Harold D. Underdown's Blog

In less than a month, our 5-day revision retreat will begin--at the Highlights Foundation in eastern PA.

I want to note that we have added a feature to the program. On the final day, Stacy Whitman of Tu Books and Mary Colgan of Highlights Press will join us for an editor panel. We will, of course, talk about revision--share revision tips, tell revision stories, and discuss the role of revision in today's market.

We still have room, so it's not to late to register!

Details: The retreat runs from August 12-17.

The retreat is for anyone with a manuscript that they want to revise--picture book, novel, nonfiction, chapter book, etc. We teach proven techniques for self-editing and revising and work with writers on their manuscripts. Mornings will have presentations and hands-on work on revision techniques, and afternoons model critique groups, individual meetings, and writing time. Scholarships are available.

Like all Highlights Foundation events, you'll be well looked after, with three meals a day and air-conditioned cabins to stay in.

More information and to register: http://www.highlightsfoundation.org/w...

I'll be teaching in two different places in the coming months:

First, on June 30, Eileen Robinson and I will give a one-day workshop, "Editing without an Editor," in Westport, CT. We'll teach a variety of self-editing techniques, run a model critique group, and provide individual feedback to those that want it. Early bird rates are available through May 31.

Editing without an Editor details and link to registration

Then in August, we will be doing a repeat of the retreat that we did last year, this year from August 12-17. As before, it's at the Highlights Foundation near Honesdale, PA.

The retreat is for anyone with a manuscript that they want to revise--picture book, novel, nonfiction, chapter book, etc. We teach proven techniques for self-editing and revising and work with writers on their manuscripts. Mornings will have presentations and hands-on work on revision techniques, and afternoons model critique groups, individual meetings, and writing time. Scholarships are available.

Like all Highlights Foundation events, you'll be well looked after, with three meals a day and air-conditioned cabins to stay in.

Kids Book Revision Retreat details and registration information

I'm happy to answer questions....

Jennifer Swanson of "From the Mixed-Up Files" interviews me about my role as independent editor, my thoughts on middle-grade novels, and publishing today:

http://www.fromthemixedupfiles.com/20...

A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


This is a book that I keep going back to reread. I first read it when I was a teenager (I think). I read it again last year--and several times between those points.

There are many things that draw me to this book. One notable element is that LeGuin turns the fantasy cliche of the trope on its head. In the main action of the book, Ged is on a quest. It's not a quest to slay a dragon or defeat an evil wizard or find (or renounce) a weapon of great power. The quest takes him across much of Earthsea but ends, essentially, in himself.

I'll say no more so as not to spoil it for anyone who hasn't read it, but I'll say this: anyone serious about fantasy, either as writer or reader of it, needs to read A Wizard of Earthsea.



View all my reviews

Some of you who own my book may not know this, but I have most of the Appendix of the book posted on my site, with updates.

Just go to my Idiot's Guide home page for access. You'll find the complete Resources section and the publishing terms Glossary.

One Afternoon by Yumi Heo

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


This is Yumi Heo's first published book, which I acquired when I was at Orchard Books (Scholastic is listed as the publisher because they acquired Orchard).

It's a simple story of a boy and his mother walking through their city neighborhood, and encountering many sounds. At the end they get back to their apartment, which is quiet. Or is it?



View all my reviews

Coming up at the end of the month--

The young adult market is booming (or so we are told). But writing and revising a YA manuscript can be daunting. How do you plan it? How do you flesh it out? How do you get feedback on it? How do you edit and revise?

We will teach you tools for handling the complexities of a YA manuscript, including both the planning and revision of it, in this one-day workshop. We also give you feedback on your current manuscript or one that's stuck or needs new direction.

More information and registration links here: http://www.kidsbookrevisions.com/plan...