students aiming to improve their writing acumen?"

Then eCollegeFinder posted the finalists' answers and had a voting period to determine the top 3. They got so many votes it overwhelmed their system and they had to do some technical scrambling to get their site back up!

The top winner is someone I follow myself! Miss Snark's First Victim by Authoress. She deserves the number one spot!

Number 2 is A Writer's Life with Liz Fielding and number 3 is Unwritten by Mysti Parker.

Here are the other 71. Of these, I'm only providing links to the sites specifically by or for children's and YA writers (or blogs about those type of books). It's not that I dislike adult writers, it's just that my blog focuses on writing for children and teens. To see the other links, go to the eCollegeFinder's link above. From what I can discern, all the blogs are from the US or the UK.
Alex J. Cavanaugh
All Things Writerly - A Blog
Anne R. Allen's Blog with Ruth Harris
Author Julie Cohen
Author's Echo
Blog of Horror Author Matt Nord
Bluestalking
Bob Sanchez: Writing, Reading, and a Bit of Travel
Book Chase
Brightwriter60
Charmalot Chronicles
Clifton Hill - Writer. Artist. Head thoroughly lodged in the clouds.
Cornflower Books
Country Lite
D.J. Kirkby
Daily Dodo
David Powers King
Diane Fordham
Donna Newton's Blog
Elizabeth Baines
Ella's Edge
Fabulosity Reads
Fish Publishing
Fonts and Fiction
Glynis Smy - Writer
Helena's London Life
In Time
Janet Sumner Johnson: Musings of a Children's Writer
Janice Horton
Jean Bull's Writing Blog
Jessica Hart: Writing Romance Around The World
Kaye Manro
Kinda Going with the Flow
L'Aussie Writer
Lexi Revellian: my writing and other related matters
Literary MacGregor - an agent's site
mainewords
Medeia Sharif
Melissa's Imaginarium
My Journal
Mystery Writing is Murder
Mythik Imagination
N. R. Williams, The Writing Craft
Non-Fiction Chronicles of a Fiction-Filled Life
Not Only In Thailand
Paris Breakfast
Patsy Collins
Rach Writes
Rachel Morgan Writes
Rachna's Scriptorium
Reading and Writing
Shallee McArthur
Silver's Reviews
Sometimes, the Wheel is on Fire
Steven Chapman (writer)
Tara Bradford Writing and Photography
The Alliterative Allomorph
The Book Addict
The Eagle's Aerial Perspective
The Girdle of Melian
The Leaky Pencil
The Paperback Pursuer
The Writing Bug
This Writer's Life
Thoughts in Progress
Untroubled Kingdom
Write Now
Write Up the Hill
Writercize
Writing for Woman's World Magazine
Writing to the Edge of Darkness

However, although this could be a good resource, and you may find some sites to follow, remember if you are reading many blogs on a regular basis, make sure you reserve time to write!

(Thanks to Dave and morguefile for this picture!)

Do you ever get discouraged about your writing and/or illustrating? I do. Sometimes it's after reading a fantastic book and I think, I'll never be able to do that well. Or it might be after another rejection, or when I'm struggling with my work in progress. Or even seeing a published book I think is terrible.

I remember asked another writer if they knew about Madeleine L'Engel's experience with A Wrinkle in Time. They didn't. She got rejected, rejected, rejected. When the book finally got sold and published, it won a Newbery Medal (1963). I heard her tell how one editor told her, "I wish that had come across my desk." Madeleine answered that it did. Read A Circle of Quiet to learn about her ten year dry spell!

In the early 90s a friend and critique group partner of mine sold a book. We were all excited with her. She got her advance. An illustrator illustrated the text. Then, the book was cancelled! Can you imagine her disappointment? Suzanne Williams went on to resell Library Lil (published in 1997) and Steven Kellogg illustrated it!

Susan Patron talked to her husband about giving up . . . the night before she got the call about her Newbery Medal (2007) for The Higher Power of Lucky.

I know I could find many other examples. Instead, let's talk about what you can do when discouraged. Here's what works for me.

Hang out with your writing peeps! I have a group of writers who meet with me to write. We aren't collaborating per se, we're just holding each other accountable to show up and be productive. It's helpful to know someone else is struggling with a chapter or scene or query letter. We share, ask questions, encourage each other. I started out with only one writing partner, so all you need is one person to do this with you.

Make sure you are in a critique group. I know, you probably think I'm playing a broken record (kind of like a CD for you younger folk). I mention critique groups a lot. It's because I believe they are so important. My writing grows because of my critique group. My work in progress deepens because of suggestions from my critiquers.

Attend a workshop or conference or writer's talk. I'm usually inspired when I hear others talk about writing. Sometimes a magical thing happens and I suddenly "get it"--that thing I've been puzzling about for months or years. I meet and connect with fun people, which is encouraging.

Go on a writing retreat. Organized ones are great, but they can be expensive. A writing retreat can simply be a casual get together with others of like mind where you get to work and/ or critique. I went on one several summers ago. I met with ten other writers at a northern Missouri farmhouse. Our hostess, Patricia, provided beds, places to sit, and the internet. The rest of us provided the food and it was a very productive two days. Not only for us as writers, but for the cows as well--two calves were born while we were there.

Meet other writers online. Find your tribe wherever you can, whether it be list serves, writers' blogs and websites, twitter, facebook, or google+. I use all of these, plus reading writing newsletters. Often I get encouragement from them. A recent post on Shannon Whitney's blog was about the importance of "writing like me!" http://ramblingsofawannabescribe.blogspot.com/2011/11/writing-like-me.html

Try something new. Go somewhere you've never been before. Try a hobby or sport you've never tried. Read a book in a genre you don't usually read. Let new experiences stir your mind.

Write something. It doesn't even have to be on your work in progress. It could be something new such as trying a different genre, or writing a "how to" on something you've learned. It doesn't have to be intended for paid publication. Write an article for a newsletter, or write a blog entry. All writing is good practice. And you get the immediate reward of a sense of accomplishment.

Eat some chocolate. My preference is dark. Or I drink a cup of tea. Do whatever little thing lifts your spirit - a bubble bath, a silly movie, playing with a kid.

Give yourself some grace. I often feel discouraged when there are too many other things going on in my life, when I'm missing sleep, or I'm not feeling well. Don't expect too much when you are overwhelmed or stressed. Don't make a decision about your writing when you are discouraged--that's when you're apt to make the wrong one.

Keep going. Here's a quote I heard at a conference years ago: "In the end you can Give Up or Keep Going. Those are your only choices. The only good thing about giving up is that there's less competition for those who keep going." -Bruce Balan

I'm going to stay in the running. What about you?

My dear friend and writer buddy (1) just gave me this shirt. Isn't it a crack up? Jenn has called me her writing mentor and comes to me with questions. She's my social media mentor and got me started on twitter. When I have twitter and tweetdeck questions, I go to her. We encourage each other in our writing as you can tell by this gift. Thanks again, Jenn!

What Would Maggie Do?
A former critique partner (2) recently gave me this testimonial: "I worked with her on a picture book draft that she suggested I make into a chapter book based on the voice and age of the character. When the manuscript was complete, she helped me with my query and final revisions. I just sent it out and I am already getting requests from agents!!" So we've joked, "You should listen to Sue."

What Would Lorie Ann/Joan/Sue Do?
Years ago I was in a critique group with two great writers and friends (3). We met every three weeks and got each other's voices in our heads. I remember once during a critique when one of us commented on a manuscript, the writer said, "I knew you were going to say that." The gal spoken to responded, "If you knew I was going to say that, why didn't you fix it." We all laughed.

What Would Dan Do?
I hear a current critique partner (4) when I see sentences like this in my own or in my student's writing: She heard the cat meow. Dan would say, "Don't distance your reader." From him I learned to write: The cat meowed. It's more active and more immediate. One of his other sayings is, "What's the purpose of this chapter?"

What Would Lisha Do?
Pursue her goals and learn the writing craft. I met Lisha (5) when she was a writing newbie. Not only had she come to our Kansas SCBWI workshop, but when she heard we were looking for volunteers, Lisha raised her hand. She has grown so much over the years by going to conferences and workshops, participating in two critique groups, researching agents, etc., etc. On top of that she's a terrific hardworking volunteer doing the fabulous Sunflower Scoop, our region's list serve.

What Would Donna Do?
When I first became a Regional Advisor for SCBWI in Washington state, I used the conference notebook my predecessor (6) provided and followed her advice on handling volunteers. Still used same info when I did a stint as RA in Kansas.

What Would NAME Do?
Sometimes my What Would NAME Do is something I learned from a speaker. One I recalled recently from 20 years ago was Peg Kehret, mystery author saying, "Give the kid the good lines." Another of her recommendations that has stuck with me is to use the terms from whatever the main character's hobby or interest. For example, a baseball fanatic not only will talk about baseball itself, but can use baseball terminology in other areas, too. That character might say something like "foul ball" when someone makes a mistake at school.

What Would Dorothy Do?
Most of us need support in our writing. We all need others in our lives in other areas, too. One of my life long heroes is my aunt (7). She sees something that needs to be done and quietly does it. She's not afraid to tell you something you should do either.

What Would Kathy Do?
It was my sister (8) who got me started many many years ago on a laundry process that didn't leave my family with baskets and baskets of clean clothes to fold. Now it's a good habit--hang them up and fold them from dryer--but at first it was hard and I'd have to remind myself to do what she'd do.

So in life and writing who are your inspirations? Feel free to share about them in the comments, and/or tell them yourself how they've inspired you. (To comment: if you don't see comment box, click on the title above. It's "What Sue Would Do.")


(1) Jenn Bailey - her blog, her social media site
(2) Maggie Viles - on jacketflap
(3) Lorie Ann Grover and Joan Holub
(4) Dan Schwabauer
(5) Lisha Cauthen - her blog, Sunflower Scoop link
(6) Donna Bergman - her books on Amazon
(7) Dorothy Uhlig, missionary to Thailand since 1951! (facebook)
(8) Kathy Bender

I just read a fantastic kids book! You know the ones--unforgettable, award winning, really really good. Will I ever write like that? Can I ever write like that? My first reaction is: NOT LIKELY! The book was so real, so powerful that I just want to give up. Yet, I can't stop writing--the ideas and characters in my mind won't let me. "Real courage is when you know you're licked before you begin, but you begin anyway and see it through no matter what," Harper Lee, author of To Kill a Mockingbird, said. If she feels that way, then it is okay for me to as well.

"This is a marathon, not a sprint," author Marilyn Singer said. "Don't throw in the towel, use it." She's seen what she calls the TOWEL principal in her successful career. "TOWEL stands for talent, optimism, widespread interests, endurance, and luck." I can't change talent and luck, though I can definitely work on craft so that when a chance comes my work is the best I can make it. But I can work on the other three.

Optimism
This is where it is helpful to have a good support group. It might be your family, your critique group, or as Jenn Bailey, Social Media Expert, calls them: your Jedi Council, aka writing partners. I get encouragement from all three. Let them know when you're down and want to quit. Read an inspirational book where someone succeeded because they worked hard and endured. Remember you aren't alone; many authors had many many struggles and rejections on the road to publication.
• Margaret Mitchell rewrote the first chapter of Gone With the Wind 70 times.
• Madeline L'Engle had a ten year dry spell before she sold A Wrinkle in Time.
• Dr. Seuss received the following rejection: "...too different from other juveniles on the market to warrant its selling."

Widespread Interests
Shake yourself up. Don't just read in your genre. Maybe you should try writing a picture book or a magazine piece for a change. Learn something new. Maybe you need to learn more about a hobby or career that someday you'll give to one of your characters. C.S. Lewis said, "You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream." What other dreams do you have? Can you follow up on them?

At a conference author Lorie Ann Grover used the analogy of filling a soup pot. Before you can scoop out any stew, you have to put in some ingredients and let them simmer. Live some life and you'll have more to write about or more breadth to add to your writing. "Writing tends to spring from what you know, what you think, what you imagine, and you can build on those by reading and being actively involved in life and remaining curious about things you see, hear, read, etc." - Victoria Sherrow, author

Endurance
Elizabeth George in Write Away: One Novelist's Approach to Fiction and the Writing Life said, "You will be published if you posses three qualities: talent, passion and discipline. You will probably be published if you possess two of the three qualities in either combination--either talent and discipline or, passion and discipline. You will likely be published if you possess neither talent nor passion but still have discipline. But, if all you possess is talent or passion, if all you possess is talent and passion, you will not be published."

Discipline goes hand in hand with endurance. Keep on keeping on. Two things that keep me going are my critique group and my writing partners. If they're going to endure, so am I. And one last quote from Harper Lee: "To be a serious writer requires discipline that is iron fisted. It's sitting down and doing it whether you think you have it in you or not. Every day."

So I shouldn't give up. And neither should you.