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This week’s Children’s Writers Coaching Club member in the spotlight in author Jill McDougall.

Visit her website at http://www.jillmcdougall.com.au

We have such a great group of writers in the Children’s Writers Coaching Club here at the National Writing for Children Center. Some are beginning writers, but several are published children’s book authors.

“I like the CWCC because it helps me stay in touch with my fellow writers. Writing is largely a solo endeavor and it can become lonely if you don’t have anyone to talk to about your craft. I especially enjoy receiving the monthly packets with the cds. I love listening to stories about other writers’ struggles and successes while I am shuttling my children to and from their activities.

This week’s Children’s Writers Coaching Club member in the spotlight is Donna M. McDine. Donna is a 2007 graduate of the Institute of Children’s Literature, Writing for Children and Teenagers program. She is also a member of the SCBWI.

Using her children, extended family, and their friends as inspiration, she consistently studies the children’s magazine markets for submittal of articles and short stories. Donna also continues to participate in children and young adult writing workshops and critique groups on an ongoing basis to sharpen her writing skills.

Donna enjoys basketball, swimming, and bicycle riding with her family. She also coaches her daughter’s soccer team. And enjoys entertaining at home with her family and friends.

Her publishing credits include:

“What’s Not A Fish, But Is Called A Fish,” July 2007 issue of Stories for Children Magazine.

“Trouble in the Park,” June 2007 issue of A Long Story Short.
“The Creaky Ceiling,” August 2007 issue of A Long Story Short.

“The Worthy Writer’s Conference” – June 2007, The National Writing for Children Center.

“Publication or Rejection, What Will It Be Today,” August 2007, Kid Magazine Writers.

Here’s what Donna is up to right now:

She recently submitted the first three chapters of a middle grade historical fiction manuscript to an agent who requested it at the Writer’s Digest Writer’s Conference in May 2007. In the interim, Donna continues to fine-tune the remaining chapters of the manuscript.

Donna is a member of Musing Our Children. This group’s focus is to promote
Reading and Writing Appreciation Week – October 15-19, 2007 and throughout the year. For further information, please visit the group’s website at: http://musingourchildren.tripod.com

McDine is also in the process of becoming a book reviewer of middle grade novels for The National Writing for Children Center. To learn more about Donna and her writing, visit her blog at http://www.donna-mcdine.blogspot.com or her website at http://www.authorsden.com/donnamcdine

Here’s what Donna says she likes about the Children’s Writers Coaching Club:

“I joined the coaching club in May 2007 and it has been a valuable resource from the start. The critique sessions, the tele-classes and monthly membership materials keep you focused in your writing goals. It has also opened the door in becoming a book reviewer for Middle Grade novels. Suzanne and the group continue to be a constant support system, which is very important in achieving your writing aspirations.”

We’re happy to have Donna McDine as a member of the Children’s Writers Coaching Club. Her writing career is really starting to take off!

We have such a great group of writers in the Children’s Writers Coaching Club here at the National Writing for Children Center. Some are beginning writers, but several are published children’s book authors.

Today, the spotlight is on Coaching Club Member Pat McCarthy!

Pat McCarthy has written over a dozen published nonfiction children’s books. Pat’s experience teaching elementary school for many years helped her understand kids and how to write for them.

Besides writing, Pat loves photography and has sold many photos with her articles and books. She also loves birding, scrapbooking, travel and camping. She’s been to all 50 states, Canada, Mexico, and Europe. Pat lives in the small rural city of Greenville, Ohio with her cat, Oz, who rules the roost.

Here are a few of Pat’s children’s nonfiction books:

Here’s what Pat tells us she’s up to right now:

“I recently finished writing a leveled reader for Trillium Press. It’s a biography of George Washington Carver, written for sixth graders reading on a fifth grade level. It had a quick turnaround, but I was glad to get back into writing books after a dry spell.

I’m working on a proposal for Chicago Review Press for their “for Kids” series. It will be a book on Pioneers in America, with some emphasis on Laura Ingalls Wilder. It also will contain 21 activities. Of course, this isn’t a sure thing yet, but the editor is very nice to work with and says he’ll help me get the proposal into shape.

To learn more about Pat and her writing, visit her blog.

Here’s what Pat likes about the Children’s Writers Coaching Club:

“I’m enjoying the coaching club for a couple of reasons. It’s always good networking with other writers. I’m also enjoying the teleconferences, like the one with Margot Finke the other night. The monthly membership materials are great, too.”

We’re glad Pat is enjoying the Children’s Writers Coaching Club. It’s a pleasure having her as a member.

Look for more children’s authors to be featured here soon in our new CWCC Member Spotlight.