Friday May 17th is International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia.  In honor, authors, publishers, and book reviewers who include gay and lesbian themes in their works are coming together to write blog posts about the topic of acceptance.  The Hop Against Homophobia and Transphobia (HAHAT) was created last year to spread awareness of homophobia and transphobia, and to stand together as a writer community against discrimination.  The official hop site is:  http://hopagainsthomophobia.blogspot.com/. On this site you can link to other blog postings on the subject.  The best part is that...

Over the last few years, I've heard editing tips through various sources (writing critique groups, Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, writing blogs, other writers, various professionals in the publishing industry, etc).  Here are my TOP 10 EDITING TIPS for people writing a novel.  1.  Try not to introduce too many characters in the first pages of your book, as that will become confusing for a reader.  And don't be afraid to "kill off a character" if they're not helping move the story along. 2.  The opening line of the novel is important.  It must capture attention...