Ask Dianna Winget discussion

Well, it's morning here in North Idaho with a slight trace of snow on the ground. My daughter is off to school, and I'll be hanging around Goodreads today, so if anyone has questions or comments about writing for kids, or about my novel, A Smidgen of Sky, please ask or comment away!

Hi Dianna,

I'm from Idaho, too. We just have frost down here in Boise.

The cover of A SMIDGEN OF SKY is beautiful!

Sarah Tregay

Hi Sarah
It's been such an easy winter so far, but they're calling for a few inches of snow today, so we'll see. Thanks so much for the compliment on Smidgen's cover. When my editor first showed it to me, I wasn't at all impressed. I guess it just wasn't what I was expecting. But I have to say it's grown on me. Now I love how bright it is, and there have been many great comments on it . . . so I guess the team knew what they were doing!

Hello! I am Florida! It is in the 70's here! I loved the book A Smidgen of Sky!! Characters are all unique and I could connect with them right away! Also the storyline touched my heart because I dealt with similar issues when my mom remarried!
My question is.... I would love to write a book or two but I have no idea what to do to begin. What was the process like for you when writing this book? What inspired you to write this book?
Kelani

That's a big question, Kelani! I will say this--publishing is not for the faint of heart. You need not only a publishable story, but a whole lot of perseverance as well. Are you new to writing? If so, the first thing you'd need to do is work on your craft. I did this by taking some writing classes, reading countless books (not only on writing, but also lots of books in general, especially middle grade novels since that's where my greatest interest lay)I also went to writing conferences and got to know other authors. All of this took place over a number of years, of course, and not overnight. What type of writing are you interested in doing?

That is all good to know! I am sorta new to writing. I say that because I did a lot of writing in college. I was a journalism minor. As you know most of that is cut and dry. I need to work on elaboration and stuff of that sort! I got the reading countless books down, I am interested in taking a few writing classes. I would say I am interested in kids and middle grade novels as well.
How is your book doing? I hope it is doing well!

I think it's doing okay, hard to judge that exactly. But so far so good. By the way, thanks so much for your praise of Smidgen. I'm so happy you enjoye it!

Writing for MG is so rewarding. It's just a really fun age to write for. Even though journalism is not the same as fiction, I'm sure you learned a lot of skills you can use. The number one way to develop your writing ability is to write, write, write. Just enjoy yourself and don't worry about publication. Have fun exploring different ideas, plots, point of view, ect. When you write something you feel is ready to share, then get the opinion of other writers who can give constructive criticism. Then apply some of that advice by revising. A lot of writers seem to shy away from the idea of revision, but it's my favorite part of writing. I love to see the work getting better and better. I've lost track of how many revisions Smidgen went through, but each time, it improved.

LOL!! Thanks that is good to know!! I appreciate all the help!! Thank you again!!!

Your're welcome. It was fun chatting with you!