While we lived in England, I subscribed to a really excellent enewsletter by Jan Fields called Children's Writers Enews, but was unable to take advantage of the online Forums or Chats because of the time difference. Now that we're back in the States, I have the chance to take advantage of them and really get plugged in again with writers around the country. No person is an island, and I don't want my ideas to get stale or run dry. I need like-minded people to inspire and encourage me.
One of the essential tools for a children's writer is the Children's Writer's and Illustrator's Market, a who's-who directory with so much information packed inside. Mine is out of date. Since Jan offered to put me in a drawing if I mentioned Kid Magazine Writers, another great source of information, I'm shamelessly promoting it here. It's a win-win situation. Go to www.kidmagwriters.com to see what I mean. There's so much to know about the business of writing for kids, not to mention the craft. Being at the right place at the right time with a well-researched plan for a good manuscript makes all the difference. Otherwise, you never get noticed.
