Writing lessons from The Pitt What I learned from this series

When The Wire was on, I used to blog all the time about the things I was learning about writing. Today is The Pitt's turn. saraharonson.substack.com/p/writing-le...

Newbie Mindset The joy of simply being delighted

Today's newsletter: open.substack.com/pub/saraharo...

Writing with a microscope Writing slowly.

Some thoughts on slow writing.
open.substack.com/pub/saraharo...

The Art of Slow Writing In a series of conversational observations and meditations on the writing process, The Art of Slow Writing examines the benefits of writing slowly. DeSalvo a...

I embraced slow writing as part of my process after I read this book -- The Art of Slow Writing: Reflections on Time, Craft, and Creativity Louise DeSalvo us.macmillan.com/books/978125...

A purple crayon

My thoughts on what's going on in #kidlit publishing now, a little history, and what we can do:

mailchi.mp/435ed3c02d61...

74 Calls for Submissions in April 2026 - Paying markets This April there are more than six dozen calls for submissions. All of these are paying markets, and none charge submission fees. As always,...

74 Calls for Submissions in April 2026 - Paying markets
publishedtodeath.blogspot.com/2026/03/74-c...
#SubOp

Middle Grade Verse Novel Stats 2026 It's my favorite month. National Poetry Month! And of course, I have updated middle grade novel-in-verse statistics to share. In 2025, I included verse novel awards as part of my infographic. This year, I'm not doing that here, but I will be posting each of the 2025 middle grade verse novels with lists of what recognition they've gotten (and a little bit about why you'd like to read the story in the caption) each day on my…

Middle Grade Verse Novel Stats 2026

It's my favorite month. National Poetry Month! And of course, I have updated middle grade novel-in-verse statistics to share. In 2025, I included verse novel awards as part of my infographic. This year, I'm not doing that here, but I will be posting each of the…

Things that amazed me In art, sports, and other things

A little late, but a lot amazing! Here's my newsletter! (Let's not get so jaded that we miss the wonders of our world!)
open.substack.com/pub/saraharo...

We’re excited to celebrate the 75 winners of our 2026 scholarships!

This talented group of aspiring, emerging writers and illustrators is dedicated to creating works that inspire, educate, and inform children. We’re honored to support their journey in shaping the future of storytelling!

It was so great to have Patti Gauch, longtime friend and faculty member, on campus this past week! Patti has been a part of the Boyds Mills community since our Chautauqua days.

Always so great to see Patti and to listen in on some of her inspiring sessions!

a cartoon drawing of a person using a laptop with the words write written around them Alt: a cartoon drawing of a person using a laptop with the words write written around them

I am excited to write!

a black and white photo of ernest hemingway typing Alt: a black and white photo of ernest hemingway typing

“If a writer stops observing he is finished. Experience is communicated by small details intimately observed.” ― Ernest Hemingway

a poster that says feeling grateful with flowers and leaves Alt: a poster that says feeling grateful with flowers and leaves

I am so grateful for my writing practice.

a white cat is sitting on a bed with the word antagonist written below it Alt: a white cat is sitting on a bed with the word antagonist written below it

“You don't really understand an antagonist until you understand why he's a protagonist in his own version of the world.”― John Rogers

a group of penguins standing next to each other with the words we trust written below them Alt: a group of penguins standing next to each other with the words we trust written below them

I trust the process.

a man wearing glasses and a grey shirt is looking at the camera Alt: a man wearing glasses and a grey shirt is looking at the camera

I trust the process.“When you write a book, you spend day after day scanning and identifying the trees. When you’re done, you have to step back and look at the forest.”
― Stephen King, On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft

I replace self judgment with curiosity and allow myself to go with the flow and write what comes to me.

“The gift of words is the gift of deception and illusion.” ― Frank Herbert, Children of Dune

Teacher Created Materials Announces New Imprint Curiosity Unlocked Books, Teacher Created Materials

I'm so excited to share our new imprint at TCM: Curiosity Unlocked Books! Learn more here: www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/...
I'll be posting more about our submission guidelines this week! I'm seeking books for curious kids. 💕

Writing is a personal, individual journey. I will not be able to follow another author’s path and expect the same experience.

"First, you get the idea. It may germinate for a long time or it just pops into your head. And then you work out a structure. And when you feel confident enough, you start to write. And you have to allow yourself the liberty of writing poorly. . . " --Larry Gelbart

I am SO happy for you! [ yes, I'm -that- Liz Rice ] The pages of your novel in verse that you submitted in your application were well written and compelling. I was pleased to request you get my scholarship.

It Must Be Love: Welcome to Modern Stories’ Romance Writing Competition Headline and Curtis Brown Creative have teamed up to find exciting new voices in romantic fiction, in association with Hachette UK’s The Future Bookshelf. What we’re looking for Modern Stories: It …

We’ve teamed up with Headline Eternal to run Modern Stories: It Must Be Love, a new romance novel-writing competition seeking to uplift and support emerging writers from Black, Asian, mixed heritage and/or multiple ethnic backgrounds.

Enter by 14 Apr: www.thefuturebookshelf.co.uk/tfb-blog/202...

I have the courage to write. I have the courage to show my work, voice my ideas, to be vulnerable, to put myself out there.

“Writing is the geometry of the soul. ”― Plato

I am a writer because I choose to work at it and develop my skills.

“The desire to write grows with writing.” ― Erasmus

LSC | Watch | Caldwell-Lake George Library Webinars and Online Events

I have a fun OVER AND UNDER virtual event coming up this week! Join us ONLINE Thursday, March 26 at 7 PM ET via digital live-stream in partnership with Caldwell-Lake George Library!

Register and ask your questions here: bit.ly/MessnerShare

#Online #Authortalk #KateMessner

Join me!
Let's talk CHARACTERS!!!!