Harold D. Underdown
The Purple Crayon: A Guide to Writing Children's Lit.
A great resource for writing, illustrating, and publishing children's literature. Includes articles, guides, and helpful tips to being successful in one or more ventures in children's literature.
Harold D. Underdown
A Glossary of Publishing Terms and Jargon
An extensive and detailed glossary of the many words and phrases one may come across in the field of publishing. Includes general and basic terms as well as "jargon" only publishers understand.
Harold D. Underdown
Getting Started: The Basics of Writing & Illustrating
A fantastic resource for getting started in publishing a children's book. Provides information about writing, sending and submitting your manuscript, choosing an agent, and more.
Harold D. Underdown
The How Do I Get It Published Quiz
A fantastic quiz for answering questions about getting your writing piece published. Pertains specifically to children's literature, but may also be relevant for other types of writing.
Harold D. Underdown
The Purple Crayon: Resources About Agents for Writers
A comprehensive research guide for writers who are interested in finding an agent. Rich with information and helpful hints; site is suited for children's literature writers but can also apply to other genres.
Harold D. Underdown
Children's Book Awards/ Award Winning Children's Books
Site includes information about the Caldecott Medal, the Newbery Medal, the National Book Award, the Coretta Scott King Award, and other National Awards from 2002-current. Includes a page on each award, links to press releases, and...
Harold D. Underdown
Writing and Illustrating Multicultural Children's Books
A thorough resource on the wide-ranging topic of multicultural literature for children. Includes information about the current field of multiculturalism, opportunities for writers, finding a publisher, and looking toward the future of...
Harold D. Underdown
Chatting Them Up: Tips for a Successful Interview
Taken from the perspective of a children's literature writer, this website offers several tips and suggestions for conducting an efficient interview. A detailed and informational article.
Harold D. Underdown
The Purple Crayon Blog: Questions About Publishing
An updated blog dealing with common and frequently asked questions concerning publishing children's literature.
Harold D. Underdown
The Purple Crayon: Writing Picture Books, the Basics
A detailed and informational look at the process of writing a picture book. From the writing process to the submission of a manuscript, this site will show an aspiring writer how to write and submit a picture book worth reading.
Harold D. Underdown
The Purple Crayon: Writing and Publishing Board Books
Article describes the process of writing and submitting a "board book" for publication. Includes the definition of a "board book," difference between a board and picture book, and some helpful advice for submission.
Harold D. Underdown
Publishing: Importance of the First Page of a Manuscript
Site discusses the importance of "hooking" an editor with the first page of a manuscript. Gives examples of how to use a "hook," especially when attempting to get your work published.
Harold D. Underdown
The Purple Crayon: Writing Dazzling Dialogue
This site takes you through the process of writing dialogue in fiction, demonstrating when to omit, replace, or modify your original writing. Includes several examples and gives excellent advice for young writers. W.9-10.3b Narrative...
Harold D. Underdown
Derailed by Details
A helpful site for writers which gives the proper perspective in assessing the detail involved in your writing. Provides examples of how to include exciting, relevant details when writing fiction.
Harold D. Underdown
How to Make Self Editing Easy
Provides several strategies for easing the difficult process of editing your work (site pertains to writing children's literature). Includes mainly electronic methods of making self-editing easy.
Harold D. Underdown
Self Editing Your Middle Grade Book
An excellent resource for writers who have completed a young adult novel or book. Includes links to helpful websites and "tried and true self-editing secrets."
Harold D. Underdown
The Purple Crayon: Researching the Folktale
An excellent informational page concerning the origins of the folktale. Addresses questions such as "where did it [the folktale] come from?" and discusses dates, sources, and examples. Great site for anyone looking to research the basic...
Harold D. Underdown
Writing Mysteries for Children's Magazines
An excellent resource for anyone looking to write in the literary genre of mystery, especially for children. Includes helpful information and tips for writers on topics such as publishing and content.
Harold D. Underdown
How to Make Editors Eager to Read Your Picture Book
A great resource for attempting to publish a picture book. Includes tips and helpful advice for writers.
Harold D. Underdown
Write Descriptive Passages to Die For
Provides excellent examples of descriptive writing for one needing inspiration. Site is written for those who write literature for children, but can also be applicable to other genres.
Harold D. Underdown
Are You a Writer Looking for Inspiration?
A very helpful article for writers looking for inspiration. Presents advice about inspiration from the past, present, and future. Article written for children's literature but may also apply to other genres.
Harold D. Underdown
How to Write a Picture Book With Fabulous Rhyme & Meter
An excellent resource for elementary writers looking to create or season a picture book with rhyming or metrical elements. Includes good advice and tips, as well as examples and links for further information.
Harold D. Underdown
Early Reader Series: Targeting the Emergent Reader
An informational article concerning the "emergent reader" (child who has just learned to read). Provides information about writing for emergent readers, educating emergent readers, and serving as an editor for emergent literature.
Harold D. Underdown
How to Find Words That Jump Off the Page
An excellent resource for a writer struggling to come up with the exact words for which they are looking. Includes very helpful advice and information. Aimed at writers of children's literature, but can also apply to other genres.